This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through the link and make a purchase. For more information, click here.

As a parent, keeping your kids entertained and engaged can be daunting. With so many distractions around, finding activities that will keep them occupied for hours can be a challenge. That's where finger puppets come in! These fun and interactive toys are a great way to spark your kid's imagination and keep them entertained for hours on end. From cute animals to beloved holiday finger puppets, there are endless possibilities when it comes to finger puppet ideas. In this article, I've rounded up 15 of the best finger puppet ideas your kids will love. So whether you're looking for a rainy day activity or simply want to keep your little ones busy, this finger puppets collection is the perfect solution. Let's dive in and explore the wonderful world of finger puppetry!

These 15 finger puppet ideas include free and paid finger puppet patterns. If you are looking for more finger puppet inspiration with only free patterns, visit my post 35 felt finger puppet free patterns.

Happy felt crafting!

Finger Puppet Materials

Before we dive into the finger puppet ideas, let's talk about the materials you'll need to make them. Luckily, finger puppets are easy and inexpensive to make with just a few basic materials.

First, you'll need felt or other fabric scraps in some colors. You can also use paper or cardboard if you prefer. But as I'm fond of felt, all the shared finger puppet patterns are made of felt. Next, you'll need scissors (sharp scissors), glue that works on felt, and a pen or marker. If you like embroidery, sewing the felt shapes is better than gluing them.  Finally, you'll need a puppet pattern or do your own template inspired by the ideas here.

To make the finger puppets, simply cut out the shapes you need from the felt and glue or sew them together. You can add details like eyes, ears, and tails using a pen or marker. Googly eyes can also be a good option if you want to simplify your design.  

DIY Finger Puppet Ideas

Now that we have our materials ready, let's dive into some DIY finger puppet ideas.

1. Monster Finger Puppets (ETSY): What a cute monster felt finger puppets. They are not only fun, but also educational puppets as they help to learn basic shapes (triangle, square, circle, etc.). 

2. Transport Finger Puppets with FREE pattern: With eight vehicle puppet free patterns including a car, rocket, scooter, hot air balloon, ship, truck, plane, and train, young learners can deepen their understanding of how each type of vehicle works and where it can take them. These transport finger puppets can become a great addition to a quiet book.

3. Family Finger Puppets (FREE): Creating your DIY no-sew family finger puppets is easy with the detailed tutorial and the free pattern. You can even use these finger puppets with the famous finger family song! The pattern includes daddy, mommy, brother, sister, and baby finger puppets.

Animal Finger Puppet Ideas

Animal finger puppets are a classic choice that kids never tire of. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

4. Farm Animal Finger Puppets (ETSY): Easy farm animal finger puppets with hand sewing patterns. This felt finger puppet pattern shows you how to sew dog, horse, cat, sheep, goat, cow, and pig puppets. If you want to try making one finger puppet from this set before deciding on making them all, I share the dog finger puppet as the free pattern.

5. Jungle Animal Finger Puppets (ETSY): Bring the magic of the jungle to your fingertips with these adorable Jungle Animal Finger Puppets! Simple to make felt finger puppets for Monkey, Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, and Hippo. Whether for your own family or as a thoughtful gift, these charming Jungle Animals Finger Puppets will surely bring joy and excitement to the world of pretend play.

6. Dinosaur Finger Puppets (ETSY): Cute dinosaur finger puppet PDF felt pattern with SVG file. These five dinosaurs (T-Rex, Brontosaurus, Pteranodon, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus finger puppets) will become a cherished dinosaur gift for any kid to play with.

7. Woodland Animal Finger Puppets (FREE): Create woodland finger puppet animals with the free pattern. This finger puppet woodland animals set for kids features a bear, squirrel, mole, frog, fox, hedgehog, and owl finger puppet.

8. Garden Animals Felt Finger Puppet Pattern (ETSY): This adorable garden animal felt finger puppet pattern includes garden animals and insect puppets such as Honey Bee, Ladybug, Butterfly, Caterpillar, Snail, Bird, and Grasshopper. I share the butterfly finger puppet as the free pattern.

Fantasy Finger Puppet Ideas

Let your child's imagination run wild with these fantasy finger puppet ideas.

