At a time when consumers are rediscovering the joy of meaningful experiences, a 91-year-old brand is capturing hearts in unexpected places. Annalee Dolls—long treasured as a holiday tradition—is experiencing a fresh wave of popularity as new generations, collectors, and even celebrities embrace the whimsical characters in their homes and across social media.
From living rooms to viral online displays, Annalee’s playful, expressive designs are no longer just nostalgic keepsakes—they’re becoming a growing cultural phenomenon. As the brand continues to expand its audience, one thing is increasingly clear: Everybody loves Annalee Dolls.
Annalee Dolls began in the 1930s when artist Annalee Thorndike started crafting dolls from felt. Her mischievous, hand-painted characters—often posed in playful positions— captured the imagination of people everywhere. What began as a creative hobby soon evolved into a thriving business that today reaches fans around the globe.
“From the very beginning, Annalee’s dolls were meant to make people smile,” said Betsey Pelletier, marketing director at Annalee Dolls. “That simple idea—creating characters that bring joy—has connected us with collectors and families for generations. Our customers encompass all ages, diverse demographics, and even people you’d least expect. It really goes back to the smile. That’s why everybody loves Annalee.”
A Tradition Passed Down
For many fans, Annalee Dolls are far more than decorations—they are cherished heirlooms. Each year, collectors unpack their beloved Annalee elves, mice, and Santas to adorn their homes. Those same dolls are being shared with children and grandchildren, creating new memories and continuing a legacy.
“Annalee dolls have captivated generations with each enchanting creation,” the company noted during its 90th anniversary celebration in 2025. The emotional connection collectors feel toward the dolls has helped create one of the most passionate fan communities.
Fans From Every Walk of Life
Part of what makes Annalee Dolls so special is the remarkable diversity of their fans.
Collectors range from longtime hobbyists to fans discovering them for the first time through social media and seasonal décor trends.
Celebrities have also embraced the brand’s charm. The Hilton family, including influencers Paris and Nicky Hilton, showed their love of Annalee by sharing their holiday greeting card online. It featured a Christmas tree and room decorated with Annalee dolls, showcasing the playful characters to millions of their followers.
Former professional WWE wrestling legend and comedian Mick Foley loves Christmas. He’s also a long-time fan of Annalee dolls. To prove it, he purchased an early 1800s log cabin to house his collection of vintage Annalees from the 1960s and 1970s to create a holiday-themed immersive Christmas experience. In December 2025, he filmed his annual holiday video from the cabin surrounded by Annalee characters.
Los Angeles-based TV and event producer John Halbach (EastSiders, Q Digital) first became enamored with the dolls as a child—thanks to his grandmother. “When I was around 9 years old my grandma Eileen went on a trip . . . and came back with three elves, one in white, one in red, and one in green, and I was obsessed. After I fell in love with the elves my grandma got, she gave me a Little Drummer Boy for Christmas.”
And for some fans, their love for the brand becomes a lifelong passion.
Helene Frigo collected Annalee Dolls for years. When she decided to have a Christmas wedding in 2025, she knew the theme would include Annalee Dolls. She used an Annalee advent calendar to count down the days for her save-the-date announcement. At her reception, dolls decorated each table; bride and groom Annalee designs graced the wedding cake.
Nancy Kitchen loved Annalee so much that she relocated her entire family to New Hampshire to work at Annalee. When a designer position opened, she jumped at the chance. “For years I collected these dolls and decorated my home with them,” Kitchen said. “Now I get to help design them. It’s honestly a dream come true. Being on the inside is such a unique place to be. I get to participate in the process and get to continue collecting with a better understanding of the behind the scenes stuff that so many people know nothing about. It’s an amazing place to be.”
Annalee in Pop Culture and Television
Annalee Dolls have also appeared in popular media, introducing the dolls to even wider audiences.
Annalee’s exclusive designs were recently featured on an episode of the HGTV series Junk or Jackpot? hosted by celebrity designer Bobby Berk (Queer Eye), bringing the collectible designs into the spotlight of modern design culture.
Antique and collectible expert (and Good Morning America co-host) Lara Spencer highlighted the enduring value of Annalee dolls on her HGTV show Everything But the House, helping a collector achieve top dollar for pieces from her collection.
These appearances reinforce what collectors have long known: Annalee dolls are highly sought-after collectibles with lasting appeal.
A Collector Community
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Annalee’s popularity is the vibrant community that surrounds the brand.
Across Facebook and other social platforms, multiple collector groups bring together thousands of fans who share photos of their displays, discuss rare pieces, and celebrate new releases.
Annalee’s in-person events at its New Hampshire headquarters are eagerly sought after tickets.. Fans travel from across the country to attend special gatherings such as the popular Build-a-Doll workshops, where collectors create their own custom Annalee characters.
The excitement reaches another level when limited-edition designs are released. These “exclusives”—produced in quantities as small as 100 pieces—regularly sell out within minutes, as collectors race to secure the rare creations.
91 Years of Smiles
From holiday mantels and seasonal displays to television appearances and celebrity homes, Annalee Dolls have proven that whimsy never goes out of style.
More than nine decades after Annalee Thorndike began crafting dolls in her bedroom, the brand continues to delight collectors with the same playful spirit that started it all.
“Annalee believed every doll should tell a story,” said Pelletier. “Today those stories live in the homes of collectors everywhere—and we’re honored to keep that tradition alive.”
Today, one thing remains certain: When it comes to these mischievous, smiling characters—everybody loves Annalee Dolls.