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It’s the passionate Barbie collector back again with a new topic for this week’s blog post. In my previous article, I explored the debut of the first Kelly/Shelly dolls from the mid-1990s. This week, I’m excited to continue where we left off and dive deeper into the fascinating world of these little dolls.
The Kelly/Shelly doll line captivates me in many ways. From their charming designs to their unique features, these dolls offer a special appeal that continues to intrigue collectors and fans alike. Join me as we explore more about these delightful figures and uncover what makes them so captivating.
I don’t have all sets with Shelly/Kelly
Let’s pick up where we left off in our last discussion. I previously introduced you to the “Travelin’ Sisters” set, a charming collection that caught my eye in Michael Augustyniak’s book. He noted it as a Toys”R” Us exclusive, though it’s unclear if it was only sold there, especially since we didn’t have Toys”R” Us stores around at that time.
Around the late 1990s, several delightful special Kelly/Shelly sets were released, and the “Travelin’ Sisters” set is a prime example. What makes this set particularly intriguing is its international variation. The Japanese version features Barbie with a Bob Mackie face, while the US version showcases a smiling Superstar face. This variation was quite common in the 1990s, and I suspect that some of my readers may not have encountered this difference before.
Another incredibly charming set that I discovered is the “Birthday Fun Kelly” gift set. I received this delightful set as a Christmas present in 1996. The Kelly and Chelsie dolls were simply irresistible, and I was thrilled to have them, thanks to my aunt’s thoughtful gift.
Interestingly, this set was never officially listed as a Toys”R” Us exclusive, despite being available at their stores. I’ve never seen it anywhere else, which adds to its unique charm. It seems that finding the perfect Christmas gift for an 11-year-old girl today might be more challenging, as trends and preferences have evolved significantly since then.
This set remains a special memory for me, reflecting how certain toys can hold a unique place in our hearts long after they’ve been discontinued.
Exclusive Barbie Sets: A Look at Target, Grocery, and Sears Releases
In 1998, Target offered an intriguing variant of the Power Wheels Tommy and Kelly gift set in blue, contrasting with the regular pink version. This blue set is exceptionally rare; I’ve only come across it in books, never in person. Finding a pink version in pristine, never-removed-from-box (NRFB) condition is also a challenge today. After many years of searching, I finally managed to acquire one in 2018. Although the set is quite heavy, I hesitate to debox it, as it remains a treasured part of my collection.
Special sets like these were often available at major retailers such as Toys”R” Us, Target, Wal-Mart, and grocery stores. These retailers frequently offered variants of regular sets, like the KB Tiny Steps Kelly in 2003 or the Love ‘n Care Kelly in 2002. Typically, these variants included fewer accessories and toys, which allowed them to be sold at a lower price point. This strategy likely aimed to boost sales by making the dolls more affordable while still appealing to collectors.
What about you? Have you encountered any rare or unique Barbie sets in your collecting journey?
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anPink Power Wheels Kelly and Tommy gift set from 1997. #1997barbie #barbie1997 #barbiekellydoll #powerwheelskelly #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiedoctora
Special Kelly dolls for every season
Throughout the years, various retailers have offered exclusive Barbie sets that added unique charm to any collection. For instance, Target released the “Halloween Kelly” line in 2000, a festive set that captured the spirit of the season. Grocery stores featured the “Holiday Kelly” series, available for several years and reflecting seasonal cheer. Sears also contributed with the “Evening Recital” gift set, which included Barbie, Kelly, Tommy, and Stacie, showcasing a festive ensemble perfect for special occasions.
Rather than just listing what was available or what I don’t have, I’d love to share some of my favorite sets with you. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to find some truly special dolls. However, the journey of collecting is ongoing, and there are still several dolls on my wish list.
Isn’t it intriguing how the desire to find that perfect addition never really fades? The quest for rare and unique items often seems endless. Do you think this constant yearning for new pieces ever truly stops? Will our collections ever be complete, or is there always another treasure to seek?
I’m eager to hear your thoughts and experiences. Do you believe that the thrill of collecting and the pursuit of new finds ever comes to an end?
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an#KellyClub #KellyBarbie #KellyBarbieDoll #ShellyBarbie #ShellyBarbieDoll
Showcasing My Favorite Barbie Sets: A Look at What I Have
I’d truly love to share some of the adorable Holiday Kelly and Friends sets with you, but unfortunately, I don’t have any at the moment. However, I do have a collection of other delightful sets that I’m excited to show off.
Though I may not have the Holiday Kelly sets, the ones I do possess are just as charming and provide a wonderful overview of the various themes and designs in my collection. From festive ensembles to unique editions, these sets reflect the diverse and intriguing world of Barbie.
Let’s take a closer look at the sets I have. They offer a glimpse into the different topics and styles covered throughout the years, showcasing the creativity and appeal of Barbie and her friends. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring these sets as much as I do!
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anTiny Steps Kelly, special version from KB, had less toys than the regular doll. #kellyclub #tinystepskelly #barbieshelly #shellyclub #kellyclub #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany
The Quest for the Kelly Pretty Kitty Gift Set
One of the standout pieces in my collection is the Kelly Pretty Kitty gift set, which proved to be quite a challenge to find. After an extensive search that spanned several years, I was thrilled to finally add this elusive set to my collection.
Finding certain Barbie sets can sometimes take an extraordinary amount of time and effort. The Kelly Pretty Kitty set was no exception, as its rarity meant that locating one required persistence and patience. The journey to find such rare items is a testament to the dedication and passion of collectors.
