Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage patch kids logo

Cabbage Patch Kids are a line of soft sculptured dolls sold by Xavier Roberts in 1978 under the original name "Little People". The unique aspect of these dolls is their origin story, which claims that they are born in a Cabbage Patch and are adopted by children, rather than being purchased. This concept, combined with their distinctive, hand-stitched appearance, contributed to their popularity during the 1980s and beyond.

History

The concept of Cabbage Patch Kids was created by Xavier Roberts, an American art student, in 1978. Roberts's innovation was to market his hand-stitched dolls, originally called "Little People", with birth certificates, adoption papers, and a unique name for each doll. The dolls were first sold at craft shows, then later at Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, a converted medical clinic that Roberts transformed into a doll adoption agency.

In 1982, Roberts licensed the production rights to Coleco, a toy manufacturing company, which began mass-producing the dolls under the new name "Cabbage Patch Kids". The dolls quickly became a major toy fad. Their popularity was unprecedented; by the end of 1983, millions of Cabbage Patch Kids had been sold, leading to shortages and even riots in stores.

Design

Each Cabbage Patch Kid doll is unique. Early versions created by Roberts and the initial Coleco lines were soft-sculpted fabric dolls with yarn hair and plastic heads. The dolls came in a variety of hairstyles, eye colors, and facial expressions. Each doll was accompanied by a birth certificate, which included the doll's name and adoption papers. This level of personalization and the concept of adoption rather than purchase were key factors in the dolls' popularity.

Cultural Impact

The Cabbage Patch Kids phenomenon was not just a commercial success but also a cultural one. The dolls were featured in numerous magazines, television specials, and even had their own animated series. They became a symbol of the 1980s toy craze, alongside other popular toys of the era. The brand has managed to stay relevant through continuous updates and new product lines, including special editions and collaborations with other brands.

Controversies

Despite their popularity, Cabbage Patch Kids were not without controversy. The high demand led to store shortages, long lines, and even violence among customers trying to secure a doll for the holidays. Additionally, there were legal battles over copyright and design rights, most notably with the Garbage Pail Kids, a series of trading cards that parodied the Cabbage Patch Kids.

Legacy

Today, Cabbage Patch Kids continue to be sold and are considered classic toys. They have retained a loyal fan base and are collected not just by children but also by adults who grew up with the dolls. The brand has expanded to include a wide range of products, including toys, books, and even a line of newborn dolls.