Yes, this is it – the song itself. You can buy it here in mp3 format and download it right away – no need to wait for delivery. Enjoy the song on your phone or other mp3 device whether you’re connected or not.
When only a hippopotamus will do, you just have to have this! Plus, it’s just the price of an mp3. So why not?
Play it to entertain your kids, to bring back memories to your parents – or just to annoy people who take the holidays too seriously.
The song is 2 minutes 43 long. This is the original Gayla Peevy version.
Holiday Time 4′ Hippo with Snowflakes
Not everything to do with our favorite animals has to be so serious. More than one species has been immortalized in funny, not-quite-believable stories. There’s Dominick the Donkey and there’s a a hit-and-run reindeer on the loose, somewhere. And then there’s the little girl who just wants one thing for Christmas.
“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” was written by John Rox and recorded by then-10-year-old Gayla Peevey in 1953. Surely in the 65+ years since, it’s brought a lot of smiles – and a lot of worried parents who don’t know how to tell their children they can’t get one too.
The song’s been featured on Dr. Demento albums, and has been re-recorded over the years by a wide variety of artists. Among them are Captain and Tenille, The Jonas Brothers, Captain Kangaroo, and The Three Stooges.
In addition to the song itself, we’ve put together some other great related items. These will surely delight all hippo fans and anyone with a slightly off-kilter appreciation of the holidays!
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (The Hippo Song)
While this blue hippo doesn’t directly refer to the song, what else could you possibly think of when you see a hippopotamus all dressed up for Christmas with snowflakes on his rear end? This great inflatable holiday decoration will definitely draw attention and make your house the hit of the block!
Fully inflated, this hippo stands 4 feet long (not tall). It uses LED lights so the impact on your electricity bill will be minimal. Various users says it gives off just the right amount of light – not too dim yet not overwhelmingly bright, either.
This decoration does require continuous air; it’s not a matter of just blowing it up and leaving it. The equipment is included in the package.
Hallmark Keepsake 2017: I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas Musical Christmas Ornament
Santa fully intends to oblige with this special Christmas gift, but the hippo isn’t quite so ready to be wrapped!
The image alone is enough to draw a chuckle, but the ornament also plays the original recording of the song when a button is pressed. Just be aware it’s just one stanza of the song, unfortunately.
It uses (2) LR44 batteries (included). These are quarter-sized flat batteries. You’ll need a small jeweler’s screwdriver to remove the battery cover.
The ornament itself measures 2.4″ x 2.6″ x 2.9″ and comes in a gift box.
This wonderful, fun decoration is made of plastic.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Book
John Rox’s original lyrics are beautifully illustrated by Bruce Whatley in this children’s book of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”.
It’s geared for children 4-8 years old (pre-K to 3rd grade). That’s just slightly younger than Gayla Peevy was when she made the original recording.
Whatley is a renowned illustrator of children’s books. There are a couple lines that differ slightly from the song but overall it follows John Rox’s original lyrics.
Be careful when ordering – at least at the time we’re writing this, the paperback was far more expensive than the hardbound version. Usually it’s the other way around. And at least for us, the hardbound is always preferable 🙂
Hallmark Keepsake 2016 “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” Holiday Ornament
Here’s another cute Hallmark ornament, with the hippo jumping out of the box in surprise. This one is dated 2016. Please note it does say 2016 on the base of the ornament; so it’s great for collectors but be hesitant if you’re worried about it looking “outdated”.
This plays about one stanza of the song – about 19 seconds. The decoration measures 2.02 x 3.22 x 1.77 inches. It’s battery powered and batteries are included (although a couple customers reported that there were no batteries in their box).
Overall, it’s a great cute gift for anyone who loves hippos or collects novelty ornaments!
Wrapping It Up
If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas – or just a cute book or ornament – you’ll love these ideas. It’s a great way to add some fun on or under the tree. And you’ll surely get asked where you got them – just send them here to “A is for Aardvark” to check out great ideas!
