From Wikipedia.com: 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 Originally made from discarded workmen’s socks in the 19th century, sock monkeys remain a popular toy to this day, although not as prevalent as teddy bears.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. Instructions for how to make a sock monkey can be found here: http://lennytaylor.freeyellow.com/Monkey.htm Sock monkeys are considered "Americana" according to most sources, so they originated in the United States (which is also supported by where Red-Heel sock were manufactured). See this great site for photos of sock monkeys, a history of the Red-Heel brand socks they were originally made from, et cetera: http://www.midwayvillage.com/default.asp?nav=exhibits&page=exhibits&nexhibitid=14 I have one that my mom made for me, his name is JoJo. :) Relsqui: Hmmm? Not definite, but from what I could tell the little fellas gained popularity first in the Midwestern region of the U.S. The gentleman who invented the machine that made Red Heel socks was from Illinois, Red Heel and/or Rockford Knitting Co. was in Illinois, and they produced socks for Sears Roebuck & Co. also of Illinois. and alas. . .the annual Sock Money Festival is held in. . .you guessed it. . .Illinois. Hope that helps you settle that argument :) The lastlink I provided has all of this info and more.

Sock monkey toys, a tribute to U.S. thrift and inventiveness, became a part of American childhood in 1953, when the Nelson Knitting Co. registered its design for turning a pair of socks into a stuffed toy. As interpreted by generations of home sewers, the sock monkey is now seen as a form of folk art, its basic pattern transformed through costuming, stitching, and stuffing. This private collection was started in 1985 and now includes over 1,500 monkeys. Approximately 100 of these whimsical and unique stuffed toys are included in the exhibition. http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/article.php?id=164