If you grew up in the 90’s you will have most likely have heard of, or even owned a range of toys from the Polly Pocket collection. Polly Pocket was a tiny doll who originally came in a locket necklace that you could open to reveal Polly herself in a variety of different settings.

Later, larger ‘cases’ arrived on the scene which opened-up into various scenarios including dolls house, wedding chapels and playgrounds etc. Recently I found one of my own old sets and introduced it to my two-year-old niece (keeping a close eye on her as Polly and her friends really are pocket sized!) and she loved it!

So, what happened to Polly Pocket? Let’s take a closer look.

Polly Pocket History

Polly Pocket was first designed by Chris Wiggs in 1983 for his daughter. He went on to produce a small compact house for the doll to live in and in 1989 the first Polly Pocket toys appeared in stores. Produced by Bluebird Toys, the first original Polly Pockets came in lockets that would fit in your pocket (or worn around the neck). The original Polly Pockets were less than half an inch tall which made it easy for her to fit into all sorts of small spaces (and therefore easily lost!).

As time went on Polly Pocket toys became larger in size. With Polly herself still being pocket sized, the plastic cases became much bigger allowing for more adventures. The new larger cases were still designed to be transportable, with most cases coming with a handle. The cases opened, providing a range of different settings for Polly and her friends. These varied from houses to wedding parties. Polly could bend from the waist allowing her to stand straight and sit down as required and the base of the doll was circular which allowed her to slot into various places on the settings.

In 1998 Mattel purchased Polly Pocket from Bluebird Toys and redesigned Polly into a much larger, lifelike doll with more joints and the option of different outfits that could be changeable. In 2002 Mattel stopped producing the smaller range of Polly Pocket and focused solely on the larger dolls.

Unfortunately, in 2006 Mattel had to recall over 4.4 million play sets after a large number of children swallowed lose magnets which ultimately affected the sales and therefore discontinued worldwide in 2015.

The Polly Pocket Collection

Polly Pocket Locket
These were the original Polly Pocket toy and ultimately where the name came from. Polly was originally small enough to fit in your pocket, and if she can fit in your pocket, why not fit her in a locket! These lockets came in a variety of colours and opened to revealing a different setting. Some were laid out like houses, some were gardens, or even a playground, you name it, it could be around your neck.

The Cases
The majority of the Polly Pockets we know and love come in travel friendly cases, with each opening to a different setting. Polly also came with a group of friends to accompany her on her adventure. These were ideal for small children who liked to take their toys everywhere, as they could close the case with everything inside and carry it with the handle. The original Polly Pocket toys that were made by Bluebird Toys have become collectable items, and if they are fully working and in their original packaging, they can be sold for a nice amount on Ebay!

Polly Pocket Redesign
Once Mattel took over Polly Pocket from Bluebird Toys, Polly had a makeover. The Polly figures were larger, and the case designs easier and simpler to use. Along with this, ‘Fashion Polly’ was released with a larger 9.5cm doll with clothes that could be removed and replaced. Mattel also released a range of male dolls to tie in with the Polly Pocket animated film which premiered in 2006.

The Comeback

Guess what? Polly Pocket is making an official comeback later this year! In February 2018 Garrett Sander announced that Polly Pocket was making a comeback but with a slight twist. Still coming in their cases; there will be a range of new scenarios including a ski lodge! Polly herself will still be larger than the original but these dolls will still be small enough to fit in the cases and will also be made of flexible plastic to adapt to any position needed.

There are rumours flying around that the story of Polly would be that with her magical locket she can shrink down to any size (a little nod to the original) and therefore hoping to attract the generation who grew up loving Polly and her pals. They are due to be available US in May 2018. Let’s hope they make it over the pond for Christmas!

Dolls and Figures at Toy Street