Peter Pan was a novel created by English author James Barrie well over a century ago. Over the decades since, the inspiration for Tinker Bell dolls has been presented on the London stage in multiple versions; in the 1950s, it was made into a Broadway Musical starring Mary Martin as the boy who refused to grow up. Disney animated features and several live action movies have introduced the story to new generations of children who never fail to be delighted by it.
Derivative works that take their inspiration from Peter Pan include the film "Hook," which starred comedian Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan, forced to return to Never Never Land to do battle with his pirate nemesis, played by Dustin Hoffman. There have also been a recent series of books about Tinker Bell herself, which children delight in re-enacting using articulated dolls of this character.
When a new film or DVD is released, new Tinker Bell dolls might also be released as part of a cross-marketing promotion. These dolls may include numerous costumes as well other accessories such as tree houses and flower carts - all designed to delight and stimulate the childhood imagination at play.
Fine Tinker Bell figurines also appeal to serious collectors. Never meant to be toys, these dolls are meant to live in a display case or a special shelf where they can be appreciated by viewers. Over the past century, Tinker Bell has undergone a number of changes, but even today's Tinker Bell would be recognizable to your great-mother 100 years ago. Those who have early figurines have a real asset as well that will continue to appreciate in value.
Tink has appeared on lots of merchandise. Bedding products feature the winged character in her green dress. Lamps, curtains, baby clothes and light-switch plates have all received the Neverland treatment. Beach towels and water bottles show her cheery smile. For the girl who must have everything related to her stubborn, blond-haired heroine, there are bags, dresses and sunglasses devoted to her cheeky image.
Cake dolls are another way to enjoy Tinker Bell and her cohorts. These waist-up figurines are made from plastic and are inserted into a cake after baking, just before it is presented. These make excellent party favors to hand out to guests at your girl's next birthday party.
Like many favorite figures, these dolls are not just made of plastic. Buy the soft version instead. Along with her blanket and pillow, a child can snuggle-up to a plush Tinker Bell from her earliest months in the crib. Her notion of time will begin early if parents offer their child a wrist watch during the early school years with the face of Tink gazing-out from between the numbers and hands.
Little girls can dress-up as the characters themselves. Wings, wigs and dresses are all available at different locations. Check-out on-line retailers or head to toy stores. A group of trick-or-treaters can go-out looking for candy at Halloween dressed as baking talents, water talents and their green-gowned friend with the hammer. The same goes for adults, since many grown-up women were once fans of the fairy themselves. Whatever age a fan happens to be, one thing is certain: Tinker Bell dolls are still popular.
Derivative works that take their inspiration from Peter Pan include the film "Hook," which starred comedian Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan, forced to return to Never Never Land to do battle with his pirate nemesis, played by Dustin Hoffman. There have also been a recent series of books about Tinker Bell herself, which children delight in re-enacting using articulated dolls of this character.
When a new film or DVD is released, new Tinker Bell dolls might also be released as part of a cross-marketing promotion. These dolls may include numerous costumes as well other accessories such as tree houses and flower carts - all designed to delight and stimulate the childhood imagination at play.
Fine Tinker Bell figurines also appeal to serious collectors. Never meant to be toys, these dolls are meant to live in a display case or a special shelf where they can be appreciated by viewers. Over the past century, Tinker Bell has undergone a number of changes, but even today's Tinker Bell would be recognizable to your great-mother 100 years ago. Those who have early figurines have a real asset as well that will continue to appreciate in value.
Tink has appeared on lots of merchandise. Bedding products feature the winged character in her green dress. Lamps, curtains, baby clothes and light-switch plates have all received the Neverland treatment. Beach towels and water bottles show her cheery smile. For the girl who must have everything related to her stubborn, blond-haired heroine, there are bags, dresses and sunglasses devoted to her cheeky image.
Cake dolls are another way to enjoy Tinker Bell and her cohorts. These waist-up figurines are made from plastic and are inserted into a cake after baking, just before it is presented. These make excellent party favors to hand out to guests at your girl's next birthday party.
Like many favorite figures, these dolls are not just made of plastic. Buy the soft version instead. Along with her blanket and pillow, a child can snuggle-up to a plush Tinker Bell from her earliest months in the crib. Her notion of time will begin early if parents offer their child a wrist watch during the early school years with the face of Tink gazing-out from between the numbers and hands.
Little girls can dress-up as the characters themselves. Wings, wigs and dresses are all available at different locations. Check-out on-line retailers or head to toy stores. A group of trick-or-treaters can go-out looking for candy at Halloween dressed as baking talents, water talents and their green-gowned friend with the hammer. The same goes for adults, since many grown-up women were once fans of the fairy themselves. Whatever age a fan happens to be, one thing is certain: Tinker Bell dolls are still popular.
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Whether you are in the market for Tinker Bell dolls or want to learn about other types of collector dolls, check out resident expert Anne Harvester on these pages for valuable tips.
