Hobbies And Interests
Clothing and Accessories
Show your love for monkeys every day by wearing clothing with monkey designs. Cartoon monkeys are on t-shirts, handbags, socks and hats. Images of monkeys can be made into buttons or jewelry. For a fun three-dimensional monkey accessory, use polymer clay to create a monkey charm or ring. Purchase the clay, glue and jewelry hardware from an arts and crafts store and turn the pieces into gifts for your friends.
Games and Toys
Kids love monkeys and there are plenty of toys that reflect this. The children's game Barrel of Monkeys is a modern version of pick-up-sticks, but the challenge is to string together plastic monkeys. Monkey board games include Monkey in the Middle and CoCo Crazy. Stuffed monkeys are a way for a child to feel as if he has a pet monkey without having to worry about cleanup, safety issues or the responsibility of owning an exotic pet. Stuffed toys come in all shapes and sizes; if so inclined, you can even purchase a six-foot monkey for the playroom.
Office Supplies
Adult fans of monkeys can incorporate monkeys into their work day. You can get mouse-pads, calendars, desk accessories, pens and erasers with a monkey theme. If you are not able to find a collection you like, monkey stickers and decals can be added to ordinary items to create a matching group of monkey items. There are even companies that allow you to create items like stationery, postcards, stamps and business cards with images. You can choose your favorite monkey photo, even one taken with your own camera, and transfer it to items you use every day in the office.
The Sock Monkey
Perhaps the most popular monkey companion is the sock monkey. The sock monkey is a stuffed toy made from socks, and has been a part of American culture since the mid-1800s. During the Great Depression, mothers made sock monkeys for their children from worn-out socks--usually the red-heeled variety from the Nelson Knitting Company. Sock monkey kits are still sold today and allow you to create your own sock monkeys that look the same as those from the past.