From Bright Sparks Founder, Virginia Lette:

For as long I can remember, my mum Patricia would always sing Tiptoe the Birthday Elf to my siblings and I, every year on the eve of our birthdays — it became our most beloved family tradition. We were always quizzically amused that nobody we knew had ever heard of the song, despite its release in the 1950s.

Over the years I continued the tradition of singing Tiptoe to my own family and loved ones, and when my daughter started singing it to her little preschool friends, seeing the sheer joy and excitement on their faces inspired to me to want to share the song more widely.

Soon they began asking,“What does Tiptoe look like?” which sparked the idea of bringing him to life — first as an illustrated children’s book and then perhaps, in the form of a soft toy.

When I became seriously ill in 2019 (and spent most of the year in hospital), the Tiptoe project became my creative outlet. Some days I poured every ounce of energy into it, and other times I had to pause for weeks and even months, testing the patience of the wonderful designers, manufacturers, and suppliers who came along on the journey with me.

Over the years, countless sketches were drawn (and redrawn), prototypes were made (and remade), and all of my savings went towards building a recognisable character: registering trademarks, joining the Toy Creators Academy, and travelling to Toy Fairs in Australia and the USA.

Now, after an extended period of learning, refining and re-imagining, we are filled with excitement as we look towards launching a website, children’s book and toy in 2025 — Tiptoe the Birthday Elf will finally be introduced to children and families around the world.

Our enduring dream is that Tiptoe the Birthday Elf will become known to everyone, everywhere, and that Tiptoe’s trademark sparkle will continue to flourish among all who believe in his magic. ✨