Founded in 1976, Folkmanis Puppets began as the creative endeavor of Judy Folkmanis, crafting puppets to delight her children. From its humble roots on Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue, it grew into a globally celebrated family business based in Emeryville, California.
Today, Folkmanis offers over 200 unique designs—ranging from finger and hand puppets to stage and character variants, including whimsical and mythical creatures. At its core, Folkmanis believes that imagination fuels healthy childhood development. Their puppets are not just toys—they’re immersive play companions designed to spark storytelling, creativity, and deeper connection with the natural worldt Pretenders encourages inclusive and open-ended play, allowing kids to explore creativity, individuality, and fun. Their commitment to sustainability and female-led operations further underscores their dedication to thoughtful, empowering design.