Folkmanis’ low-tech puppet innovation adds a new dimension to puppetry in 2006 with the introduction of the pull-ring animator, a patent-pending device inserted into puppets that gives them a more realistic appearance with a very simple finger movement. Measuring 20" long, the Elephant is a majestic pachyderm that incorporates the animator to lift and move the trunk to give this mini-version of the jungle's biggest beast very realistic motion. Designed with realistic touches, ultra-soft micro-fiber fabric, and a movable mouth this iParenting Media Award-winning elephant is super-soft and super-squeezable.

This gorgeous bird spread its tail feathers for the first time early in 2006. The tail of this 18” hand puppet can be manipulated into a magnificent display. As with all of Folkmanis’ puppets, the peacock is high quality and durable. Folkmanis puppets have won many awards from respected toy evaluators such as Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Dr. Toy, Parent's Choice and iParenting Media.
— "We sell a lot of Folkmanis puppets. People buy so much," was the enthusiastic response given by Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md..
— "Puppets by Folkmanis: Parents like them because of the price and they have a lot of choice for children in terms of stocking stuffers. I sell a lot of Folkmanis," said Marilyn Sipila, owner of Toys Etc. in Poulsbo, Wash.
— Elaine Kollias of Folkmanis believes the Peacock puppet will be their biggest hit for the Holidays 2006. "It's been stellar since it was introduced in the spring," she said. "The extraordinary use of fabrics, colors and textures along with the innovative puppet movement is what makes this a very 'special bird.'"

You do not need to journey to our oceans’ coasts to experience the beauty of the HARBOR SEAL. Folkmanis’ adorable puppet has such a heartwarming, soulful face it is hard to put down. Big, black eyes; soft whiskers, and silky fabric fur make the puppet a sure-to-be favorite. Designed for ages 3 and up, the Harbor Seal measures 19-inches long and has a s.r.p. of $30.

Click here to see a video or go to: http://www.folkmanis.com/video/demos/SealHarbor.mp4

Eye-catching and fly-catching! Our shimmery green Chameleon puppet has no need to hide. True to life eyes can be moved independently while its lightning fast tongue darts forth to nab prey. Hand enters from underneath.
Workable mouth and tongue.

Hand Puppet. 18" Long.

This little bat puppet spreads skin-thin wings, ready to take to the sky on the tip of your finger. With silk-screened detailing and beady black eyes, this aerial mammal will make a fine specimen to add to your finger puppet collection.

Finger Puppet. 10" Wingspan.

Do you like collecting things and stashing them away? You'll find a kindred spirit in this little Gray Squirrel finger puppet. Collect her for fun and play.

Finger Puppet. 7" Long.

A central figure in fairy tales, a princess has many roles to play. With this Princess on hand, you’re ready to tackle dragons and evil spells. And if the prince is not all you hoped, know that we are all toads and princes on the inside.

Workable head and arms. Does not stand up alone as shown.

Character Puppet. 14" Tall.

This familiar face from the woodlands of North America could charm the honey from the bees. One of our original designs, the Baby Black Bear puppet's popularity still runs strong. With his soft fur and sweet face, you'll love him, too.

Hand Puppet. 9" Tall.

Bring home the dignity of wilderness! Featuring feathery plush & a gentle, movable mouth, this realistic Timber Wolf puppet is anything but ferocious: it's hungry for love!

Workable mouth.

Hand Puppet. 18" Long.

Keep an eye on the bananas-this Monkey is nimble-fingered! When you manipulate its arms, head and mouth, this velvety puppet will steal any scene...maybe even a snack. Hand Puppet. 10" Tall.

Alert and eager, this adorable rodent sits hoping for cheese, or maybe it would rather keep you company at your computer? With big ears and a movable mouth and arms, he's a small fellow who will be a big favorite.

Hand Puppet. 8" Tall.

The snowy owl's camouflage of white feathers with black spots hides it perfectly in its northern habitats. This plush puppet sits ready to swoop down on an unsuspecting lemming or turn his head 360? for an unobstructed view.

Hand Puppet. 21" Wingspan.

Click here to see a video or go to: http://www.folkmanis.com/video/demos/OwlSnowy.mp4

Combining the simplicity of vintage hand puppets with uncompromising Folkmanis quality and design detail, this new line of stage puppets will inspire the creative and theatrical abilities of children. Styled after puppets of years gone by, these heirloom-quality stage puppets will be cherished for years to come.

This eager beaver is ready for action. As imagination-driven little hands operate the lifelike animal, he can swim, gnaw forest wood for a home, and build a dam. It features realistic paws and a mouth with incisors. Folkmanis has the “finest quality puppets; assortment so extraordinary,” Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys in Portsmouth, N.H., told TDmonthly.

