Littlest Pet Shop Blythe Dolls - Discontinued??? Say It Isn't So

Thumbnail photo credit: Freakysita via photopin cc

The Hasbro Littlest Pet Shop Blythe dolls were created by Hasbro to go with the wildly popular Littlest Pet Shop animal toys. In her story line Blythe Baxter recently moved into an apartment above a pet day care shop and discovered her unique ability to understand and talk to the animals there.  She becomes their "Pet Sitter" and the accessories included with the dolls are tied into the theme. 

The Littlest Pet Shop cartoon series aried on Saturday Morning Cartoons in 1995 without a Blythe character, and in 2012 was revived in another television series with the same name.   The current cartoon is centered around Blythe the pet sitter, and her amazing ability to converse with the animals. 

A History Of Blythe - From 1972 Kenner To Now
Follow along and learn how this obscure and overlooked doll from the '70s became one of the most coveted and valuable dolls ever.

Ashton Drake Blythe Doll Replicas
The Ashton Drake collectible company replicated the original Blythe Dolls and their outfits in 2004.

If it seems like just yesterday the LPS Blythe dolls were lining the shelves - it's because they were! Littlest Pet Shop animal toys were created in 2004 by Hasbro and the Pet Sitter Blythe dolls were introduced in 2010.  Right away the Littlest Pet Shop Blythe dolls had a following with collectors, most likely because of the popularity of their larger Takara Tomy Blythe counterparts.

The dolls are small at just 4" tall, and are made of vinyl.  They have rooted hair and eyelashes, and the facial details are painted on.  Her eyes are inset glass, but they don't close.  LPS Blythe is marginally poseable with joints at the shoulders and hips and her head swivels around. 

Most of the dolls are packaged in sets with an outfit, comb, an adorable pet, and some accessories.  There were a few versions without the pet, and some that were produced as exclusives for Target.  After the 47th incarnation of tiny Blythe, her look changed and her lashes were painted on.  There is a current version of the Blythe doll from Hasbro that is solid plastic with snap on clothes, and looks more like the newest TV series character.  She has not been received graciously by collectors.

At my last count there were over 50 Littlest Pet Shop Blythe Dolls produced by Hasbro since 2010. I have 10 of them.  That means I need around 40 to complete the entire set.  Arrrgh!  Now that the Blythe doll body has changed to resemble a Polly Pocket style toy, I expect the prices of these cute collectibles with hair you can brush and clothes made of fabric to go up.

I've seen a few of the doll sets at closeout stores like Tuesday Morning and Ross, but eventually they will only be available on secondary markets aka eBay and Amazon.  That's where enterprising individuals (like me) will be selling LPS Blythe dolls at a premium. How I wish I had bought them when they were in Target and Toys r Us at regular prices. 

Here is the list in my doll collection -

• Sightseeing Cute
• Prettiest in Pearls
• Get Pretty Boutique
• Buckles n Bows
• Pinwheels n Daisies
• Swim n Sun
• Cold Weather Cute
• Outdoor Afternoon
• Autumn Glam
• Fabulously Vintage

You can view the entire list courtesy of Dr. Blythenstien here -->> Blythe LIttlest Pet Shop Guide