If you’ve ever searched for a specific set or item, you know how rewarding it can be when you finally track it down. The hunt for these unique pieces is often as exciting as the collection itself, adding to the overall joy and satisfaction of being a Barbie enthusiast.
A Hidden Gem: The Tommy and Kelly Soccer Set
One of the most charming additions to my collection is the Tommy and Kelly Soccer set. I was delighted to discover this adorable set last year, especially since I had never encountered it in Europe before.
The soccer set’s cuteness and unique appeal made it a standout find. It’s always exciting to come across a rare or previously unseen item, particularly when it adds a new dimension to your collection. The joy of finding such treasures is part of what makes collecting so rewarding.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, stumbling upon a special set like this one is always a thrilling experience. It’s moments like these that remind us of the endless possibilities in the world of Barbie collectibles.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anTommy and Kelly soccer gift set from 1999. It’s a Target exclusive set. #kelly1999 #barbiekellydoll #barbiesisters #kellyclub #target? #barbie1999 #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiedoctora
Discovering the Shelly and Pony Set: A Spring 2019 Find
In the spring of 2019, I came across an adorable addition to my collection: the Shelly and Pony set. This charming set caught my eye and quickly became a favorite.
I’m unsure whether this set was exclusive to Europe or if it was available in other regions as well. The delightful combination of Shelly and her pony certainly adds a unique touch to any Barbie collection.
Finding such special sets is always an exciting experience, especially when their origin or availability is a bit of a mystery. If you have any insights or information about this set, I’d love to hear from you!
The Adorable Love ‘n Care Kelly Set: Kelly’s Bedtime with Chickenpox
Another irresistibly cute addition to my collection is the Love ‘n Care Kelly set. This set features Kelly in a cozy bed, complete with a playful detail—she’s depicted with chickenpox.
The Love ‘n Care Kelly set stands out for its unique and endearing concept. The depiction of Kelly dealing with chickenpox adds a charming touch of realism and imagination to the set, making it a standout piece in any Barbie collection.
These delightful and themed sets showcase the creativity and attention to detail that make Barbie dolls so special. They also reflect how Barbie and her friends were designed to resonate with various aspects of everyday life, even in their most playful forms.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anLove n Care Kelly from 2002, special edition with less toys and the dress is lacking. She was sold at KB. #kellydolls #kellydoll #barbiesister #kelly2002 #barbie2002 #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #kb #specialedition #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiestagram
A Cherished Early Find: The “Tea for Three” Kelly Gift Set
We shouldn’t overlook the “Tea for Three” Kelly gift set, which holds a special place in my collection. This charming set was one of my early acquisitions and was among the first to make its way into my collection soon after its release.
The “Tea for Three” set features Kelly and her friends in a delightful tea party scene, capturing a whimsical and heartwarming moment. Its addition to my collection marked an exciting milestone and remains a beloved piece.
Early sets like this often have a unique significance, as they represent the beginning of a collector’s journey and the joy of discovering new and endearing additions to their collection.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anA very cute Toys R us exclusive set was the “Tea for Three Kelly gift set” from 2003. She comes with two plush friends, chairs and a table so that they can have tea immediately. #barbiekelly #kellyteaforthree #kelly2003 #barbie2003 #toysrus #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany #kellyclub #kellystagram #barbiestagram #barbiedoctor
Another Adorable Find at Toys”R” Us: A Set to Fall in Love With
Let’s stay at Toys”R” Us for a moment and explore another incredibly cute set that’s sure to capture your heart. This set, like many others from Toys”R” Us, exudes charm and has a unique appeal that makes it a standout piece in any Barbie collection.
The set in question is delightfully endearing, with every detail meticulously crafted to charm collectors and fans alike. From its thoughtful accessories to the cute and lovable characters, this set truly embodies the playful spirit that makes Barbie so special.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of Barbie, finding such adorable sets can be a highlight of your collecting journey. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into more of these enchanting finds!
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram anThat’s the Kelly & Liana dress up friends gift set. Very cute and a Toys r us exclusive from 2002. #kellyandfriends #kellyandfriend #kellydoll #barbiedoll #kelly2002 #barbie2002 #superstarbarbie #toysrus #kellystagram #barbiestagram #dollcollector #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiedoctora
Exploring Unique Foreign Sets: The Wedding Barbie & Kelly from the Philippines
We shouldn’t overlook the intriguing foreign sets featuring Kelly and Barbie. Currently, I have one such unique set in my collection: the Wedding Barbie & Kelly from the Philippines.
This set stands out not only for its distinctive theme but also for its cultural charm. The Wedding Barbie & Kelly set offers a glimpse into the international appeal of Barbie, showcasing how different regions put their unique spin on beloved characters.
The Philippine edition of this set is particularly captivating, with its special design and details that reflect local influences. It’s a testament to the global reach of Barbie and the diverse ways in which she has been embraced and celebrated around the world.
Wrapping Up: The Fascinating World of Shelly/Kelly Variations
I hope you enjoyed exploring the diverse range of Shelly/Kelly sets with me. While I don’t have every set, my collection is always evolving, and I’m continually on the lookout for new additions. If you happen to come across any Shelly/Kelly sets that I might not have, please let me know!
As my collection grows, I look forward to sharing more discoveries with you. Perhaps in the future, I’ll be able to write a third part to this series, showcasing even more of these charming little dolls.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the wonderful world of Shelly/Kelly. I hope you share my enthusiasm for these delightful dolls and that you’ve enjoyed the article as much as I have enjoyed writing it.