One of the many spinoffs from Mattel’s original Liddle Kiddles line, Lucky Locket Kiddle dolls, held a special place not just in my heart but in the hearts of many young girls who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. Launched in 1967, these charming, diminutive dolls were more than just toys; they were our tiny little confidants, bringing joy and imagination into our lives.
Discovering a Lucky Locket Kiddle in our Christmas stocking was a magical moment for my sisters and me. Already prone to flights of fancy, these enchanting minis sparked endless hours of play and storytelling for us. Packed away in their little lockets, gold (6) or pastel lockets (7), they became (in our eyes) an appealing addition to any fashion ensemble.
One of the most kid-captivating aspects of Lucky Locket Kiddles was their diminutive size. Small enough to fit inside a four-inch plastic locket, they were the perfect on-the-go toy. You could put the lockets on a chain (included), clip them to your purse, or set them on your dresser like a tiny portrait. Unlike Barbie and her dreamhouse, they could go anywhere—no other accessories needed. I have vivid memories of spinning tales with my sisters and our Kiddles on the long trek from Buena Park, California, to Big Sur for a weekend family camping trip. Our Kiddles were not only portable—on that trip, they proved to be intrepid campers.
eBay: retro-moderntoys
Collecting the different Lucky Locket Kiddles became a group project. Thirteen of these Kiddles were released. They all possessed the last name Locket and the alliterative first names of Larky, Laverne, Lilac, Liz, Lois, Lola, Lorelei, Loretta, Lorna, Lottie, Lou, Louise, and Luana.
With four of their six girls collecting Kiddles (the other two were too young) it would have been an expensive project in 1960s dollars for our parents to undertake had we each collected them all. So, although we each had one primary Kiddle, we shared the collection. When we grew beyond our Lucky Locket Kiddles (sadly), we passed them down to our younger sisters. By the time I left home, the Kiddles had been relegated to memory.
However, nearly three months ago, I came upon the very two Kiddles that my sister Lori and I had received for Christmas. They were in their lockets, sitting on a dusty table at Canton First Monday. They were so reasonably priced that I sentimentally snatched them up. Now they live in my Tiki room with all of my Tiki memorabilia and miscellaneous 60s collectibles.
eBay: wallstreetboutique
These days, people collect Lucky Locket Kiddles for a variety of reasons, but nostalgia is often the primary motivator. These teeny dolls, with their adorable designs and charming features, evoke fond memories of childhood for those of us who grew up with them. Collecting these delightful dolls is a way to reconnect to simpler times. But there is also value in these vintage collectibles. While prices for individual dolls can range from around $20 – $30, depending upon the condition, those with lockets typically sell for $35 – $50. Those rare Kiddles that are still factory-sealed with their original blister pack cards can command a pretty penny, like the one above that sold for a penny shy of $100.
So, next time you find yourself rummaging through an estate sale or a flea market, keep an eye out for these tiny treasures—you might just find a pocket-sized blast from the past.
Happy hunting! May your Kiddles always be Lucky and your Locket never be empty!
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