Edward Monkton Gifts and Greetings Cards: Cute Characters with Funny Philosophies

Edward Monkton is a persona created by British poet Giles Andreae, whose Purple Ronnie cartoon character – a stick-man figure who recites daft limericks – has for many years entertained the UK with his cheeky greetings cards. Purple Ronnie, whose poems often featured mild taboo subjects and language, also famously appeared in a TV advertisement for a well known soft drink.

Andreae's Edward Monkton series features a range of characters with unusual and amusing personality traits, philosophies and stories, and these characters share their wisdom from a wide range of greetings cards, gifts and collectables.

The greetings cards in the Edward Monkton series are illustrated in a minimalist and almost childlike style, usually in black ink on a white background, and provide a witty and insightful commentary on life, love, happiness and the things in life that bring joy (for example chocolate, shoes and frocks). Many of the greetings cards are left blank inside, so they can be used for a variety of occasions.

Several Edward Monkton characters also feature in full colour as gifts and collectables, including a range of striking little lapel pins, cute cuddly toys and shaped, scented soaps.

Edward Monkton characters are utterly charming, rather mischievous, and sometimes make little sense (see, for example, the Madness Hamster – the very idea!) – and it is these qualities that make them so endearing and popular with consumers of all ages and backgrounds.

Some of our favourite Edward Monkton characters:

The Penguin of Death

Don't be deceived by the Penguin of Death's cute looks… he's really quite deadly!

There are two things you should know about the Penguin of Death: Firstly, he is strangely attractive because of his enigmatic smile, and secondly he can kill you in any one of 412 different ways. The Penguin of Death is not to be messed with!

The Penguin of Death is available as a cuddly toy in his own printed paper bag; a scented soap in a gift bag; a 7cm x 6cm cuddly keyring, and a 2.5cm x 1.9cm metal lapel pin.

The Sheep of Destiny

The permanently cheerful and oh-so-talented Sheep of Destiny wears a broad smile because he sees your future – and oh, how HAPPY shall that future be!

The Sheep of Destiny is available as a soft and squeezable 10cm x 6cm cuddly keyring, a 2.5cm x 2.3cm lapel pin, and an all-purpose greetings card which is left blank inside, ready for your message.

The Pig of Happiness

The Pig of Happiness wears a cheeky grin which stretches from ear to ear, and his motto is: "May his joyful smile remind us how much there is to be HAPPY about" – a message we could all do with remembering, from time to time!

The Pig of Happiness is available as a 9cm x 6cm cute and cuddly keyring; a shaped and scented bar of soap; a 2.4cm x 1.7cm lapel pin, and greetings card which is blank inside and suitable for most occasions.

Rock Pig

Rock Pig wears a black leather jacket and shades, and he doesn't like disco, dance, ambient, trance, R&B or soul – he's only interested in heavy duty rock 'n' roll!

Rock Pig is available as a 2.5cm x 2cm lapel pin, and a soft and squidgy cuddly toy which comes in a printed paper bag with Rock Pig's poem about his favourite type of music.

Madness Hamster

This is the slightly silly story of the Madness Hamster:

"Every night they visit you,
Every night they come,
And bit by bit,
They steal your brain,
And feed it to their Mum."

The Madness Hamster is available as a very cute 8cm x 5cm soft and squeezable keyring; a 2.4cm x 1.6cm lapel pin badge, and a greetings card which has been left blank on the inside so you can use it for most occasions.

The Cat of Glory

The Cat of Glory is a wondrous sight – prepare to be amazed! For it has been written: "And there shall come amongst them a Cat of such GREAT GLORY that all who see it will be sore amazed and marvel at its splendour."

The Cat of Glory is available as a lapel pin measuring 2.5cm x 1.9cm, which makes a perfect gift for cat lovers.