Frequently Asked Questions

About Tiptoe…

Q. Who is Tiptoe the Birthday Elf?
Tiptoe, also known as The Keeper of Birthdays, is a thoughtful little fellow who serves to remind us that birthdays are more than just another date on the calendar. Tiptoe’s mission is to ensure that every person feels remembered, appreciated, and celebrated on their special day each year. The spirit of Tiptoe brings joy, imagination, and connection to birthday traditions everywhere.

Q. Is Tiptoe the same as Elf on the Shelf?
Not at all — in fact, Tiptoe the Birthday Elf has nothing in common with Elf on the Shelf. Tiptoe the Birthday Elf isn’t cheeky or sneaky, and he doesn’t hide, spy, or create mischief. Instead, Tiptoe inspires thoughtfulness, joy, and appreciation. He celebrates birthdays with kindness and inclusivity, encouraging families to pause and reflect on the true joy of life.

Q. Why is he called “The Keeper of Birthdays”?
Unlike the many other elves who exist to bring Christmas cheer, Tiptoe was chosen as the ambassador of birthdays. He keeps watch over them all year round, so that everyone feels acknowledged and celebrated on their one special day.

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Traditions & Celebrations

Q. How do families celebrate with Tiptoe?
Families love to sing the Tiptoe song on the eve of a birthday, and they often read his story together. Sometimes Tiptoe leaves a small token (such as a balloon, a trinket, or a sprinkle of confetti) but the true magic is the feeling of being remembered and cherished.

Q. Does Tiptoe move around like Elf on the Shelf?
No, that’s not the essence of Tiptoe - there are no sleepless nights, nor parental intervention required. As a premium-quality plush toy, Tiptoe the Birthday Elf is designed to be loved and hugged. His unique, posable limbs make him fun to play with, all year round.

Q. Do families make their own Tiptoe traditions?
Yes! Tiptoe honours all cultures and traditions. Some families sing, some decorate, some simply tell the story. Tiptoe believes that the magic of birthdays lies in togetherness, not in rules.

Q. How long has the Tiptoe tradition been around?
The story of Tiptoe the Birthday Elf has been told for over seventy years, passed down through generations as a joyful reminder that birthdays matter. To read more about our founding story, click
here.

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Products & Keepsakes

Q. What Birthday Elf products are available?
Tiptoe’s online Gift Shop offers a range of magical keepsakes, including:

  • A beautifully illustrated picture book sharing Tiptoe’s origin story;

  • A Birthday Countdown Timer to mark the days, hours, minutes and seconds until your big day;

  • A Limited Edition Birthday Wall Calendar to help remember loved ones’ birthdays;

  • A premium plush Tiptoe soft doll (coming in 2026) that is uniquely posable and made with love.

Q. Are these just toys, or are they keepsakes?
All Tiptoe products are designed as keepsakes - treasured possessions that carry meaning and can be passed down through generations. We endeavour to produce our products with premium quality materials, so they are enjoyed for more than one lifetime.

Q. Are products limited edition?
Some of our designs, colours, prints and fabrics may be updated from time to time, but our core products will always be available.

Q. Where can I buy Tiptoe products?
Currently, products are available exclusively through the Tiptoe website, and on occasions, at selected markets and toy stalls. We are open to distribution through other channels - interested retailers and licensees are welcome to enquire within (links in footer).

Q. Do you ship internationally?
At this stage, Tiptoe products ship primarily within Australia. We are happy to occasionally post internationally (for customers willing to cover shipping costs) and we are open to exploring wider global distribution. Please contact us if you would like further information.

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Community & Sharing

Q. Can Tiptoe be part of classrooms or schools?
Yes of course! Tiptoe is for everyone - children, educators, and caregivers. His messages of joy, kindness, and inclusivity make him a beautiful addition to schools, daycares, and learning environments.

Q. Is there a Tiptoe Club or community?
Indeed there is, and we would
love you to join us! Friends of Tiptoe receive a colourful monthly newsletter filled with birthday ideas, fun activities, shout-outs, trivia, and giveaways, and it’s FREE to register (simply visit this link). You will also find us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube - see and follow Tiptoe’s social links at the bottom of this page.

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Our Brand Values

Q. What makes Tiptoe different from other characters?
Tiptoe isn’t about selling toys or pushing parents into extra work. He’s about inspiring meaningful traditions, emotional learning, and heartfelt connection. His brand values of happiness, connection, and inclusivity, are at the heart of everything he does.

Q. What’s the most important thing to know about Tiptoe?
That Tiptoe inspires the most heartwarming traits in children and adults alike: kindness, thoughtfulness, gratitude, and joy. Tiptoe the Birthday Elf reminds us all that every life is worth celebrating.