Monkeys belong in baby's nursery

December 1, 2008

When I was a child, my family visited a traveling circus and a baboon spit on my big sister’s shirt. After that, I always made a beeline toward the monkey exhibit when we went to the zoo. She thought it was a simple foot race, but I secretly hoped another primate would spit on her to get her back for the tricks she always played on me.

Fast-forward 30 years, to meeting my future husband’s dog – a retired racing greyhound who didn’t know how to play with her only toy: a yellow monkey with orange stripes. At 11, she learned how to play because I made a big fuss over Monkey every time I visited.

If I were to design a child’s nursery, I don’t think I could help putting monkeys in it. While it wouldn’t start out as a “theme,” it would end up looking like one… just like my desk at work. A quick count just topped 12 monkeys, although it wasn’t intentional. But can you not think monkeys are adorable? Click HERE to see a YouTube video from Midwest.

	Marcel the Monkey is a wall panel made from MDF, birch or bamboo, Spot on Square, $45.
	A family photo album with a twist, the 11” Family Tree is a linkable hanging activity toy that holds five photos, has a chaser bead rattle and unique textures for baby to explore, Infantino, $11.99.
	Monkeying Around is a colorful collection of artwork, décor and gifts with a vintage vibe. The sock monkeys have magnets in their hands and feet, Midwest, $4.50-30.
	Monkeys Cloud Blanket is 30×40” and 100% premium plush polyester with velvety soft velboa backing, Sozo, $39.99.

Tiki Talk features wall decor, bedding and accessories featuring surfin’ boy monkeys and hula dancing girl monkeys, ICA Home Décor, $24.99-199.99.	The Safari Growth Chart is 42” long and hand-painted, Renditions by Reesa, $65.
	Chunkee Monkey is a hand-made Mop Top, made from a blend of natural cotton and polyester. Matching mittens available, Zooni, $36.50.

Going green takes a whole new hands-on approach with the Simply Natural Monkey Puppet. This enviro-friendly puppet is made from 100% cotton, 100% recycled paper and uses vegetable dyes for coloring, Russ Berrie, $19.99.	The Monkey Harness Buddy turns into a backpack by removing the 4’ tether. It has adjustable straps, buckles and a zippered pocket, Goldbug, $12.
	Get retro on your walls without harm with Antoinne the Monkey decals, Wall POPS!, $24.99.
	The Chunky Monkey Junior Bib is waterproof, stain/odor resistant, has a Velcro closure and a catch-all pocket, Bumkins, $13.95.

Gripsterz is a monkey attached to a ring that is swinging from a vine strap that attaches to a parent. The child reflexively keeps the monkey gripped tightly in hand, ViveVita, $14.99.	Rock Star Bedding, part of the Bobby Jack collection, features a comforter of brushed microfiber with embroidery, and T180 blend printed sheets, JLA Home, twin comforter $49.99, twin sheet, $29.99.
	The Monkey Business rug by Don Sawyer is inspired by the warm, breezy setting and vivid colors of the islands, Milliken Rugs, $69-199.
	Chocco the Monkey is a Nubs pillow pal of cotton chenille that goes from toy to pillow, Stephan Baby, $24.
	I would wear this Sock Monkey Party Hat to every party. It features a felt sock monkey atop a crepe paper cupcake. Each hat is handmade, and is available in a paper crown for the same price, Silver Spoon Scraps, $22.
	Hang Monkey is a 3’ hand-tufted wool rug, Oopsy Daisy Fine Art, $118.
	This gift set features a plush monkey, soft banana rattle with embroidered face, a "Lovie" made of soft velour with satin trim embroidered with "Five Little Monkeys" rhyme, and a wood door hanger. Comes packaged in a natural wicker keepsake basket in a white organza bag, Baby Aspen, $29.