Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Charm of Tinker Bell Dolls

By Anne Harvestler


The story of Peter Pan has fascinated children for the better part of a century thanks to the book by J. M. Barrie. Animated movies have renewed interest in the mischievous boy and his cohorts who never grew up, as well as their fairy friend who was jealous of Wendy. Little girls love to play with Tinker Bell dolls today thanks to new movies about Neverland fairies. Their mothers are often equally enchanted by new versions of their childhood collections.

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.

Accessories are available with some sets, such as tree houses and flower carts. When a parent is looking for these dolls, he or she will find some editions linked specifically to cinema and DVD releases. They are dressed in a particular way and might come with extra pieces for re-enacting scenes from a story.

For collectors there are also decorative figurines. They do nothing but look pretty, but there is a wide variety available. Tinker Bell has changed over the decades into the character families recognize today, so if you can find earlier versions these will add depth to a collection and perhaps monetary value as well.

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.

Another way to enjoy the colorful fairy world is by purchasing cake dolls. They are fully-formed from the waist-up. Below the waist there is just a plastic spike which inserts into the cake after it is baked. Purchase miniature versions of the character as party favors to give out at the end of a birthday celebration.

While plastic and porcelain Tinker Bell dolls are lovely to look at, when it comes to a plaything, one made from softer vinyl, rubber and cloth is a better choice. These are completely safe for a child to sleep with. As a child gets older, consider a Tinker Bell wrist watch to encourage time-keeping and management skills.

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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