Kudos: Doll Lines That Thrived in 2014

Earlier, I posted a memoriam to doll lines that lost their momentum in 2014.  But what about the doll lines that thrived? Let’s look back at a few lines that blazed through 2014.

Thronecoming Cupid

Ever After High:  Even with all the hoopla about Barbie’s low sales, Mattel has a lot to be proud of.  (Though, I think it’s wise to point out that even with Barbie’s lower than average sales, she is still one of the top-selling doll lines ever created.)  Mattel has two really successful non- Barbie properties on toy shelves at the moment.  Ever After High made its debut back in 2013, as a spin-off of Monster High.  2014 was a huge year for this line. Collectors saw new lines, such as the gorgeous Thronecoming dolls and the Hat-Tastic Tea Party series.  On top of that, we saw new royals and rebels being introduced like Dexter Charming and Lizzie Hearts.  I see Ever After High entertaining us for many years to come.

Monster High

Monster High:  Mattel’s second hot buy of 2014 was Monster High.  Popular since its 2010 release, the Monster High train is still moving at full speed!  2014 was the year of Freaky Fusion.  We met new students, hybrids and got another entertaining movie to add to our dvd collection.  Most exciting, in my opinion, was the line that finished off the year, Haunted. I don’t see Monster High slowing down any time soon!

My New Makie and Siena

Makies:  Oh my, Makies has had quite a year!  Winning numerous awards this year for their creative, fresh concept, Makies are on the right path!  The company has been constantly evolving, keeping this 3D printed doll line from growing stale.  I currently own two Makies, Siena and one brand new Makie who I only quickly introduced here on the blog last week.  Keep your eyes open for a post regarding my new girl in January!

Equestria Girls: I was very, very unsure about Hasbro’s Equestria Girls line when it was announced.  As a die-hard G1 pony fan, the thought of transforming my four-legged friends into two-legged teenagers worried me– a lot.  However, as I try to do with all things in life, I went into the Equestria Girls with an open mind and was happily surprised. They weren’t perfect when they started appearing in toy stores.  Hasbro made them with horrible peg legs, but somebody must have been listening at Hasbro, as most of the 2014 lines had feet!  I, also, found myself drawn to the Rainbow Rocks line, partly because of the fun styling on the girls and the fact that I have a side collection (that is pushed aside a lot of the time) of doll ‘bands’, like Jem and the Holograms, K-On and Barbie’s Rockers and Sensations.

Lydia- quick photo shoot

A Girl for All Time: I’ve been a fan of A Girl for All Time since I first learned about them.  Year after year, the company keeps releasing beautiful dolls and outfits, as well as story books.  If you haven’t joined their fan club on facebook yet, you should!  It’s a fun, active community of fans and a great place to go if you want to see how others dress and style their A Girl for All Time dolls.  I think it’s safe to say this is a line that is here to stay!

Of course, there are many other lines that have thrived in 2014, but these are my top five.  What lines do you think excelled in 2014?  Share your thoughts below!