At Tia’s Treasures in Norfolk, one of the most recent heartwarming projects has been the creation of our much loved Pocket Pals. These small 3D printed companions have become a source of excitement for children and adults alike, turning ordinary walks into miniature treasure hunts filled with surprise and joy.
Behind the Pocket Pals are two very enthusiastic helpers: Tommy and Toby. Both boys love being involved in the creative process and enjoy choosing which Pocket Pal designs should be printed next. Whether it’s selecting a favourite animal or deciding which colours will make each Pocket Pal stand out, they take great pride in helping bring new creations to life.
Using their big brother Adam’s Bambu Lab 3D printer, Tommy and Toby get to watch their choices transform from digital designs into real Pocket Pals. Seeing the printer at work is always exciting, and choosing new colour combinations has become one of their favourite parts of the process.
The fun doesn’t stop once the Pocket Pals are printed. Tommy and Toby both love hiding them as part of the Tia’s Treasures Worldwide Treasure Hunt during their daily school runs, giving locals something special to look out for on their walks. The simple act of discovering a hidden Pocket Pal can brighten someone’s day, and the boys love knowing they have helped create those magical moments.
While Tommy attends school, Toby’s educational journey looks a little different due to his SEN Toby has been home-schooled by Mum since September 2025, although he remains enrolled at school. As part of his routine, Toby accompanies Mum when dropping Tommy off each morning and checks in with a member of staff before beginning the rest of his day.
One of Toby’s favourite activities after these morning visits is continuing to hide Pocket Pals to be discovered. Both Tommy and Toby genuinely enjoy seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they find one tucked away along a path, near a tree, or in another carefully chosen hiding spot. The treasure hunt aspect has become something many local families look forward to during their daily walks.
What has surprised Tommy and Toby most is that it isn’t just children who get excited. On several occasions, adults have been just as thrilled to find a Pocket Pal. Some have even shared that their newly discovered friend will become a “desk buddy” at work, bringing a little bit of happiness to their office day and serving as a reminder of the kindness and community spirit behind the project.
The Pocket Pals initiative perfectly reflects what Tia’s Treasures is all about: kindness, community, creativity and creating moments of joy. Thanks to the enthusiasm of Tommy and Toby these tiny treasures continue to spread smiles wherever they are found.
As more Pocket Pals make their way into the community, one thing is certain—whether you’re a child heading to school, a parent on the school run, or an adult on your way to work, you never know when you might discover a new little friend waiting to brighten your day.
For more details about Tia’s Treasures please visit www.tiastreasures.net
Stop Press – Update
What started as a simple idea has grown into something truly special. Thanks to the enthusiasm and creativity of Tommy and Toby, our Pocket Pals have been spreading smiles throughout the community and have become incredibly popular. In fact, after so many adventures and happy discoveries, this photo shows all we have left!
The Pocket Pals initiative perfectly reflects what Tia’s Treasures is all about – kindness, community, creativity and creating moments of joy. These tiny treasures are hidden for others to find or given out as Random Acts of Kindness, bringing unexpected smiles wherever they are discovered.
As more Pocket Pals make their way into the community, one thing is certain — whether you’re a parent with a child on the school run, or an adult on your way to work, you never know when you might discover a new little friend waiting to brighten your day.
Tommy and Toby have also donated a selection of Pocket Pals to school staff to be used as treasure box rewards, helping to spread kindness even further.
Hide them.
Share them.
Spread kindness.
We have had a few people ask how they can support the project. Pocket Pals are lovingly 3D printed by Tommy and Toby, and if anyone would like to help with the cost of filament and materials so we can continue creating and sharing these little friends, donations are always appreciated but never expected.
https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QTT1B0U6
https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3SLLOK1VUECUT?ref_=wl_share
Thank you to everyone who has supported Tommy and Toby and embraced the kindness and community spirit behind Pocket Pals.
Together, we’re proving that even the smallest treasures can make a big difference.
3D Fridays
Tommy and Toby’s 3D Fridays begin
As many of you know Tommy and Toby’s Pocket Pals are all about spreading smiles and sharing kindness throughout our community.
We’ve tried our best to convince Tommy and Toby that perhaps they should save all of their Pocket Pal hiding adventures for Fridays… after all, “3D Fridays” has a nice ring to it!
But according to Tommy and Toby, kindness shouldn’t just happen once a week and that is very true.
On 3D Fridays a larger amount of Pocket Pals will be hidden for everyone to find, the boys have made it very clear that the daily Pocket Pal adventures will continue!
Because in their eyes, kindness isn’t something you schedule…
It’s something you share every day.
Keep your eyes peeled on your walks because you never know where a Pocket Pal might be waiting for you.
For more information visit www.tiastreasures.net
