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As much as I hate to admit it, I first became acquainted with Liddle Kiddles dolls over half a century ago. I don’t remember exactly how they came into my life—probably as birthday or Christmas gifts since new toys were generally reserved for those occasions back then. However, I do recall having a couple of them, and so did my friend down the block.
Then, many decades later, while shopping at an estate sale, I spied a little carrying case-style clubhouse with a grouping of toys. I opened it and discovered it was filled with Liddle Kiddles and accessories in excellent condition. They looked like they’d hardly been played with, and the case was just as nice. Since the price was right, I purchased the lot and raced home to research my haul. During the process, I was super tempted to keep those delightful little dolls for myself. Values overruled that notion, though, and I sold every last one of them for a good profit.
Never heard of Liddle Kiddles? Let me fill you in on what they are so you can look for these valuable collectibles to flip—or keep.
The First and Last Liddle Kiddles
Part of Liddle Kiddle dolls’ appeal when they were introduced by Mattel in 1966 is that they portrayed everyday kids doing everyday kid stuff. These initial nine miniature dolls, measuring from 2¾ to 3½ inches tall, rode rocking horses dressed as cowgirls, played on tricycles, and dug in sandboxes. They had clever names, too. The cowgirl was Calamity Jiddle, and the trike-riding doll was Trikey Triddle. Each doll came with the appropriate accessories for whatever they were doing, like running a lemonade stand or going camping.
Over time, more Kiddles were introduced. In 1968, the new offerings included Kiddle Kolognes and Jewelry Kiddles. These are the ones I remember having when I was about seven or so.
The Kiddle Kolognes held a full-size doll inside that was actually scented. The plastic bottles they came in were hinged so you could take the doll out and play with it. I only remember having one, so whoever gave it to me didn’t spring for a gift set of three that was also available. I also don’t remember my fragrance, but all nine were floral scents ranging from apple blossom to violet.
The Kiddle Jewelry item I had was a pin shaped like a flower. Matching rings, bracelets, and necklaces were also available. And while I personally remember mine being flower-shaped, I’ve since learned that Jewelry Kiddles also came in heart shapes. The dolls inside these are really tiny, measuring from about ⅞ to 1¹⁄₁₆ inches tall. Like with the Kolognes, the dolls could be removed from the locket-like jewelry to play with them. They’re so small, though, that a more accurate statement is that they could be taken out of the jewelry and lost.
Over their lifespan, which ended in 1970, Mattel released twenty-four different Kiddles doing kid things. Other dolls included Skediddle Kiddles with an attachment to make them walk; Animiddle Kiddles dressed as animals like lions and mice; Kola Kiddles inside bottles with caps; and Storybook Kiddles outfitted as characters from children’s books and nursery rhymes. All these tongue twister names can be hard to remember, but if you find a cute little doll with a head that’s a little out of proportion compared to its body, it could be a Kiddle.
Also, keep in mind that some Liddle Kiddles were reissued in the early 1990s, but they don’t appeal to collectors as much as the ones made from 1966 to 1970.
Keep an Eye Out for Kiddles Accessories, Too
The aforementioned carrying case clubhouse I spotted at an estate sale was more precisely named Liddle Kiddles Klub. These aren’t uncommon and sell in the $15–30 range if in very good to excellent condition. Within the Liddle Kiddles Klub I purchased were lots of accessories; some of them went with the dolls inside, but I discovered a rabbit and clock that originally came with the Storybook Kiddle Alice in Wonderland. Even without the doll, those little rabbits can bring $30–50, and the clock falls in the $15–20 range.
Yes, I was surprised that small accessories could be worth so much more individually than a complete Kiddles Klub house. So, be sure to check out each accessory individually if you luck into a lot of Liddle Kiddles items.
More Values for Kiddles Dolls
Since Liddle Kiddles were indeed purchased to be played with, they aren’t found in the original packaging very often. It’s safe to say that almost any doll will sell for more than $100, sometimes closer to $200 if it’s still new in the box. More realistically, you’ll find some examples that are gently played with, and some of those can be valuable, too.
For example, if I’d had the Alice in Wonderland Kiddle to go with the accessories, the set would be worth about $125–175. A Calamity Jiddle Kiddle with all her accessories can bring $40–60. Most of the Kiddle Kolognes now sell for $25 to $50 when in very good to excellent condition; many Jewelry Kiddles sell in the same range.
In general, examples that have been played with to excess won’t be worth as much. Dolls with all their accessories also bring quite a bit more than incomplete sets. All in all, though, Liddle Kiddles are fun collectibles to watch for, and they can indeed be worth picking up when priced appropriately.
Pamela Siegel is a freelance writer and author who has been educating collectors for more than two decades. In addition to three books on topics relating to antiques and collectibles, she frequently shares her expertise through online writing and articles for print-based publications. Pamela is also the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l (CJCI) and the proprietor of Chic Antiques by Pamela.
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