When we found out that Dr. (nay, Dame!) Jane Goodall was coming out with a children’s home line in collaboration with Crate & Kids, we just about fell over. Because dame! Doctor! Jane! Goodall! This is us shouting with excitement. After all, the renowned animal behavior expert has been a personal idol of so many women — including, you know, myself and one Meghan Markle — since we were little girls investigating the flora and fauna our own neighborhood jungles (for me, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx; for Markle, IDK, Lake Balboa?!). By now, Goodall has proven to more than one generation of girls and women that science and adventure are anything but the boys’ club they were once upon a time.
And with her new Crate & Kids collab, Goodall lets even the littlest of children bring that quest for learning, exploration, and care for the environment into their own homes — just in time for us all to re-quarantine this winter (sob). The offerings range from the educational — a book about Dr. Goodall’s life and research with chimpanzees in Tanzania, a play research tent so kids can conduct their own observations in their home/yard — to the simply delightful, such as a chimpanzee throw pillow and a leopard-headed baby towel.
Whether you’re starting that holiday gift list already (no judgment) or are in the market to upgrade your kid’s nursery to more of a big-kid room, there’s something whimsical and wildlife-inspired for any age in this collection. And while explorers young and old remain tethered to home mid-pandemic, there’s no better way to exorcise some of that wanderlust (or spend that would-be travel money) than creating your own wonderful wilderness right at home.
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A Tale of Little Jane
The Little People, Big Dreams series is always a win, and if you haven’t yet added Dr. Goodall’s story to your collection of tales (from Frida Kahlo to Rosa Parks), it’s high time you did. Littles will love reading about young Jane, who was inspired by her very first “pet” (stuffed) chimpanzee, Jubilee.
A Place to Investigate Nature
Let your little scientist / conservationist / anthropologist run wild in their imagination with this amazing play research tent — just like Jane’s. It’s the perfect place for kids to hide out, bird-watch through the translucent ceiling, sketch the wildlife they see in their backyard — or, you know, just curl up with a good book.
Ready for Stargazing
Little nature lovers will feel right at home in this cozy quilted botanical sleeping bag festooned with palms, butterflies, and birds of paradise (the flower kind, that is). This way, they can bring their own mini jungle with them on camping trips, sleepovers, or even just pitching a tent in the living room this winter.
For Little Leopards
Just because babies aren’t doing their own wildlife research yet doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the jungley fun. Wrap little ones in this leopard-headed towel post-bath and encourage them to practice their roar.
For Jungle Babies
Another option for the newborn creature in your life: These organic cotton swaddle blankets are the perfect combination of loud leopard and sweet, muted (and gender-neutral!) hues of green, yellow, and beige. Wrap ’em up and they’ll dream they’re swaying safely in a jungle canopy.
A Chimp Friend for All
Chimps chimps chimps! Has there ever been a more fun, funny, and friendly animal? Probably, but just hear us out on this one: Kids will adore this brushstroked pillow that lets a placid chimpanzee perch anywhere they set him. He’s overseeing their research site, right?
Sleep in the Serengeti
Said chimp pillow is right at home atop this organic cotton jungle quilt. Or go, um, wild and purchase the whole Serengeti sleeping set for your kid.
Curl Up & Read
Nothing beats a soft, personalized armchair when you need to settle in for some serious wildlife studies. Or watching Madagascar on your tablet. No judgment.
Tropical Tuck-In
A bright cockatiel is perfectly perched atop this organic cotton crib quilt, ready to sing small humans to sleep. Plus, it doubles great as a soft and colorful play mat for tummy time.
A ‘Play Chair’ Grown-Ups Can Steal
So yes, technically it’s a “play chair” that will work great at a kids art table or desk. But we’re also absolutely getting one for our home office.
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