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Vintage Annalee Photo Contest Winners

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Wow! That was so fun! We were so excited to review all contest submissions in our My Vintage Annalee Photo Contest. The elves had not seen several of the rare designs that were submitted! Thank you to all who participated and shared some true diamonds in their collections.

We have been having a sentimental year here at Annalee Headquarters, as we have been compiling a lifetime of stories about our founder Annalee. We’ve been interviewing her son, daughter-in-law, former coworkers and collectors and learning more about her beginnings, inspirations, family, and business. Behind the Smile – The Story of Annalee Thorndike, the first-ever published biography, will be available this holiday season.Annalee Thorndike Biography

Secret Elf Knowledge: We are releasing an incredibly special vintage elf this holiday season in honor of Annalee. This limited edition design was created in the original style of Annalee’s first elves with a wool blend felt and incredibly rare faces drawn by Annalee herself. Join the waitlist now so you are the first to know when this collector’s item is available – there will be only a limited number available.

This contest is proof that Annalee’s legacy thrives. We are thrilled to announce Jennifer S., as our Grand Prize Winner. There were so many amazing entries – thank you all who participated. We also were excited to announce 5 runner-ups. Don’t miss our Festively Frightening Halloween Photo Contest going on now.

Grand Prize Winner

Congrats to Grand Prize Winner Jennifer S., of Howell, MI. Surf’s Up! Jennifer loves her vintage beach theme dolls. These are dated 1963-67. Looking to catch some waves!

Congrats Jennifer! Your collection is truly impressive. Jennifer has been a longtime collector of Annalee. As Jennifer remembers, “Growing up as a child my mother had four Annalee elves that became part of our family’s Christmas decorating tradition. Every year when the stockings were hung a different color elf was placed above each person’s stocking and I always made sure the pink elf was above mine. About twenty years later I bought my first two Annalee dolls at an estate sale starting my own collection. When I look at an Annalee Doll I am reminded of my family and the memories we have made over the years.

Jennifer also submitted these unique and rare designs. She has a 2002 Lifeguard Vignette prototype, a pair of Sweet Skiers from the 1950’s and a 2000 Princess with Frog prototype.


Runners Up

Alberta submitted this great portrait with a large vintage Santa and Mrs. Claus. She said, “I’m hooked! I ❤️ my seasonal collection (100) of Annalee Dolls. In 1985, I had the opportunity to visit the museum in Meredith, NH. I wrote an article about my visit and featured this picture.

Karen P. submitted this bathing beauty of years gone by. This 10″ Bathing Girl is from the 1950’s. This is a unique design as the elves remember these all came with assorted bathing suits and yarn hair.

Michelle sent in “The Fabulous Fifties” design for the Great American Era Series. As Michelle explains, “I have been an avid collector of Annalee Dolls for 30+ years. This particular one was given to me by a dear friend of my Mom’s, from her collection. She was so thrilled I began this journey! This one just speaks to me, it reminds me of my Mom, as she was a teenager in the 1950’s, she actually had a poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and loved to dance! Both of these wonderful ladies in my life have since passed on, but I keep this dancing pair in my Mom’s room, and it brings a smile and joy to me when I see them! Thank you for the memories Annalee!” Thanks for sharing Michelle!

Patricia sent in a rare and enchanting design released in 1981. The 29″ Dragon & Bush Baby is a testament to the creativity and imagination of Annalee designers.

Congrats to Runner-Up Bryan H. of Port Saint Lucie, FL!

Bryan H. is one of our super collectors and we were impressed by all of these vintage designs. Several of these designs we imagine Annalee worked on herself. Bryan has an almost unbelievable 15,000 dolls in his collection. He’s spent more than 40 years collecting and has some of the earliest and prototype designs. We love Bryan’s passion for Annalee dolls!


Thank you to all who participated!
Check out all the entries in our gallery below.

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