You have probably never heard of Tutti and Todd. No wonder. I also never heard of them for a long time. Even after starting to collect Barbie dolls I was for a while not aware that these dolls existed.
What’s the problem? Well, they were stopped to be in production almost a decade when I was born and I think they were not as wide spread as Barbie and the grown up family members.
Tutti and Todd are twin baby sister and baby brother of Barbie from the mid 60s until the mid 70s and then they disappear from the family and were never seen or heard of again. For a first impression I would like to link to https://fashiondollz.de/1965-tutti-todd-and-chris/#!gallery-1176-9939
D has always nice pics of a ton of Barbie dolls. But what makes Tutti and Todd so special that I dedicate here an article to these two twins? I recently bought a package with repair parts and among these dolls was a Tutti with a green leg and an open arm. So I was able to show you the wire inside the body. It’s the wire that causes the problem concerning the green arms and legs these dolls have often.
The wire reacted with some kind of liquid, often water. I think this
problem is so wide spread because these smaller dolls were produced in
one step while Barbie was produced in several steps. For Barbie you
needed to produce the torso, the arms and the legs separately plus the
head. For Tutti and Todd you needed only body and head. Here was at
least a potential to save money and I think that these dolls now suffer
from. https://fashiondollz.de/1965-tutti-todd-and-chris/#!
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.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von whitney.barbiedoll (@whitney.barbiedoll) am
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?
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Pink Power Wheels Kelly and Tommy gift set from 1997. #1997barbie #barbie1997 #barbiekellydoll #powerwheelskelly #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiedoctora
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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?
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!
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Tiny Steps Kelly, special version from KB, had less toys than the regular doll. #kellyclub #tinystepskelly #barbieshelly #shellyclub #kellyclub #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
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Tommy and Kelly soccer gift set from 1999. It’s a Target exclusive set. #kelly1999 #barbiekellydoll #barbiesisters #kellyclub #target? #barbie1999 #busybfromgermany #barbiedoctor #barbiedoctora
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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!
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
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Love 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
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
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A 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
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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!
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That’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
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Busy B from Germany (@busybfromgermany) am
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.
Today, I’d like to share another article from my Barbie wiki, this time focusing on one of Barbie’s sisters: Kelly. While Kelly is still available on the market in a different version today, her name was changed to Chelsea in 2011. However, this article will focus on Kelly and her early years, before the name change.
Kelly, Barbie’s baby sister, was first introduced in 1994. She was created by Carol Spencer, a longtime Mattel employee who began her career at the company in the 1960s. According to my research, Kelly was a project that Spencer made her own, a fact she also discusses in her recently published book Dressing Barbie.
In this article, I’ll share all the information I’ve gathered about Kelly and her origins. Join me as we dive into the fascinating history of Barbie’s baby sister, Kelly!
Love at first sight with Shelly
The first time I saw Kelly was in a catalog back in 1995, and I was immediately smitten. She was so adorable that I decided I wanted to collect everything I could find related to Kelly. From those early years, I’ve managed to gather almost everything in my collection.
Kelly’s clothing was designed by Carol Spencer, who poured her creativity into every piece. Interestingly, Kelly was known as Shelly in Europe and Canada. Was this name change made to boost sales figures? I’m not sure why Mattel chose a different name for the European market, but Kelly was officially introduced there in 1995 as well.
At the time, Kelly appeared to be around three or four years old. The very first edition of Kelly, “Bedtime Fun Kelly,” included a Kelly doll dressed in pink pajamas and a baby bed. This set also featured a beautiful Sunday dress made of black velvet and plenty of toys. Shortly afterward, Kelly was joined by three friends: Susie, Chelsea, and Melody.
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The Winter Holiday Gift Set: A Special Addition to Kelly’s Legacy
I believe that in 1995, Mattel released a remarkable gift set called the Winter Holiday Gift Set. This set featured Barbie, Skipper, Stacie, and Kelly enjoying a winter adventure on a big sleigh. What makes this set particularly special is Skipper’s doll. She used the recently introduced Pizza Hut face mold, which was a charming departure from the mold previously used for her. This unique detail made the set stand out among collectors.
Kelly, dressed in her adorable snow suit, always reminded me of a character from a Japanese comic series inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Perhaps that resemblance is part of what drew me to this set, but I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that, until then, I didn’t have a set featuring all four sisters together, which made the Winter Holiday Gift Set even more appealing and memorable to me.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Lena (@barbiepaupererika) am
Early Barbie and Kelly Gift Sets: A Look Back at Strolling Fun and More
In 1996, the first Barbie and Kelly gift set was introduced: Strolling Fun Barbie and Kelly. This delightful set featured Barbie pushing Kelly in a stroller. Shelly (as Kelly was known in Europe) was designed with a movable arm, allowing her to mimic natural movements while seated in the strolle
The following year, in 1997, Mattel released another charming gift set: the Shopping Fun Gift Set. In this set, Kelly sat adorably in a shopping cart and came with a special feature—a magnet in her hand. This allowed her to hold a pair of magnetic boxes included in the set, adding a playful, interactive element.
Also in 1996, Kelly was introduced as Bathing Fun Shelly. I’ve discovered two variations of this set, differing in the trim color of her towel and bathrobe, which were available in either pink or yellow. Interestingly, there are also differences in the dolls themselves. One of my Bathing Fun Shellys has Saran hair, while another features Kanekalon hair, showcasing the subtle diversity in production.
