Hey hey we're the pet monkeys!

November 27, 2010 3:19 AM

Any good alternatives to a pet monkey?

I have to get a pet monkey for someone for Christmas. Obviously it's a bit of a joke that they asked for one but I thought it would be fun to realise it in some shape or form. So any suggestions? The dude is in his mid-20s so a toy monkey might be a bit lame. He likes music so maybe the complete discography of the Monkeys. Something funny that will get a "I can't believe you actually tried! Top points for effort!" type response would be good. Thanks!

posted by thesailor to Pets & Animals (19 answers total)

Response by poster: Ah I just realised it's "Monkees".
posted by thesailor at 3:20 AM on November 27, 2010

The Monkey Plant, or <>Ruellia makoyana or Trailing Velvet Plant is a lovely indoor houseplant, if your friend is the sort that can keep rooms warm and remember to water things. That's practically like a pet!
posted by Mizu at 3:32 AM on November 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

Sea Monkeys/brine shrimp?
posted by bjrn at 4:10 AM on November 27, 2010 [8 favorites]

A stuffed toy monkey would be lame. A toy monkey like the shrieking evil thing from Toy Story 3 would be excellent, regardless of age!
posted by h00py at 4:38 AM on November 27, 2010

The screaming flying monkey mentioned here by Trivia Newton John.
posted by lioness at 4:45 AM on November 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

Show up in a monkey costume bearing bananas and as many other monkey gifts as you can afford. Quantity can win this one.
posted by safetyfork at 4:53 AM on November 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

Dave the Funky Shoulder Monkey. It's clearly appropriate for a 20-something adult male, because IT FARTS.
posted by SomeTrickPony at 5:07 AM on November 27, 2010

Archie McPhee has a wide variety of monkey-related products that might meet your monkey needs.
posted by pinky at 5:09 AM on November 27, 2010

I am so not a 20-something dude, so apologies if this is idea is too lame, but what about adopting a monkey at a zoo on his behalf?
posted by SuperSquirrel at 5:38 AM on November 27, 2010 [4 favorites]

Sea Monkeys are perfect. You can even buy them off the shelf at Toys R Us these days.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:18 AM on November 27, 2010

A monkey cuckoo clock. I have this one, and I did end up taking out the monkey batteries after a few weeks, but it's still pretty awesome to have a monkey scream at you on the hour.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 6:56 AM on November 27, 2010

Bake some Monkey Bread.
posted by macadamiaranch at 7:55 AM on November 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

I know you've said no to a toy monkey, but there really is nothing cooler than vintage Daishin CK Musical Jolly Chimps. They're cymbal playing monkeys as seen in this awesome video.
posted by Ahab at 9:06 AM on November 27, 2010

As someone who had the absolute crap scared out of them by one of those screaming flying monkeys, I can attest to their effectiveness.
posted by tommasz at 11:33 AM on November 27, 2010

How about the evil monkey from Family Guy?
posted by Bonzai at 12:47 PM on November 27, 2010

Response by poster: Great answers everyone. I won't decide for a little while yet but I'll look into all those suggestions!
posted by thesailor at 4:37 PM on November 27, 2010

A toy monkey might be lame, or...just freaky enough to keep him from asking for pet monkeys again.

Or yes, sponsor a monkey.
posted by peagood at 8:24 PM on November 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

If he's a guy in his mid-20s, sponsor a bonobo.
posted by Sublimity at 8:48 AM on November 29, 2010

I'd just like to report that I'd never heard of the flying screaming monkey until this thread and my youngest son got one for Christmas! It's just as freaky and cool as I'd imagined it to be and I played with it all afternoon. I may very well give it back to my son but I guess we'll just have to see. Anyway, hope you found something good.
posted by h00py at 5:43 AM on December 27, 2010