The Gruffalo Comes to Life: A Christmas Treasure from Tara Treasures

Every family has that one bedtime story that becomes part of the nightly routine — the one that’s read so often you start reciting it from memory, complete with dramatic pauses and sound effects. For us, that story has always been The Gruffalo’s Child. But this year, that familiar tale took on a whole new kind of magic — and it started with a handful of finger puppets.

It’s funny how something so small can change the rhythm of an evening. Arcadia received her Tara Treasures Gruffalo’s Child finger puppets a few weeks before Christmas, and what began as a quick storytime addition quickly turned into a full-blown nightly performance. Suddenly, our living room became a theatre of felt and imagination.

She lined up the characters — the brave little Gruffalo, the clever mouse, the fox, owl, and snake — and carefully assigned roles. I was instructed to “do the voices properly,” while she mastered the art of puppet choreography. The story came alive in a way I hadn’t seen before. She wasn’t just listening anymore — she was feeling it. Acting it. Owning it.

And honestly, that’s the beauty of it. These handcrafted felt puppets by Tara Treasures do more than just look adorable — they spark connection. They turn a story into an experience, a bedtime routine into bonding time.

Small Hands, Big Imagination

There’s something beautifully nostalgic about finger puppets. They’re simple, tangible, and remind us that storytelling doesn’t always need screens, gadgets, or sound buttons. For Arcadia, the puppets became her cast — a little world she could control, reimagine, and retell in her own way.

Every night, we’d tweak the storyline slightly. Sometimes the mouse outsmarted the Gruffalo with a joke instead of a trick. Other times, the Gruffalo’s Child made friends with the snake. Arcadia would change the dialogue, test out voices, and even add new characters (“Mum, this one’s the Gruffalo’s cousin, she’s visiting for Christmas”).

It was creativity in motion — unscripted, imaginative, and deeply absorbing.

There’s a quiet joy in seeing a child so invested in storytelling — not just as a listener, but as a creator. It’s the kind of play that stretches their imagination and builds emotional connection, one tiny felt finger at a time.

Made with Meaning

What makes Tara Treasures even more special is how much heart sits behind every product. The brand is proudly Fairtrade Certified — the first Australian children’s brand to earn that title — and every puppet, playset, and felt toy is handcrafted by women in Nepal.

It’s not mass production. It’s craftsmanship — slow, intentional, and full of purpose.

Each puppet is slightly unique, stitched with individual character and charm. When you hold one, you can feel the difference — it’s soft, detailed, and made to last. The quality is worlds apart from most off-the-shelf toys. But beyond that, there’s something comforting in knowing your purchase supports fair wages and safe working conditions for the artisans who create them.

It’s playtime with conscience — a rare combination that feels particularly fitting during the giving season.

A Storybook Collection for Every Child

While the Gruffalo range has been a huge hit in our house, Tara Treasures doesn’t stop there. The brand has also secured licenses for Wombat Stew and Room on the Broom — two other storytime favourites that hold a special place in Australian households.

Each set is designed to perfectly complement the books — the characters instantly recognisable, the colours beautifully true to the illustrations. There’s a sense of authenticity to how the brand translates these literary classics into tactile play.

You can easily pair a set of puppets with the matching book to create an interactive reading experience — a perfect Christmas gift that feels both educational and magical.

And let’s be honest — there’s something deeply satisfying about giving a present that encourages calm, creative play (especially after a day of sugar highs, wrapping paper chaos, and toy unboxing).

A Must-Have Under the Tree

In a season filled with blinking lights, battery compartments, and over-the-top toy commercials, Tara Treasures feels refreshingly grounded. There’s no noise, no plastic, no flashing lights — just beautifully made, ethical toys that nurture imagination and connection.

It’s the kind of gift that grows with your child — something they can use to play independently or alongside you. It invites storytelling, emotional expression, and a sense of calm that parents will quietly treasure just as much as the kids do.

As Arcadia has shown me, these puppets aren’t just for storytime — they’ve made their way into everyday play, too. I’ve caught her setting up “shows” for her sister, narrating scenes from the garden, or making up stories about what happens to the Gruffalo’s Child after the book ends. It’s endlessly creative, and that’s exactly what play should be.

So if you’re searching for something meaningful to pop under the Christmas tree — something that sparks joy without noise, screens, or glitter — this is it. The Gruffalo’s Child Finger Puppet Set (and its Wombat Stew and Room on the Broom friends) is a gift that reminds us what childhood should feel like: curious, kind, imaginative, and full of wonder.

Explore the full Tara Treasures licensed range here.

Why We Love It

• Handcrafted, Fairtrade Certified, and ethically made by women in Nepal.

• Beautifully designed to complement beloved children’s books.

• Encourages imaginative play, storytelling, and language development.

• Makes a meaningful, screen-free Christmas gift.

This Christmas, don’t just give a toy — give a story that comes to life in tiny, magical hands.