In association with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Safari, Ltd. manufactures a huge assortment of hand-painted, museum-quality dinosaur figurines (as well as replicas of ancient pterosaurs, mammals and aquatic reptiles) at affordable prices. Here's a list of 20 of this company's most notable figurines, along with pictures and links so you can buy your own.
1. Spinosaurus ($29.99)
Safari, Ltd.
One of the premium items in the Safari Carnegie Collection, this limited-edition Spinosaurus has amazingly realistic teeth and jaws. Plus, it's heavy enough to use as a Jurassic paperweight. Compare prices
2. Diplodocus ($29.99)
Safari, Ltd.
Another huge entry in the Safari Carnegie Collection, this Diplodocus replica measures over a foot long, and has a scientifically accurate "neck-down" posture. It's one of the most accurate sauropod figurines you can buy. Compare prices
3. Giganotosaurus ($15.99)
Safari, Ltd.
It's not quite as massive as other entries in the Safari Carnegie Collection, but this Giganotosaurus replica is still bigger, and more realistic, than those of other manufacturers, with especially scary jaws and teeth. Compare prices
4. Nigersaurus ($9.99)
Safari, Ltd.
Although it's not as popular as Brachiosaurus or Apatosaurus, Nigersaurus is still an important figure in sauropod evolution. This relatively small figurine sports excellent detail in its vacuum-like mouth. Compare prices
5. Baby Oviraptor in Egg ($14.99)
Safari, Ltd.
This unusual figurine depicts a baby Oviraptor curled up in its egg, which is cut away in cross-section. With its big, cute eyes, it's the perfect gift for little kids who are just getting into dinosaurs. Compare prices
6. Triceratops ($9.99)
Safari, Ltd.
Safari makes many Triceratops replicas, but this is one of the best, depicting the familiar herbivore in a tense, head-down posture meant to ward off larger carnivores. Compare prices
7. Woolly Mammoth ($9.99)
Safari, Ltd.
This smallish but solid Woolly Mammoth model features realistic-looking (and slightly bendable) tusks, as well as an uncannily realistic posture. Alas, though, it doesn't have real hair. Compare prices
8. T. Rex ($7.99)
Safari, Ltd.
This is far from the biggest T. Rex figurine out there, but in the Safari tradition it's one of the most realistic--though its piercing red eyes may or may not be scientifically accurate. Compare prices
9. Allosaurus ($7.99)
Safari, Ltd.
It's not as big as some of the other carnivorous dinosaurs in the Wild Safari line, but this Allosaurus is very realistic--and sufficiently vicious-looking for detail-obsessed six-year-olds. Compare prices
10. Tapejara ($9.99)
Safari, Ltd.
Here's an unusual item in the Safari line--a realistic-looking Tapejara (a type of South American pterosaur) with a colorful, triangular crest. This one may actually fly if you give it enough room. Compare prices
