Cabbage Patch KidsIn 1976, an unknown art student named Xavier Roberts began creating soft, cloth sculptured dolls using a vintage technique called "needle molding" that was originally used in Germany over a century earlier to make fabric sculptures. Within just a few years, he was showing off the dolls he had dubbed Little People at arts and crafts shows. From the very beginning, his Cabbage Patch dolls were wildly popular, even before they were given the name they are more often known by today. In 1979, Xavier and his friends renovated a run down hospital and turned it into the public attraction called Baby Land General Hospital, which is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Just a few years later, magazines were trumpeting the financial and popular success of Xavier Roberts and his newly renamed Cabbage Patch Kids, and a major toy manufacturer was quick to sign a contract with the small company to mass produce an inexpensive version of the originals with vinyl heads that made them much more hard wearing for small children. These same kinds of Cabbage Patch dolls are still being produced and sold today, to the delight of collectors and new fans of the Kids alike. What makes the Cabbage Patch Kids so popular in relation to some of the other, similar plush dolls is that each and every one has a unique name, date of birth and personality, making it easy for children (and adults, too!) to relate to each Kid in a way that is truly special. After all, who wouldn't love a doll whose hair, eye color and birthday matches theirs? And unlike other toys, you don't buy a Cabbage Patch Kid, you adopt them, making them a part of your family for the rest of their lives. Still relatively inexpensive compared to some of the other kinds of collectible dolls, Cabbage Patch dolls can range from the toy store models that retail for around $30 to hand sewn original dolls straight from Baby Land General who can cost over $300. There have even been special porcelain editions sculpted especially for the collectors market, which are almost as rare as the original Little People, some of which have sold at auction for over $20,000! It's not hard to find a kindred spirit in the world of Cabbage Patch Kids. There are local clubs, national clubs and even an Official club that offers one of a kind special editions for sale to members only. Online message boards, websites and mailing lists serve to easily spread the love of these Kids around the world and bring people together through their shared interest in some of the most popular dolls ever created. If you're looking to find out how much your vintage Cabbage Patch dolls are worth or are interested in buying one and are wondering if you're getting a good price, there are plenty of resources to help you out. Aside from websites and personal advice, there are also excellent price guides that are updated frequently to help collectors get the most accurate price for their Kids. Cabbage Patch Kids are beginning to enjoy the same kind of popularity they did in the 1980's, thanks to a restyled look and a new generation of collectors. New lines such as the Preemies and Babies only serve to make them more interesting and accessible to new enthusiasts, and with this strong following, it's not hard to see why they are still some of the most beloved Kids on the block! |