Penguins and Polar Bears | Gift Guide

Gift Suggestions from the Wintry World of Penguins & Polar Bears

Plush Penguin in Crochet

We are fascinated with penguins and polar bears -- two animals associated with Arctic weather, but from polar opposite areas of earth. The popularity of these animals can be seen in every form of product, from books to plush animals to clothes and jewelry.

This enchantment with penguins and polar bears perhaps stems from the fact that -- except for zoos -- most people will seldom see one up close, and almost never in their natural environments.

Presented here are wonderful examples of penguins and polar bears in every medium imaginable, many of them handcrafted by Indie artists.

Penguins and polar bears can never meet without human intervention, because the two species are found on opposite hemispheres.

Polar bears inhabit the Northern Hemisphere and all penguin species live in the Southern Hemisphere.

PENGUINS 

 

Aurora borealis and penguins postcard
by laureenr

What Do You Know About Penguins?  

A List of Fun Facts:

1. Penguins are flightless birds that are adapted for life in the water. Their wings have become flippers. They spend about half of their lives on land and half in the oceans.
2. We usually think of penguins living in the cold climate of Antarctica, but different varieties of penguins can be found throughout the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Penguins come in many sizes. The largest is the Emperor Penguin, which is about 3-1/2 feet tall and weighs around 75 lbs. The smallest is the the Little Blue Penguin (also known as the Fairy Penguin) which grows to about 16 inches tall and weighs just a bit over 2 lbs.
4. We tend to refer to the penguins' coloring as "Tuxedo". The black backs and white fronts are protective markings. A predator looking up from below in the sea has trouble distinguishing between a white penguin belly and the reflective water surface. The black back camouflages penguins from predators from above. (Isn't Nature clever?)
5. Penguins eat fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. 

Play with a Plush Little Blue Fairy Penguin Toy

 

Little Blue Fairy Penguin of Australia

This plush penguin is my interpretation, in crochet, of Australia's real life "Little" Penguin. In the past, they were known as Blue Penguins and Fairy Penguins, and are now officially known as "Little Penguins. The name "Blue Penguin" comes from the fact that they are actually blue in color.

These Fairy Penguins can also be found in New Zealand.

Four Little Penguins Classic Round Sticker by NZPhotography
 

Little Blue Fairy Penguin in plush crochet, plus toy penguins in a variety of colors, including the classic Tuxedo black & white penguin, can be seen in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts.

Penguin Kitchen Towels

Kissing Penguin Design Kitchen Towel

This is a unique winter dish towel. Penguins printed on this  waffle weave tea towel/kitchen towel.

These towels make a fabulous addition to any holiday kitchen holiday decor and make a great for Housewarming, Office, Hostess, Christmas or wedding gift.

Handmade by Susanne, this darling penguin kitchen towel can be found in her Etsy Shop KierbetsDesigns. 

Penguin Soap Set

Decorative, Useful & Fun for the Bath 

Penguin Soap Set

Darling soaps in the shape of a penguin. This set of six mini soaps add a touch of wintery charm to your bathroom ! Handmade with moisturizing, skin-loving ingredients, these mini penguin soaps are both fun and functional for everyday use. Each soap is scented with a delicious Black Cherry fragrance that combines sweet cherry notes with a rich, fruity aroma.

These soap sets are handmade by Leeanna of Daytona, Florida for her Etsy Shop LoveLeeSoaps. 

Celebrate Penguin Awareness Day on January 20th and World Penguin Day on April 25th and remember the penguins all year long when drinking your coffee from this adorable Penguin coffee cup.

Penguin Storybook for Kids

Penguin Getaway Storybook by Sarah Alabaster

These little penguins work hard, swimming, hunting for fish, and helping their other marine friends like the polar bear and the walrus.  But what do they do for fun?

Come see how they plan a vacation and have a few adventures, including meeting some new friends, in their 'Penguin Getaway'. 

Penguins Have Their Day!

Penguin Awareness Day is January 20

World Penguin Day is April 25 - which coincides with the annual northward migration of penguins.

POLAR BEARS

 

  Fun Facts About Polar Bears:

 

1.  Polar bears live in the arctic circle and can roam as far south as the northern edge of Canada.
2. There are about 20,000-25,000 polar bears in the world today. They are related to the Brown Bear, but their bodies have adapted for cold temperatures, for moving across snow, ice, and open water..
3. Polar bears are considered to be marine mammals because they spend most of their life at sea. Their scientific name means "maritime bear".
4. Polar bears live where the sea ice meets the open water, to easily hunt the seals that make up most of its diet. They sometimes float a long way on the sea ice, and spend most of their time at sea. .

Polar Bear Waldorf Toy

Handmade wooden Polar Bear

Handcrafted small wooden polar bear 

Adorable, high-quality, handcrafted wooden animals are a great addition to any wooden toy set or play space.

Made of maple wood, stained with non-toxic, water-based dye safe for children. This little polar bear measures 2 inches.

Created by Helen of Texas for her Green Elephant Global Etsy Shop. 

Plush Polar Bear

Polar Bear Lovey

A polar bear, itty bitty lovey handmade with a super soft faux fur yarn for a little extra softness. A cute and cuddly polar bear plushie. 

Crafted by Emily of Virginia for her Etsy Store Glen Laurel Crochet. 

Polar Bear Story Book

 

The Bear ReportCheck Price

A little girl finds having to write a book report for school about a polar bear boring until a giant polar shows up and whisks her away to his home in the arctic where he gives her a personal tour.  She learns all about what polar bears eat and what they like to do and all the 'wonders' of their world.

Beautifully illustrated with watercolor images that capture the vastness and beauty of the arctic region that will fascinate children in the 4-8 year old range.

Aurora Plush Polar Bear!

This adorable plush Arctic polar bear is part of the Aurora World wildlife and stuffed animals series of Arctic animals.  

Measuring 10 inches tall, little polar bear is a sweet and soft toy bear ready to be cuddled and loved. 

February 27 is Polar Bear Day!

Polar Bear Day celebrates the world's largest carnivore.

From the North Pole to the South Pole, these Polar Bears and Penguins hope you have enjoyed your tour of their images on gifts. 

(c) Wednesday Elf. Article originally published on 1/19/16. Updated on 7/17/2026

 

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