According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2016 is the year of the monkey. The monkey is the 9th animal in the 12 zodiac signs of the Lunar Calendar and people born under the monkey sign are characterized as intelligent, quick-witted, lively, and very mischievous, just like the monkey itself! The Year of the Monkey begins on February 4 and people all over the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year with dragon parades, glowing lanterns, red envelopes with golden coins presents, and delicious mooncakes. We’ve put together a list of monkey-themed gifts to kick off the Year of the Monkey!
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Land of Nod Savanna Monkey Throw Pillow
This Land of Nod Savanna monkey throw pillow would make for an excellent gift for any mischievous toddler or child. Made of 100 percent cotton, this Gingiber designed pillow can be used as a décor accent in the baby’s nursery or to turn your toddler’s bedroom into a wild jungle! $19, landofnod.com -
Mini Rodini Monkey Long Sleeve Dress Black
Dress your little Jane of the Jungle up in this stylish monkey-covered frock from Mini Rodini. The dress is 95 percent organic cotton and the classic silhouette is perfect for school or for a special occasion. minirodini.com -
Kate Spade New York Caution to the Wind Monkey Coin Purse
Turn parking time and laundry day into a play time with this monkey coin purse! The little charmer is made from soft cowhide with classic nappa lamb trim and features a very special vermillion lining inside! It will add oodles of fun, smiles, and fortune in 2016--making it perfect treat for tweens, teens, and stylish mamas. $98, katespade.com -
Skip Hop Zoo Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bag Set
This monkey-tastic duo from locally-based Skip Hop includes a snack bag and a sandwich pouch that will make your kiddo quite the trendsetter at lunchtime. The slide through handle of the small hands designed bag will make snacking easy while the zip top controls the spills. Both interiors are food-safe and water-resistant, so they are great for the little mischievous tot in your life. Take it to the park, preschool, or even on the plane. Monkeys are known for their active personalities, after all! $12, skiphop.com -
Hello Kitty 4" Stackable Plush: Monkey
Hello Kitty is ready to celebrate the Year of the Monkey! The cute limited edition plush toy is dressed in a monkey costume and would make for a perfect companion to monkey around with for a toddler. She has a beanie belly and is recommended for ages 3 and up. $9.95, sanrio.com -
aden + anais jungle jam - monkey swaddle + cuddly companion
This Jungle Jam Monkey is a two in one parent’s saver. It is a pre-washed soft cuddly companion that your kids will go bananas for and a coordinating 100 percent cotton muslin swaddle for your little curious George. The machine washable swaddle can be also used as a stroller cover or a burp cloth, while the toy is designed for tiny hands to hold. $24.95, adenandanais.com -
Paul Frank Industries Julius & Friends Backpack
Everyone's fave cartoon monkey, Julius, is back and cooler than ever in this all-over print backpack! The eye-catching pattern is sure to please kiddos while the pack itself is sure to last for years to come. $38, shop.paulfrank.com -
Franck & Fischer Anders Green Sensory Monkey
This sensory toy acts as a rattle due to the crackle paper inside and is ready to entertain your baby for days with its bright amusing colors. Inventiveness and clever problem-solving is in the monkey’s genes and this one is no exception! The hanging strap makes it ideal for mounting in a baby pram or at the bedside. This cheeky buddy is made of 100 percent certified organic cotton jersey, using environmentally friendly color dyes. $29.50, franckfischer.com -
Coral & Tusk Circus Monkey Cocktail Napkin
Monkeys are the cheeky little rascals with a fondness for causing trouble. These cocktail napkins from Brooklyn’s own Coral and Tusk will help you celebrate the monkey's most playful qualities in style. The linen napkin features an embroidered monkey ringleader pulling the rabbit out of the hat is a great way to commemorate the jolly trickster and master of mischief. $12, coralandtusk.com -
Monkey Soft Baby Blankie from the Pink Olive
This adorable and cloud-soft baby blankie from Brooklyn-based store the Pink Olive will be something your little one will cherish for many years. Babies born in the Year of the Monkey are thought to be adventurous, smart, and humorous. This cutie is guaranteed to bring many laughs and imaginative adventures to your young one’s life. $18, pinkolive.com -
Betsey Johnson Betsey's Minis Monkey Earrings
These attention-grabbing and gold plated earring (by local mom and grandma Betsey Johnson) feature crystal, mother of pearl tone, chocolate crystal accents. Most importantly, these monkeys have sparkling ruby red eyes that will attract good fortune blessings and many, many gazes. $40, betseyjohnson.com -
TokiDoki Punkstar Maxx Plush
Meet Maxx. He is a squishy monkey drummer from his punkstar band known for his naughty and wily monkey personality! Constructed from special soft tokidoki fleece, he is ready to rock and roll with his drumsticks. Your little ones are going to go ape for this plush guy. And did we mention Mick Jagger was also born in the Year of the Monkey? $20, shop.tokidoki.it -
Cate & Levi Plush Monkey Wool Puppet from the AMNH
This monkey hand puppet is handmade from reclaimed wool and 100 percent eco-friendly. Each monkey (available locally from the shop at the American Museum of Natural History) has a unique color combination so no two toys are alike. $29.99, shop.amnh.org -
Jellycat Bashful Monkey from ABC Carpet & Home
This cuddly and bashful primate is going to become your kid’s prime play toy! As the year’s reigning animal, this gentle and crafted form super-soft material, this comforting companion will guard the bad dreams away in 2016 and provide ample opportunities for some fun mischief games (available locally at ABC Carpet & Home). He will be the King Louie of your youngster’s heart. $15, abchome.com