A sock monkey is a type of stuffed toy fashioned in the likeness of a monkey. Originally made from discarded workmen’s socks in the 19th Century, Sock monkeys remain a popular toy to this day, though not as prevalent as teddy bears. The Red Heel brand sock has included instructions on how to sew a sock monkey in every package sold since 1920, after widespread application of the product in the field of monkey manufacturing by inventive homemakers became apparent to the company. The manner in which sock monkeys are made and the materials used in their creation remain largely unchanged from the initial toys, though great variety exists. Indeed, many modern sock monkeys aren't even made from socks at all.
Sock monkeys in popular culture
- An alternative comic by artist Tony Millionaire features a sock monkey as its protagonist
- The character Catwoman owns a sock monkey in the film Batman Returns
- David Letterman is a noted sock monkey enthusiast