9. Fairy Tale Dragon Finger Puppets (ETSY): Adorable dragon finger puppets with felt pattern and SVG file. These five fairy tale dragon puppets will become a beloved gift for any kid to play with. They can be used in class, at home for dramatic play and pretend play.

10. Unicorn Finger Puppet (FREE): The complete pattern on how to sew a unicorn finger puppet from felt.

11. Charming Mermaid Finger Puppets (ETSY): Dive into a magical underwater world with the Joyful Felt Mermaids Finger Puppets PDF Pattern and SVG file! This charming mermaid finger puppet pattern is perfect for hours of imaginative play, whether it's a cozy day at home or a fun-filled puppet show session.

Holiday Finger Puppet Ideas 

Finger puppets are a great way to have fun with the family and get creative during the holidays. Whether it's Christmas or Halloween, there are finger puppet patterns available online that you can DIY at home. You can create a spooky ghost for Halloween or a jolly Santa Claus for Christmas. Making fingerprint puppets as a family activity can even become a new holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to.

12. Christmas Finger Puppets (FREE): Follow the tutorial, get the Christmas spirit and learn how to make Christmas puppets. The Christmas finger puppet set includes a free pattern for Reindeer, Snowman, Santa, Elf, and Penguin finger puppets.

13. Halloween Finger Puppets (FREE): Create these fun Halloween felt finger puppets with free pattern. The Halloween puppets collection includes a bat, pumpkin, black cat, vampire, ghost, spider, candy corn, and Frankenstein finger puppet.

14. Easter Bunny Finger Puppets (FREE): Cute felt bunny finger puppets you can make not only for Easter. These bunny puppets are easy to make following the free pattern and tutorial, and they are so fun for kids to play with.

15. Thanksgiving Turkey Finger Puppets with Free Pattern: Thanksgiving time is a special occasion for gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude. Make this easy turkey finger puppet craft using the free template for Thanksgiving storytelling.

16. Valentine Felt Heart Puppets Pattern (FREE): These adorable little puppets are not only a great way to spread some love and joy, but they're also a fantastic DIY pride craft that can help educate about differences.

Benefits of Finger Puppet Playtime

Finger puppet playtime is not only a fun activity for kids, but it also offers numerous benefits. First, it helps to develop their fine motor skills as they learn to manipulate the puppets with their fingers. This improves their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are essential skills for writing and other activities.

Second, finger puppet playtime helps to stimulate their imagination and creativity. Creating different characters and stories frees your child's imagination, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Finally, finger puppet playtime is a great way to bond with your child. As you play together, you can encourage conversation and get to know each other better. It's a fun way to spend quality time together.

How to Use Finger Puppets

One of the best things about finger puppets is that they can be used for storytelling. Encourage your child to create their own stories with the puppets or use them to act out their favorite stories.

To make storytelling even more fun, create a puppet theater by hanging a sheet or blanket over a table. Your child can perform their own puppet shows for family and friends.

Felt Finger Puppet Shows

Consider organizing a finger puppet show if your child really gets into finger puppetry. Invite family and friends to watch as your child performs their favorite stories with the puppets.

Create a stage using cardboard boxes or other materials to make the show even more special. Your child can design the stage and add decorations to make it their own. If you want inspiration, Childhood 101 shares how to make easy tabletop theatre from cradboard box.

Conclusion and Final Tips for Finger Puppet Ideas

Finger puppets are a fun and engaging activity for kids of all ages. Whether you're making your own puppets or using pre-made ones, there are endless possibilities when it comes to finger puppet playtime.

Remember to encourage your child's imagination and creativity by letting them come up with their own stories and characters. And don't forget to join in the fun yourself! Finger puppet playtime is a great way to bond with your child and create lasting memories.

So the next time you're looking for a fun and engaging activity to do with your kids, pull out the finger puppets and let the fun begin!

Thank you for crafting with me! I would love to see your finger puppets! So if you like to share your photos, please send me your pictures, or you can tag me #funclothcrafts @funclothcrafts on IG or FB. Don’t hesitate to contact me with your suggestions at anna@funclothcrafts.com.

Be sure to visit more on this website for free embroidery and sewing tips and tricks to help you out as you stitch my patterns. For free felt patterns, visit my Freebies page.

Feel free to join my mailing list! You’ll receive updates on new patterns, the latest tips & tricks, and special promotions.

Let’s craft together!

XO, Anna