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It was an event 90 years in the making. The Annalee team was so excited to welcome Shawnee and Todd R. of Altoona, PA, to Annalee HQ in June, as the grand prize winners of our 90th Anniversary Getaway Giveaway. It was a whirlwind visit of whimsical fun for all. Shawnee and Todd were treated to a private tour of Annalee, got to work with an Annalee designer to create their own one-of-a-kind doll, attended a special Annalee-sponsored theater event of the hit musical Jersey Boys, and were treated to other special gifts, including travel and accommodations to the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee region of New Hampshire.
Shawnee and Todd were among 400 entries in the Getaway Giveaway. Reviewing all the entries was truly humbling. So many people really love collecting Annalee dolls. But Shawnee and Todd won the judging elves over with their enthusiasm for all things Annalee. In the winning entry, Shawnee showcased her beautiful hutch that she decorates with Annalee dolls for every season. “What started as a few dolls has grown into a large collection that includes props,” she says. Shawnee explained how she enjoys taking her time to depict a scene on each shelf. Todd, her husband, also likes to join in the fun. Todd’s favorite design is the 2019 Eddy the Yeti. While Shawnee is partial to the 2023 Mystical Beauty design. The couple really enjoys each season, and the many Annalee designs that family members have gifted them in the past 12+ years of collecting.
We loved getting to know Shawnee and Todd and thought you would, too. We asked them to tell us their personal Annalee story and how they enjoyed their Getaway Giveaway experience.
How did you first become interested in collecting Annalee dolls?
One of my best friends from childhood, her mother, Debra, collected the Christmas elves. She would display them on the fireplace mantel each year. These were the first dolls that I ever noticed and always thought to myself “how cool!”
What was the first doll you ever collected, and why did you choose that one?
Todd’s mother, Becky, got us our first dolls for Christmas back in 2011 or 2012. Todd received a Santa and I got an elf. So began the collection.
Can you describe the feeling you get when you add a new doll to your collection?
Joy
What motivates you to continue collecting Annalee dolls?
The opportunity to freshen up my displays!
How many dolls are in your collection currently?
A rough guess would be… close to 300? Between our seasonal, exclusives, and randoms.
Do you focus on a specific type of doll (such as exclusives, mice, elves, or other animals), and if so, why?
We collect a bunch of different animals for Christmas, the exclusives if they “speak to us,” and we also really enjoy the elves.
Do you have a favorite Annalee season or holiday?
Christmas animals, Halloween, & St. Patrick’s leprechauns.
How do you decide why or when to add a new doll to your collection?
If we find one that we like, or a new release of an exclusive on the website, or a good sale!
If you could have Annalee create a doll especially for you, what would it look like or represent?
I would make a doll of myself, my husband, or my pets… that way I could put us into my displays for each season and our families could “Where’s Waldo?” us each time I change my display.
You said your favorite Annalee doll is the 2023 Mystical Beauty exclusive design? Why? What makes it special to you?
She is just the cutest unicorn ever! She is the definition of feeling joy!
How do you feel your collection reflects your personality or interests?
I think the dolls with their outward expression of their quirkiness with their whimsical faces may be the same quirkiness that I have inside of myself, too.
How has the design and craftsmanship of Annalee doll added to the decor of your home?
A lot of my holiday decorating focuses around Annalees! As far as craftsmanship… I have bent them into any position I need to get them to look how I want them to and they always hold up great!
Do you collect any vintage designs? Or concentrate on what’s coming next?
I personally don’t have a ton of vintage in my collection, even though I do frequent antique stores. I like to focus on what is new.
Do you know other Annalee collectors, or do you participate in any collector groups or events?
I am on a few Facebook groups and have bought a couple dolls from people on there but not many. Other family members are collectors as well.
Could you share any of your design secrets with other Annalee collectors?
If you see any “props” that you can incorporate into your displays… Target Bullseye’s Playground, and their seasonal section normally treat us pretty well.
How do your friends and family feel about your collection?
My mother, Mary, thinks they’re great. Jodie, Todd’s sister, says that she loves to see the hutch and what is on display for the season. The lights, props, and dolls are tastefully placed to create a seasonal vibe. My stepmom, Missie, says “It’s always interesting to look at the hutch each season to see the new additions to each collection.”
How do you care for and preserve your dolls?
Many Steralite storage tubs/drawers!
If you could pass on one piece of advice to new collectors, what would it be?
Buy the ones that bring you joy. Our collection started with a gift from Todd’s mom They make great gifts!!
Why did you enter the 90th Anniversary Getaway Giveaway?
Personally, I have had New Hampshire on my “want to travel to list” for quite awhile. For our 4th anniversary, I got Todd a map that you can mark places you’ve been to/want to go and marked the Annalee headquarters as soon as we put it up. How honored we feel to be chosen!
What did you hope to experience on your trip to visit Annalee in New Hampshire?
To see “where the magic happens!” and to meet the creative people who have a hand in that magic!
Thank you Shawnee and Todd. We’re so glad you enjoyed your trip to Annalee HQ and the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. All the elves enjoyed meeting you. We hope you come back and visit us again soon.
We also want to thank everyone who entered our 90th Anniversary Getaway Giveaway. It was VERY difficult choosing one lucky winner from 400+ amazing entries. Here are just a few other favorite smiling faces who entered the contest. Annalee would be so pleased knowing her legacy lives on through the creative efforts of so many wonderful people. We are humbled and honored.
Cathy K: “The Annalee journey began in 1969, when my mother-in-law gave me two Christmas mice for Christmas. I fell in love with them. At that time, you couldn’t find many stores that carried Annalee. However, the major department stores would get them in around November. They only carried the Christmas dolls. Money was tight for us but, I would put away my change in a jar and near the end of the year I could buy another doll. I remember going into a Christmas specialty store and discovering that they had Halloween dolls. It was at that shop that the owner mentioned that there was an Annalee Doll Club and if you joined you would receive a special Annalee doll for that year and a magazine. I told all my friends about it who were also collectors. I was a member until it ended. Most of the joy in collecting Annalee dolls is in their uniqueness and whimsy. When I do shop for other things, I always try and end up in a store that may have Annalees. I am 81 and I still collect them. They are such a joy.”
Joshua D: “I’m 47 and my mom has been a collector forever! I always grew up in our family home surrounded by the smiling faces of Annalee. My mom has quite the collection. They always added warmth to any holiday and joy whenever you walked into a room adorned by them. I think my collection has finally collided my mothers. Out of all of my family I’m the only one who inherited the Annalee spirit. I love to fill my house with the joy that Annalee and her elves have given me.”
Kristi D:“My mother was an avid Annalee collector and eventually sold them in her gift shop. I loved them from the time I was a child. I received my first Annalee when I moved into my first home after college. It was an Easter duck in an egg.”
Dillon H:“My journey began when I was very little because my grandma owned a store that sold collectibles and Annalee’s were a big part of it! I practically grew up in this store and helped her as much as I could by helping restock shelves and doing other small tasks. People came from all around the state to her store to buy Annalee’s! The name of her store was Expressions in Torrington, CT. Because of this store Annalee’s have always had a significant impact on my life since I was little.”
Nancy P:“My mother purchased my first Annalee for me on my 16th birthday. Since then I have amassed well over a hundred of my own. I now have so many I just purchase them as gifts for others. “
Joanne S:“My sister started me with my first Annalee in 1980’s. I was unsure if I liked it, but once I did the research and found out the story behind the Dolls I fell in love!”
