Bobbleheads are collectible dolls whose "heads are connected to the body by a spring rather than a solid connection," as stated by leading manufacturer, bobbleheads.com. They have gone by other names including nodders, wobblers, and nodding head dolls. Since their debut, they have remained a popular item for over 150 years.
History of the Bobblehead Toy
Bobbleheads have a rich history, "the earliest known reference to similar toys [being] from the 1842 short story The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol, which described a character as having a neck which was "like the neck of plaster cats which wag their heads," says Bobblehead.com.
The 1920s produced a New York Knicks basketball player bobblehead, which increased interest in these toys. Popularity waned, however, and these dolls were only produced in limited numbers and considered novelty items until the 1950s.
Made from papier-mâché, the majority of the early models, such as those sold at the 1960s World Series, have not survived without damage such as chipping.
In the 1970s, bobbleheads.com says "the bobblehead set for the Beatles became one of the most famous and rare of all time, and it is still a valuable collectible today."
The 1990s new manufacturing process created bobbleheads out of plastic rather than ceramic, which allowed more quality products to be produced and cut down on cost significantly. Bobblehead.com states that in "1999, the San Francisco Giants baseball team handed out 35,000 free Willie Mays 'nodders' during one of their games, and they were a huge hit among fans and collectors. This event , and the decreased manufacturing costs, prompted a strong and rapid resurgence of the toys and the industry. The market rose exponentially to include many lesser-known cultural figures and notable people."
The Bobblehead Market Today
Since 2000, the bobblehead market has expanded to include a variety of products including mini-bobbleheads, bobblehead air fresheners, bobblehead banks, and bobble computer sitters. Unlike early varieties of this coveted toy, bobbleheads today closely resemble their real-life corresponding person. Prices vary between each bobblehead depending upon availability, how many of that model were produced, and age of the model.
Popular Bobblehead Themes and Subjects
- Sports
- Celebrities
- Politics
- Television and Movies
- Military
- Holidays
- Occupations
- Marvel Comics
- Entertainers
- Religious Figures
- Pets
- Special Occasions, including Weddings
Custom Bobbleheads
Manufacturing companies have begun producing customized bobbleheads for purchasers. Custom bobbleheads make great gifts for a variety of occasions such as a bachelor or bachelorette party, Christmas, birthday, wedding anniversary, retirement, etc. These special items are designed to resemble real-life people, such as the friends or loved ones of the buyer, and come with numerous setting, clothing, and body options. Some companies even add the option of including a recorder in the base of the bobblehead so that the purchaser may create a personalized voice message. Prices range from $75 to $300.
References
- Bobbleheads.com, LLC. (2008-2009)
- Articlesbase.com, "Bobbleheads & Bobblehead Doll Figures - Past and Present" by Steve Ripsky.
Terah Talley - Terah Talley is a recent graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville GA. Her focus of study included theater performance, vocal arts, and ...
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