Melissa & Doug vs JOYIN Hand Puppets: Which Should You Buy?
A safari set aimed at ages 2 to 8 against a six-pack of animal puppets with movable mouths.
Melissa & Doug Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6
JOYIN JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set with Working
Side by side
| Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set | JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.5 |
| Review count | 5,334 | 3,640 |
| Brand | Melissa & Doug | JOYIN |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Pick JOYIN if you want puppets with working mouths that talk when you move your hand; pick Melissa & Doug if you prefer a safari set with patterned fabrics and a stated 2 to 8 age range. Both are sets of six, and both say they fit children and adults. The mouth is the main feature difference.
Which one is for you?
- Families who want a safari set (elephant, tiger, parrot, giraffe, monkey, zebra) for story time, from age 2. Read our full look at the Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set →
- Children who want puppets that open and close their mouths, for puppet shows with the whole family. Read our full look at the JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set →
Animals and features
Melissa & Doug's Safari Buddies are six hand puppets: elephant, tiger, parrot, giraffe, monkey and zebra. The brand's page calls them soft, patterned and washable, for ages 2 and up, and says they suit adults too.
The JOYIN set lists six animals with movable mouths. The listing's animals vary between lines (elephant, giraffe, lion, bear and others in the title; unicorn, puppy, pig, tiger and cow in the bullets), so check which set you're getting.
Size, care and safety
Both say they fit children and adults. Melissa & Doug says washable fabrics but doesn't give washing instructions on its product page, and lists no safety warnings. JOYIN says washable and child-safe fabric. If you wash them, a gentle cycle in a pillowcase is a sensible choice, and check any care label first.
Melissa & Doug's page gave the product measurement as 16 by 12 by 2.5 inches, which is the package size rather than a puppet length. We couldn't confirm JOYIN's puppet size.
Availability
At the time we looked, the brand's product page showed the Safari Buddies set as sold out. Stock changes, so check the live listing in the review link.
Practical buying tips
Making the puppets useful: a small box or a pillowcase propped on a table works as a theatre. Give each animal a voice, and let the child take over once they've seen how it works.
For nursery or school use, count how many puppets you need. Both sets are six, so a group of eight children needs two sets or a mix with finger puppets. Check the care label before washing and air dry any plush to avoid distorting the heads.
Who should skip both
For tiny fingers rather than hands, look at finger puppets: see JZK finger puppets vs JOYIN or the puppets and theatres range.
Questions people ask
Which hand puppets have moving mouths?
The JOYIN set is listed with working mouths. Melissa & Doug's Safari Buddies are soft puppets.
What age are Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies for?
The brand lists 2 years and up, with a gift suggestion for 2 to 8 year olds.
Are these puppets washable?
Both listings say washable. Melissa & Doug's page gives no washing directions, so follow the care label.
Can adults use these puppets?
Yes, both listings say they are sized for children and adults.
Sources
- Melissa & Doug, Safari Buddies Hand Puppets
- Amazon UK listing, JOYIN 6Pcs Hand Puppets with Working Mouth
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Puppets & Puppet Theatres or see the whole Toys & Games department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.