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Barbie & kelly strollin fun Th. 1995, rare.. dus rusak tapi isinya bagus, new ya masih segel (kenangan anak 90an) sold . . . #jualbarbievintage #barbie1995 #barbiestrollinfun #barbiekelly #barbie90s
Ein Beitrag geteilt von kolektor mainan & preloved (@carells_toys) am
My two Bathtime Fun versions ( Kanekalone hair in box, Saran hair below)
Potty Training Kelly: A Clever and Tiny Innovation
In 1997, Mattel introduced the Potty Training Kelly set, showcasing an impressive and playful innovation. This set included a tiny bottle that could be filled with water. By pressing the heart-shaped button on Kelly’s belly, she would “pee,” simulating potty training.
The mechanism seems similar to that used in larger drink-and-wet dolls, but it was executed on a much smaller scale, making it all the more fascinating. This clever feature added an extra layer of realism and interactive fun to the doll, delighting young fans and collectors alike.
Early Kelly Fashion by Carol Spencer: Matching Styles for Barbie and Kelly
During Kelly’s early years, Carol Spencer designed several adorable clothing sets for her. These outfits showcased Spencer’s signature charm and creativity, making them highly sought after by collectors. Many of these sets weren’t just exclusive to Kelly—they also came in matching styles for Barbie and Kelly, allowing fans to dress the sisters in coordinated looks.
I’ve documented numerous early outfits from my collection and created a fashion showcase. You can explore the pictures and details here: My Shelly/Kelly Fashion Show.
These early designs reflect the timeless appeal of Kelly and Barbie’s shared fashion moments, adding a special touch to any collection.
Ein Beitrag geteilt von Taelyn’s Barbie Page (@barbieandchill) am
The Mystery of the Pool Fun Series: From Advertisements to Reality
The Pool Fun series featuring Kelly and her friends was prominently showcased in advertisements during the 1990s. For years, I struggled to determine whether this series was ever actually produced or if it remained a prototype, as was often the case with catalog promotions during that era.
In 2007 or 2008, I finally solved the mystery when I found Kelly and her friends from the Pool Fun series. To my delight, the series had indeed been produced, and I was able to add it to my collection.
Eating Fun Kelly and More: A Look at Rare and Memorable Sets
In 1997, Mattel introduced Eating Fun Shelly/Kelly. While I haven’t had the chance to explore how the mechanism works since mine is still in its original box, this set remains a charming addition to Kelly’s lineup from the era.
Also in 1997, Mattel released another iconic set featuring all four sisters: Travelin’ Fun Sisters. This set captured Barbie, Skipper, Stacie, and Kelly in a fun travel theme. You can view an image of this set here.
Last year, I was thrilled to finally add the Power Wheels Jeep set to my collection. This unique set features Shelly and Tommy (Kelly’s male baby counterpart) riding in a Power Wheels Jeep. Finding this set in its original box was no easy feat—it’s both rare and often very expensive. After years of searching, I was lucky to secure one, and it’s now a cherished part of my collection.
I have for example many sets of early Kelly/Shelly sets. I’m going to divide this article in at least two parts. Next part is coming soon.
My post from last week inspired me to write more about Barbie dolls friends and family. In my article I’m talking about Stacey and Stacie.
Stacey had her first appearance in 1967 as Barbie’s Talking friend/Barbie’s friend from England. The Talking Stacey doll was spoken by Gwen Florea, who wrote a very nice book about her time at Mattel in the 60s and 70s. I was unfortunately too late to talk to her. It was only a short while before she died. Bad luck …
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Two TNT Staceys. #barbiestacey #modbarbie #stripesarehappening #barbie
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Stacey was designed as a friend of Barbie from England. She had the same size like Barbie doll and of course they were able to share clothes. Stacey brought lots of MOD(ern) clothes from the Carnaby Street in London, England to her friend Barbie. Maybe that’s how to crazy and colorful MOD clothes came into Barbie dolls wardrobe?
Stacey was available as blonde version and a red haired version ( I love this version but I don’t have one at the moment … hope that’s going to change one day..) . She was available until 1971. In 1972 she was sent to retirement… so sad … I wish they had produced her for a longer time. I can’t imagine that the sales figures were that bad.
Anyway in the early 1990s Barbie suddenly got a sister called Stacie. I would say she was approx. 10 years old in the good old time. She was a twin and had a twin brother called Todd ( who somehow reminded me of the Todd from the 1960s, Tutti’s twin brother). One of my thoughts was that she should maybe present a kind of a modern Tutti. Stacie could first be seen at the time Midge became a bride. She was sold at Toys r us together with Todd as flower girl and ring bearer. There was also a big gift set for the Midge Wedding with Stacie, Todd, Midge, Alan, Barbie and Ken. I think she reappeared one or two years later a steady character of the Barbie family and got an own clothing line, friends Janet and Whitney and disappeared around 2000. So one could think she was sent into retirement before she became a teenager?
Obviously she came back in the last decade but her character was changed. She became older and appeared in the Barbie movies. In the meantime she was sold as a doll again.
Today I have the chance to show you two versions, an early Kelly and a late one from one set produced by Mattel in the mid 1990s. I had the idea that there are two versions of one doll but I only owned the early version. In December I found the late version with the pink border ( bathing gown and towel) and canecalon hair. The early version has the yellow border (bathing gown and towel) and saran hair ( much shinier and easier to comb).
So here you can see that there are indeed two versions….
