colored troll dolls

Colored Troll Dolls: Vibrant Toys for Kids

By Emily Wilson
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The vibrant world of collectibles has long been captivating enthusiasts, with one particular figure standing out in its colorful allure—colored troll dolls. Since their inception in the 1960s, these whimsical characters have been a beloved part of popular culture, transcending generations and maintaining their appeal through their playful appearance and rich history.

Colored troll dolls, initially known as "Good Luck Trolls," were created by the Danish woodcutter Thomas Dam in 1959. Intended as a Christmas gift for his daughter, the first troll doll was inspired by the folklore of Norwegian trolls. Dam's daughter loved her new toy, and its popularity grew locally, eventually reaching the United States in the early 1960s. The brand "Dam Things" was established, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Evolution of Colored Troll Dolls

Over the decades, colored troll dolls have evolved from their simple beginnings to encompass an array of shapes, sizes, and styles. Their original monochromatic design of the 1960s soon gave way to a rainbow of colors, with intricate details and accessories, catering to the diverse tastes of collectors and fans alike.

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three little troll dolls with colorful hair on their heads
three little troll dolls with colorful hair on their heads
Kevche Trolls Action Figure Set, with 12 Collectible Dolls (2.8"), Size:12pcs/set, Multicolor
Kevche Trolls Action Figure Set, with 12 Collectible Dolls (2.8"), Size:12pcs/set, Multicolor
Bright Of America Toys | Bright Of America Troll Doll With Rainbow Hair And Pink Tutu | Color: Pink | Size: Osg
Bright Of America Toys | Bright Of America Troll Doll With Rainbow Hair And Pink Tutu | Color: Pink | Size: Osg

Today, colored troll dolls come in various forms, from the classic figures to modern iterations like the 'Trolls' from DreamWorks Animation. They have also ventured into the world of high fashion, collaborating with designers like Jeremy Scott andщества Тилбери.

The Classic Era (1960s-1980s)

During the classic era, colored troll dolls were characterized by their aged appearance, with polyethylene bodies and Happylin hair. Many collectors cherish these vintage pieces for their unique charm and the fond memories they evoke. Some popular variations from this era include the 'Grtl,' 'Baby,' and 'Bee' trolls.

Vintage Toys | Vintage 90s Troll Neon Green Hair | Color: Green | Size: 4 1/8” H
Vintage Toys | Vintage 90s Troll Neon Green Hair | Color: Green | Size: 4 1/8” H
an image of a baby with rainbow hair
an image of a baby with rainbow hair
Treasure Trolls
Treasure Trolls

These classic trolls often came in vibrant colors, with the most popular being blue, pink, and purple. Their brightly colored hair further accentuated their playful aesthetics, contributing to their enduring appeal.

Modern Reinventions (1990s-Present)

The late 20th century brought about a resurgence in the popularity of colored troll dolls. In 1992, Dam Things released a new version, marking the beginning of a modern reinvention. These trolls had smoother, plastic bodies and rounder features, making them appeal to a new generation of collectors.

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In the years since, colored troll dolls have continued to evolve, with limited edition releases, collaborations, and even pop culture crossovers. The 'Trollz' series, for instance, featured trolls with subtle nods to famous faces, while the 'Trolls World Tour' collection paid homage to international music cultures.

a group of little trolls with rainbow colored hair
a group of little trolls with rainbow colored hair
three troll dolls with multi - colored hair on their heads are standing next to each other
three troll dolls with multi - colored hair on their heads are standing next to each other
Lucky Troll Dolls Vintage Troll Dolls Entzückendes chromatisches Haar für Sammlungen Kunst Desktop
Lucky Troll Dolls Vintage Troll Dolls Entzückendes chromatisches Haar für Sammlungen Kunst Desktop
a troll doll with colorful hair on it's head
a troll doll with colorful hair on it's head
many different colored trolls are shown together
many different colored trolls are shown together
Troll Doll Purple Crazy Wild Hair 5"
Troll Doll Purple Crazy Wild Hair 5"

The Cultural Impact of Colored Troll Dolls

Colored troll dolls have left an indelible mark on popular culture. They've inspired numerous children's television shows, films, and even a popular mobile game. Their influence can be seen across various mediums, from fashion to music and beyond.

In the world of fashion, colored troll dolls have inspired collections from leading designers. In 2019, Moschino presented a collection named 'Trolls Mountain' at Milan Fashion Week, featuring troll-inspired knitwear, accessories, and more. Their impact on music is evident in songs like 'Trolls (Not Your Quote)' by AlunaGeorge and 'Trolls Medley' by киркhammer.

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Trolls in Television and Film

The small and silver screens have played host to numerous troll doll-inspired characters. The 'Hey! It's the Aquabats!' episode 'The Aquabats vs. The Trolls' featured a troll invasion. More notably, the 'Trolls' animated franchise—'Trolls,' 'Trolls World Tour,' and the forthcoming 'Trolls Band Together'—has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide.

Russ Toys | Bright Of America Vintage 90s Troll Dolls Kids With Colorfully Hair Lot Of Three | Color: Pink/Purple | Size: 5in
Russ Toys | Bright Of America Vintage 90s Troll Dolls Kids With Colorfully Hair Lot Of Three | Color: Pink/Purple | Size: 5in
1990s Vintage Troll Doll USA Sweatsuit Troll Vintage Toys 90s Collectible Toys Russ Trolls Blue Hair Troll 90s Party Decor
1990s Vintage Troll Doll USA Sweatsuit Troll Vintage Toys 90s Collectible Toys Russ Trolls Blue Hair Troll 90s Party Decor

The franchise has also spawned numerous tie-in releases, including colored troll dolls, further expanding the cultural reach of these iconic toys.

The evolution of colored troll dolls is a testament to their enduring appeal and cultural impact. From their humble beginnings in Denmark to their global popularity, these vivid characters continue to captivate generations. As the world of collectibles and pop culture evolves, one can only imagine the exciting new forms and stories these beloved trolls will take on. So, go ahead, dive into the world of colored troll dolls—who knows what treasures and memories you might unearth?

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