This 8” mouse is an addition to Folkmanis' 2007 stable of new animals, which also includes the Teddy Bear and the Fluffy Cat. The Brown Mouse comes with a workable mouth as well as a detailed educational hang tag for young puppeteers. The puppet measures 4" x 6" x 8" and weighs 3.2 oz.
— "The mouse from Folkmanis" is what's selling in plush at Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., Owner Amy Barrett said.
— Eighteen of 62 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in spring 2007 agreed with Barrett about the popularity of Folkmanis with their customers.
— Specialty retail sales of Folkmanis puppets range from a few units a month to as many as 50 units a month.

This puppet looks like a real frog and has stretchable legs just like one, too. It is fashioned in micro-fiber fabrics and features a movable mouth and front legs. The puppet is 15" long. Launch date: August 2007.

This 18”-tall turkey puppet needs only a hand to come alive. Designed in multitextured and multihued plush, it's a true representation of the cherished American icon. Featuring a one or two-handed design, the turkey's tail displays proudly. Launch date: August 2007.

Put side-by-side with a real, live cat, it would be hard to tell the difference from this puppet. True to its breed, this cat looks and feels like the living feline — floppy, relaxed and almost boneless. It is made of long, spiky plush in browns and tans with white paws and face, and has a long, fluffy tail.
— This relaxed feline garnered a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for its realistic fur and overall appearance, as well as its friendly persona. It’s a loveable creature that kids can carry around while “speaking” to others by manipulating its mouth.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: One user said that the eyes looked "demented and pretty scary" and that "Its little mouth is red and open, as though ready to take little nips out of me while I sleep."

Where to Buy: Really Great Toys

The most critical difference between this realistic 8” tall hand puppet and the real thing is the soft, shaggy fleece that makes up his “spines.” Spaces to engage all five fingers allow kids to move his arms, legs and head. Turn him inside out and he appears to curl into a tight ball, the hedgehog's natural defense response in the wild to protect against predators.
— “They continually upgrade and the favorite ones change seasonally; they change [their products] based on what’s new and exciting,” Ray Goodhart, owner of Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo., told TDmonthly in June 2008 about puppet-maker Folkmanis.
— “They're probably the highest quality of any of the plush and puppets I've had in the store,” remarked Dave Brisbois, owner of The Toy Dept. in Pasadena, Calif.
— “All their puppets are fantastic,” said Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho.

Measuring 48” long and covered with gold “scales,” this puppet is based on the traditional Chinese dragon. The eyes, tongue and mouth can all be controlled by a hand inside the puppet’s head.  Finishing details include bright gold fabric on the claws and horns, soft plastic teeth, and a long snake-like tongue.  —“Red or Blue Dragon from Folkmanis,” Molly McMullin, manager of Twirl in Ranchos de Taos, N.M., told TDmonthly when asked to name the store’s best-selling plush or puppet in early summer 2008.
—“[We] reorder [Folkmanis] about every eight weeks,” said Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Colo.
—Twenty-nine percent of the 62 retailers surveyed named Folkmanis as their best-selling line of plush.

Adding to the Folkmanis family of award-winning dragon puppets is this timeless symbol of heraldry, the Wyvern Dragon. It’s easy to manipulate the velvety mouth and tongue of this scaly green iconic beast and have fun for ages and ages! Designed for ages 5 and up. MSRP: $49.99.

The Folkmanis BLACK BEAR CUB is an unbearably cute 15-inch puppet. Just the right amount of stuffing makes this cub a snuggly teddy bear but with additional play value – it has a movable mouth and front paws. Made of silky soft fabric, Black Bear Cub has safe, soft, vinyl claws, a smooth, suede-like nose and paws and a contrasting brown snout. His facial features bring an innocence only found in little cubs.

Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009

Another loveable face for the Folkmanis line of pooches, the popular labrador is known as a loyal breed. This puppy has a movable mouth to give out big puppy kisses.
— “The workmanship and expression” of Folkmanis’ puppets makes the company a favorite of Fran Anaya, owner of Golden Aspen Toys in Flagstaff, Ariz., she told TDmonthly in fall 2008, when more than 11 percent of 52 retailers named the company as a preferred vendor.

Heirloom-quality details and a rich mix of sumptuous plush make this 20" Folkmanis Rabbit Stage Puppet a stand-out in the puppet world. He has a movable mouth and arms.

The sweet-and-gentle Fawn puppet is adorable from its soft vinyl nose down to its soft vinyl hooves. Big black eyes and silky spotted fabric "fur" details complete the realism of this hand puppet.