Strawberry Shortcake Doll Top 10 Christmas Toys 1979

Strawberry Shortcake Doll Top 10 Christmas Toys 1979

The Strawberry Shortcake Doll arrived in 1979 and quickly became one of the sweetest-smelling toys of the decade. With her signature red hair, freckles, and strawberry-themed outfit, Strawberry Shortcake wasn’t just a doll—she was part of an entire world of fruity friends. What made her truly unique was her scent: each doll carried a gentle fragrance tied to her name, from strawberries to blueberries. For children unwrapping her on Christmas morning, the Strawberry Shortcake Doll felt magical, charming, and a little bit different from anything else on the toy shelf.

1979: A Year in Context

1979 in the UK was a year of big change. Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister, shaping politics for a generation, while music fans embraced everything from disco to new wave. Families were watching shows like “Mork & Mindy” and “The Muppet Show,” while children’s television was filled with colourful characters. Into this landscape came Strawberry Shortcake, a doll who combined the charm of a rag doll with the novelty of scented play, capturing the hearts of children across Britain and beyond.

The Doll and Her World

Originally created by American Greetings as a character for greeting cards, Strawberry Shortcake soon blossomed into a full toy line produced by Kenner. The dolls were small, soft-bodied with vinyl heads, and came dressed in distinctive fruit-themed outfits. Each had a delicious scent that matched their name—Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry Muffin, Huckleberry Pie, and more. Accessories included pets, outfits, and even a berry-themed playhouse. The dolls encouraged children to build imaginative worlds full of friendship, kindness, and adventure (see Strawberry Shortcake history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

For children who unwrapped Strawberry Shortcake in 1979, the delight began the moment the box was opened and the sweet scent drifted out. Many recall hugging the doll tightly, sniffing her strawberry fragrance, and proudly showing her off to relatives. Parents appreciated her soft, friendly design, which made her ideal for younger children. Siblings often ended up with different fruity characters, leading to entire collections forming across households. Christmas living rooms smelled faintly of berries that year, a memory that has stuck with many who experienced it.

Adverts and Popularity

Strawberry Shortcake was marketed with bright, cheerful adverts that emphasised friendship and fun. Commercials often showed children playing together, sharing dolls, and building the Strawberry Shortcake world. Toy catalogues highlighted her collectible nature, encouraging children to ask for more characters with each passing holiday. By the early eighties, the brand had expanded into television specials, books, and lunchboxes, making her a true cultural phenomenon.

Price Then and Now

In 1979, the Strawberry Shortcake Doll retailed for around £6.99, roughly £40 in today’s money. She was priced affordably enough to be a main Christmas gift, but many families also bought additional dolls to expand the collection. Today, original Strawberry Shortcake dolls in good condition are highly sought after, especially those still carrying their original scent. Collectors often pay hundreds of pounds for boxed versions, while modern re-releases keep the brand alive for new generations.

Why Kids Loved It

The Strawberry Shortcake Doll stood out because she was different. Children loved her sweet smell, her colourful clothes, and the fact that she came with a cast of friends. She encouraged storytelling and roleplay, with adventures often set in “Strawberryland.” The dolls also appealed to parents, who appreciated the wholesome values they promoted. Unlike fashion dolls that focused on glamour, Strawberry Shortcake emphasised friendship, kindness, and creativity, making her a comforting and fun companion for children.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the late seventies and eighties, Strawberry Shortcake is one of the most nostalgic toys of childhood. The combination of scent, design, and collectibility made her unforgettable. Many adults today still remember the smell of their first doll, the feel of her soft body, and the joy of swapping characters with friends. The brand has been relaunched multiple times, but the original 1979 dolls remain iconic for their charm and innocence. They represent an era when toys didn’t just entertain—they created entire worlds.

1979 Christmas Memories

Families recall Christmas mornings scented with strawberries, blueberries, and lemons as children unwrapped their dolls. Cousins compared collections, traded characters, and invented berry-themed stories together. Parents remember the excitement on their children’s faces and the simplicity of a toy that encouraged imagination without batteries or screens. For many, those dolls became treasured companions that lasted well beyond the festive season.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Shortcake Doll of 1979 was more than a toy—it was a fragrant friend who captured the hearts of children around the world. Affordable, collectible, and endlessly charming, she remains one of the most iconic toys of the late seventies. If you remember unwrapping her that Christmas, relive the magic in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1979 archive. See how she compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and explore her place in today’s toy world in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. More than forty years later, Strawberry Shortcake still smells as sweet in memory as she did on Christmas morning.

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