Thursday, December 03, 2015

Snowbabies History and Checklist 1998 - 2015



Snowbabies figurines originated in the 1890s influenced by the birth of Marie Peary.  Her father was Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary who would later be credited with the discovery of the North Pole.  At the time of her birth her father was exploring northwest Greenland. Greenland natives had never laid eyes on a Caucasian child and they affectionately dubbed her "snow baby".

In turn, Kristi Jensen Pierro drew inspiration from these historical events, childhood memories, and the antics of her own children reveling in wonderment of winter. Department 56 enraptured by Kristi Jensen Pierro's charming illustrations of cherubic imps romping through Frost Frolic Land, chose to render them in three dimensional form.  Five bisque figurines were introduced in 1987.  Snowbabies became Department 56's most endearing line and was expanded to included waterglobes, ornaments, accessories, and animals.  

In 1998, Snowbabies began entertaining visitors from other lands with the introduction of the immensely popular Guest Collection.  Their first dignitary dropped in on her way home from Oz.  



Since Dorothy and Toto's first visit, The Wizard of Oz has been introduced regularly into the Snowbabies line. Let's hope the tradition continues for 2016. 


1998 - 2001
I Have A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore   #56.69900

1999 - 2004 
They're Coming From Oz, Oh My!    #56.69010

2001 - 2004
Make Room For Toto Lift Top Box    #56.69922


2001 - 2005
And Toto Too      #56.69921


2006
No Place Like Home     Avon Exclusive 


2009
Dorothy & Toto    Ltd. Commodities Exclusive 


Snowbaby and Globe   Ltd. Commodities Exclusive 


2009 - 2014
 No Place Like Home, Toto (Avon Reissue)   #808707

You're So Smart, Baby     #808708

You've Got Heart, Baby       #808709

You've Got Courage, Baby      #808710

You're a Good Witch       #808711

You're a Bad Witch        #808712


2011 - 2013
Lullaby Girl            #4024873
Winged Monkey        #4024875
Wizard of Oz          #4025941
Lollipop Boy            #4025942

2011 - 2014
Dorothy in Dress           #4024877


2012 - 2014
Over the Rainbow          #4027735

2012 - 2015
Wicked Witch of the West         #4027468


2013 - 2014
There's No Place Like Home     #4031843


2013 - 2015
Yellow Brick Road          #4035759

2013 - Current
Oil For Tin Man    #4031845


2014 - Current
King of the Forest          #4042504

Surrender Dorothy        #4042505

Dorothy Picks Apples       #4042506

Give Me Your Hand           #4042507