Puppetry is an ancient art form, dating back to the early days of theater in ancient Greece. Puppets in the shape of humans, animals, or mythical creatures show up in almost every storytelling medium. Talented puppeteers manipulate and animated their puppets in such a lifelike way that puppets enjoy a nearly universal adoration, especially when combined with educating children or satirizing social norms. Famous puppets have even testified before the US Congress!

Puppets come in many shapes and sizes, with many types being better suited for different skill levels or portrayals. Types of puppets may include the following: Sock: Just like it sounds, sock puppets are made from tube socks or similarly fashioned fabric. Sock puppets are very popular DIY options thanks to their ease and simple supplies that are required, like buttons or yarn. Marionette: Marionette puppets amble around performing sometimes mind boggling feats for inanimate objects, dangling from strings manipulated by their puppeteer. Finger: Favorite friends amongst the preschool crowd, finger puppets are tiny versions of puppets needing no more than a single digit to come alive, along with a little imagination. Live-hand: Usually requiring two performers, live-hand puppets are seen mostly in popular TV shows and movies. Rod: Rod puppets , also known as “ball-and-stick” puppets, owe all their mouth and head movements to a triggering rod underneath their clothes or in their backs. Ventriloquist dummies also fall within this category. Shadow: A form of puppetry practiced in Japan, shadow puppets grow big on a screen when a light is shined behind them, showcasing an otherworldly method for storytelling.

Giving a puppet as a gift tells your recipient you think they’re amazingly imaginative performers—or that you know about their growing puppet collection. Puppets are great ways for young children to engage in dramatic play. Surprise the young puppeteer in your life with a handmade puppet theater so they can show off all their new tricks. Give out DIY puppet kits as party favors at the next birthday gathering. Get an animal puppet in the shape of their favorite animal hand-crafted by a talented artist on Etsy for a special someone. No matter what type of puppet you’re looking for, sellers on Etsy offer a wide range of puppets and accessories available.