Dreams of Gold

We love celebrating the Olympic Games! Learn more about our limited edition piece for the 1996 Olympics and about customizing your own special event piece and a great gift or special keepsake for your sporty friend!

1996 Special Event Piece

With the Summer Olympic Games underway, we remember this fantastic Limited Edition piece designed by Annalee for the 1996 Olympics. The title, “Dreams of Gold” says it all. Athletes from all over the world, training day after day for years to participate in the ultimate competition. Each dreaming to bring home a gold medal for his or her country. At Annalee Dolls, we celebrate not only holidays and seasons, but also national and world events. We are so very proud of the athletes that are representing the United States of America. We also recognize all of the athletes participating in the games. Best wishes and good luck to all of you!

Details about the 1996 Summer Olympics

On July 19th, host city Atlanta, Georgia, welcomed thousands of people from all over the world to the opening ceremony at Centennial Olympic Stadium. The torch was carried by the late great Muhammad Ali and the ceremonies were officially opened by President Bill Clinton.

About the Design

This “Itsie” Vignette was probably designed in 1995 so that it could be manufactured in time for Annalee’s Special Events series in 1996. Did Annalee have a premonition about the outcome of the gymnastics competition? Perhaps this is Shannon Miller on the balance beam winning the first individual gold medal in a non-boycotted Olympic Games! Is that Olympic World Champion, Lilia Podkopayeva of the Ukraine, showing off her skills in the floor exercise? Annalee’s “Dreams of Gold” special event piece shows style and grace just like the athletes. The dolls’ expressions are priceless, exuding confidence, a bit of fear, but most of all joy. The American flag flies high above the athletes displaying our country’s pride.

Do you have an idea for a Special Event Piece?

We would love to hear about the events that are important to you. Our designers delight in the opportunity to create a special commemorative. Email your suggestions to us at customerservice@annalee.com

Customize Your Athlete Mouse

Here’s a customizable athlete mouse that makes a great gift or special keepsake for your sporty friend! It can be personalized by choosing the hair color and jersey color. Choose from a variety of sports- basketball, football, soccer and baseball/softball! You can even choose a base color and a name, team or school name, year or special message to be embroidered on the base.