If you were a child of the 80’s, like me, then you may remember the craze that was Cabbage Patch Kids. In scenes reminiscent of the Schwarzenegger movie Jingle All the Way, these dolls were so hugely popular that parents faced a hard task tracking one down. Many stores sold out within weeks, sometimes hours of the Kids hitting the shelves.
Originating in the early 80’s at the talented hands of young art student, Xavier Roberts, the Cabbage Patch Kids quickly found themselves being adopted into the hearts of children around the world. Hitting the cover of Newsweek in December 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids were recorded as the most successful new doll introduction in the history of the toy industry.
This year they are celebrating their 35th birthday with a brand new collection which is all about celebrating man (or doll’s) best friend. Each Kid comes with a heart-shaped lollipop to entice their companion Adoptimal Pets $39 (available separately). Their tongues actually lick, with realistic licking sound effects to boot. It is for this reason that the collection is known as the Lots of Licks Collection.
One of the world’s most iconic toys, it is with great excitement that I pass the proverbial baton down to my daughter and watch as she takes on the role of “mother” to her own Kid. Suitable for ages 3+, the Kids evoke a desire in their young charges to care for and nurture their dolls as though they were real babies.
Each Kid comes with their own unique birth certificate and adoption papers from the Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia.
Our Kid is Natalia, or Talia as Denny has nicknamed her and like her fellow Kids, boasts the classic baby powder scent which Denny likened to “make up and flowers”! Her hair is silky soft and her clothes are easily removed to add in the fun of undressing and redressing. Standing tall at 14”, each Kid possesses a style all their own. The Kids come in a range of ethnicities, hair colours and eye colours, reflecting the truly global appeal of these special dolls.
100s of millions of Kids have been adopted since their inception in 1983 and now 35 years on it is the turn of our children to thrill in the adoptive parentage of the one and only Cabbage Patch Kids.
Cabbage Patch Kids 35th birthday Lots of Licks Kids (RRP $79) are available at Big W, Myer and Target online.
