The sock monkey made his move twice when "Mutant" wasn't believing in the magic yet. He had yet to experience any magic, and was still being a "just person," in the sense explained within the movie.This could represent the magic within the store trying to reach out and show "Mutant" some magic and love - but he didn't have time to believe in something so alien to his experiences. In the end, when the magic and colour, happiness and joy are revived within the store, he has time to stand back and enjoy the awe of the magical emporium, and finally accepts the magic for what it is. Now, the store has reached him, and takes him within its embrace - now the monkey (who represents the magic of the store/life) can actually hug him.
As an adult, mature answer, I must agree with slayerfx116's answer to this question. After being chosen by a Teddy Bear in 1999 and now watching the movie with him, he (Spaulding, my Teddy Bear) wants me to add this possible reasoning, as an alternative. All stuffed animals are alive and aware as Sock Monkey in the movie. Sometimes grown-ups forget that, but, when they remember it, they'll see the stuffed animal that wants to go home with them, reach out, at least with their eyes. Try it out. Look into the eyes of the next stuffed animal you meet at a store, and tell Spaulding that the animal isn't asking to come home with you. (Just an alternative idea.)
r43871