The Koala and Kangaroo Gift Guide

Roos and Koalas Make Wonderful Gifts

Two Australian marsupials (mammals with a pouch) are popular all over the world and have fascinated us for a long time. One is the kangaroo, the national symbol of Australia. The other is the koala, often referred to as a koala bear, but it isn't really a bear at all. Eighteenth century settlers first called it koala bear because it has a similarity in appearance to bears.

Both of these animals, native to Australia, are popular as gifts in many forms. Browse through this gift guide of a variety of items featuring these delightful animals and see if you agree.

 

Give a Listen while you read!

Written by Rolf Harris in 1957, 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport' became a hit across the world in the 1960s. It is about an Australian stockman on his deathbed. The song is one of the best known and most successful Australian songs.

 

 

Kangaroo

Fun Facts About Kangaroos

 

1. There are 47 species of "roos."
2. Kangaroos can hop up to 40 miles per hour and go over 30 feet in one hop.
3. When standing, roos often use their muscular tail as an extra leg.
4. An adult male is called a buck, boomer or jack; an adult female is called a doe, flyer, roo, or jill. A baby is called a joey. A group of roos is called a mob.

Plush Kangaroo by Aurora

Aurora® Adorable Mini Flopsie™ Kangaroo Stuffed Animal - Mini Companion. 7 inches tall.Check Price

Aurora makes such adorable plush toy animals and this little Kangaroo is no exception.  "Bouncy" would be a good name for this plush Kangaroo.

What Do You Do With a Kangaroo?  

Would you tell that (bossy) kangaroo a thing or two?

What Do You Do With A Kangaroo?Check Price This long 48-page book for ages 4 years and up is unusual in that small children happily sit through the entire reading of the story -- again and again! What Do You Do with a Kangaroo a charming tale about a very fearless little girl who takes charge of a number of animals that are attempting to take over her things. The ending is delightful. 

Highly recommended by both parents and librarians.

 

The National Symbol of Australia -- the Kangaroo -- Is now recognized throughout Australia in symbols and emblems

Qantas Airlines uses the Kangaroo as its Emblem

Qantas Airlines of Australia (cc on Wikimedia)

Known as the "Flying Kangaroo" because of its logo, Qantas Airlines is identified by a white kangaroo on a red triangle on the plane's tail. 

Only in Australia would you find this road warning sign:

Kangaroo Crossing (cc: Wikimedia)

 

Symbol of Kangaroos on Australian Coins:

 

(cc on Wikimedia Commons)

 

1. The Kangaroo was featured on the Australian pre-decimal penny coin.

2. The Kangaroo was also featured on the Australian pre-decimal half-penny coin.
3. Five Kangaroos are currently featured on the Australian one dollar coin.

  

KOALA

Koala in Tree Poster by MECPublications

 

What Do You Know About the Koala?

 

1. The Koala has soft, woolly fur that is light-gray to brown, and it has patches of white on the chest, neck. and ears. This fur protects them from cold weather and rain
2. Koalas have rough pads on their feet and hands which are used for gripping the trees they live in.
3. Koalas eat mostly eucalyptus (gum tree), chewing these tough leaves using their powerful jaws.
4. The koala measures 2-3 feet long and can weigh from 10 to 30 pounds.
   
   

   For More Information About the Koala... Check out this Site!

   • Information on Koalas. This Koala information is regularly updated.
   • A great site for students to learn "What is a Koala"

   
   

The Koala Book

The Nature Kid's Guide to Koalas: A Level 2 Reader for Curious Young Kids Who Love Koalas!Check Price

It's no secret that koalas are some of the best-loved creatures in the animal kingdom. Now for the first time, the koala's story is portrayed in a large format with 160 striking photographs and accompanying text. 

Darling Plush Koala

Koala Stuffed Animal Toys, 8.5 Inch Soft and Cuddly Koala Plush Animals Toy, Cute and Realistic Stuffed Animals Gifts for Boys and Girls Soft Toy for KidsCheck Price

 

Adorable, Soft & Cuddly in ultra-soft plush fabric. This koala is perfect for hugging. Its plump, well-stuffed body provides a satisfyingly squishy feel, making it an ideal companion for snuggling during naptime or bedtime. It is also the perfect size for little hands at 8.5 inches high.

Japanese Koala Eraser Set

Iwako Gray Koala Eraser Set

These erasers can be taken apart and put back together again like a puzzle. They fascinate children, who love to collect them. I've purchased several for my 10-year-old grandson and sent this Koala eraser set to him for Christmas last year for his growing collection!

*Caution: Not for very small children or pets, due to small pieces. Wonderful collectibles for older children. My 10-year-old grandson loves them!

 

What is a Joey?

 Baby kangaroos and baby koalas are both called "Joeys'.

 Koala Little People by Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price Little People KoalaCheck Price

This darling Koala in the Little People line by Fisher-Price is sized just right for little hands. And is downright adorable! :)

Summary:

The kangaroo and the koala are popular around the world. So, thanks for visiting these selections of adorable Australian animals.  Whether you like kangaroos or koalas best, this gift guide will give you some fun ideas.


(c) Written on 2/5/2016 by Wednesday Elf







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”