Lalaloopsy dolls by MGA Entertainment (makers of Bratz) debuted stateside in 2010. The line was originally called Bitty Buttons. The name changed to Lalaloopsy shortly after its release. Though MGA offered no explanation, collectors have guessed that Bitty Buttons may have already been in use by another company. None of this matters much, but it’s helpful to know, as the dolls continue to be listed under both names on some websites. I personally prefer Lalaloopsy, because it’s fun to say aloud. Lalaloopsy! There. I just said it again.
The concept behind Lalaloopsy is that each character is an enchanted ragdoll, who came to life when her “very last stitch was sewn”. The dolls are each said to have been made from a discarded item of clothing, which determined their personality. For example, “Jewel Sparkles” was made from a princess dress, pajama clad “Pillow Featherbed” was made from a baby blanket, and so on. There are a total of 10 dolls in the first wave, including twins “Sunny Side Up” and “Berry Jars N Jam”, who come together as a gift set. Two new dolls have been added so far this year: gardener “Blossom Flowerpot” and ballet dancer “Tippy Tumbelina”. Each doll comes with a small plastic “pet” and a double-sided poster. Six “fashion packs” have also hit stores, including two party dresses, a bathrobe, a raincoat, pajamas, and a swimsuit. Also new within the past couple of months are miniature sets, with tiny poseable figurines of each character and accessories.
We have one Lalaloopsy in our house at the present. I would have picked Blossom Flowerpot because I like her freckles, but I let my daughter choose. She decided on Jewel Sparkles.
The dolls are approximately 33cm (13”) tall. They have a purposely wobbly head joint, which allows their head to move from side to side like a traditional rag doll. Their arms are jointed only at the shoulder, but have a good degree of movement. The legs are attached with a hinge joint at the hip which allows them to move straight back and forth (no sideways movement). There are no joints at the wrists, elbows, knees, or ankles. Jewel Sparkles little dress is very cute, with a nice amount of detail and trim. It fastens with a strip of Velcro running the length of the back, making for super easy clothing changes. Under her dress, Jewel has painted-on white panties, and a molded “X” stitch for her belly button. Her shoes and socks are molded vinyl, with slots cut down the back of each to assist in removal.
I am in completely love with the look of the Lalaloopsy girls, even if they do remind me of the dolls left behind by the Beldam in Neil Gaiman’s Coraline! I also love the unique color combinations. Another huge positive is the immediate availability of well-made clothing sets, obviously designed to be played with, and changed frequently.
On the negative side, the large heads on these dolls are surprisingly heavy. So heavy, that the doll can’t sit without being propped against something, and even then she tends to fall over sideways. I also find it curious how hard the design works to emulate a rag doll, but with a steadfast refusal to incorporate anything other than hard plastic (with the exception of the clothes). Even the little pets are molded plastic, sculpted to look stitched. It would have been nice if the animal pals were little stuffed pillows or something similar.
Even so, the cute faces, clothing, and colors of the Lalaloopsy dolls are winning me over. I feel like I may be more forgiving of Jewel’s flaws, once she’s been in the house a while longer. Despite her ungainly head and plastic body, she feels surprisingly comforting to hold. Her head gives her a very nice weight. I may have to pick up Blossom after all…
One more note on these girls: I rarely talk about packaging, but I’m making an exception here. As you can see in the photo, the packaging for the dolls is pretty cute. However, this goes down as being the toughest to open toy package I have yet to encounter (and I’ve opened a LOT of toys over the years). It was honestly ridiculous how long it took to get this poor doll out. Surprisingly sharp plastic, plus no less than three fasteners stuck directly into the doll’s molded head. Why do companies do this??? Oh, well. She’s precious anyway.
![new doll_image [譖ｴ譁ｰ貂医∩]](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5016049185_2183be1ce5.jpg)
