While vintage Blythe dolls manufactured in the 70’s never took off during their early years, they are doing extremely well as vintage products. Another interesting thing about these dolls is that they are similar in shape to certain types of modern dolls that are extremely popular. Their only year of production was 1972, although there have been more recent reproductions made by Hasbro, Takara, and by Ashton Drake. The fact that these well-reputed toy-makers reproduced the Blythe dolls is a testament to how popular the Blythe dolls have become in recent times.

One of the unique things about Blythe dolls that probably aided their surge of popularity was their ability to change the color and position of their eyes with just a pull of a string. Each doll had four possible eye and color changes. The innovative body design, like the bendable waist and legs, and the large head-to-body size ratio all contributed to both its lackluster performance as a doll in production and its amazing popularity as a vintage doll. The more old-fashioned features, like the vinyl arm and legs, helped to give it an air of antiquity as a vintage doll.

The pricing of vintage Blythe dolls is extremely variable, depending on the condition of the doll. Well used dolls may run for 70 dollars, where dolls in mint condition may fetch upwards of 1000 dollars. Of course, many Blythe collectors are people from that generation who associate Blythe dolls with youth,joy and happiness, a very convincing cocktail of memories and emotions. These collectors may regard Blythe dolls that are tied to happy memories with fonder eyes than those dolls that have stayed untainted by human hand since they went into their original packaging.

Fans who are not collectors make up a large part of vintage Blythe doll owners, also. Conventions in Blythe’s name, known as “Blythe-Cons” have become common. During these conventions, unusual, or vintage Blythe dolls maybe showcased, while used Blythe dolls are used to exhibit their owner’s creativity. Creative fans of Blythe customize their Blythe dolls, and even use these tools to give their dolls personalities. All of these fans and collectors of Blythe are the reason why a doll that was made before its time has finally found its perfect niche and home in the hearts of its most dedicated followers yet.