Monkey Collectors

Every family has one: the cheeky prankster, the class clown, the person who climbs things they absolutely should not climb. That person deserves a monkey. A hand-painted Limoges box is a funny, thoughtful gift for a birthday, a Year of the Monkey celebration or a coworker who keeps the office laughing. It is hinged, painted by hand in France and arrives gift-boxed, and it is the only monkey you can bring home without a permit.

Monkeying Around

The classic three wise monkeys appear covering their ears, eyes and mouth, a classic reminder to mind your own business. Other monkeys are just having fun: one perches on a log, one sits on a barrel and another lounges on a stump in blue jeans. A curious little monkey reads a book, an orangutan family cuddles close and a big-eyed lemur looks ready to leap. There is even a monkey with a snake in an Egyptian scene. Every lid swings open to reveal a secret stash, ideal for a banana-shaped charm.

A Barrel Full of Collectibles

They say one monkey is never enough, and collectors agree. Start with the three wise monkeys, a fun conversation piece for a desk or bookshelf, then add playful singles until you have a full troop. Arrange them on different heights so they appear to swing from shelf to shelf, or group them around a potted palm for a jungle corner. Bookish monkeys look perfect between hardcovers, and families of monkeys make sweet nursery accents.

The jungle continues in Giraffes, Zebras & Safari. For the bookworm monkey, browse Books & Libraries, and for more animal antics, visit Carousels & Circus. Plus, here is how to spot genuine Limoges.