Through the years, toy makers have experimented with ideas that were clever, creative… and sometimes just plain strange. There have been dolls that walked and talked, ones that cried real tears, and even dolls that grew hair or blinked unevenly. Some designs hid tiny record players or mechanisms that caused the dolls to “breathe.” What started as innovation occasionally wandered into the bizarre — but those experiments are what make toy history so entertaining today.
One of the most talked-about dolls in the “unusual” category is Growing Up Skipper, released by Mattel in 1975. Skipper was introduced as Barbie’s younger sister back in 1964, designed to represent the innocence of youth. But when Mattel launched this “growing up” version a decade later, it quickly became one of the most controversial toys in Barbie history.
The concept was simple — and yet completely astonishing by today’s standards. When a child twisted Skipper’s arm, her torso elongated and her chest expanded, symbolising her “maturing.” While intended as a demonstration of adolescence, many parents at the time found it more alarming than educational. Critics labelled it “inappropriate,” while others simply found it fascinatingly strange.
Even decades later, Growing Up Skipper remains a favourite among collectors — not for beauty, but for her sheer audacity. She stands as a reminder of how cultural attitudes toward childhood, femininity and play have changed over time.
While some of these dolls may never win awards for charm, they hold a special place in history. They reflect the imagination — and occasional missteps — of designers trying to capture something new. From dolls with built-in radios to others that could “smoke” toy cigarettes (yes, really), the world of dollmaking has never been short on surprises.
At My Doll Cottage, we cherish these oddities just as much as our elegant bisque beauties. Each one tells a story of experimentation, curiosity, and creativity — proof that toy design, like art, isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
So this Strangest Doll Day, take a moment to celebrate the weird and wonderful treasures in your own collection. Share a photo, tell their story, and remember — it’s the quirks that make a doll truly unforgettable. To get you started this little weird doll sits on one of the shelves in our musuem. Gives me Sid vibes from Toy Story but was actually sold like this.
🎀 Celebrate toy history every Friday with My Doll Cottage — where even the strangest dolls have a story to tell.
With love
Shyloh
Tales from the youngest daughter of adoll collector — raised on Milo, Vegemite, and more antiques than a country opshop.
