Raggedy Ann Dolls - A Great Story and Giveaway

Update on 4/24/15 - This giveaway is now closed.  Read more about the winner and Raggedy Ann stories from people who read this post at my new post - Raggedy Ann 100th Anniversary Winner and More Stories

In February I featured the 100^th Anniversary Raggedy Ann doll from Aurora  in my Toy Fair NY 15 favorites.  Now I am so excited to be offering this SET of three dolls as a giveaway. See the giveaway details at the end of this review.  To kickoff the review here are pictures of the dolls:

100th Anniversary Stars and Stripes Raggedy Ann by Aurora

This  100^th Anniversary “Stars and Stripes” Raggedy Ann doll sports “100^th anniversary Raggedy Ann 1915-2015” embroidered onto her apron, a heart label and a folder with the history of Raggedy Ann.  This 16 inch doll is soft and very hugable.

100th Anniversary Raggedy Andy and Classic Raggedy Ann dolls

Here are two other anniversary dolls – 

Stars and Stripes Raggedy Andy with the 100^th anniversary label on his sailor hat and the classic Raggedy Ann doll in a light blue dress.  Both of these dolls also have the 100^th anniversary heart hangtag and history folder.

Mary Louise with the 100 Anniversary Stars and Stripes Raggedy Ann

The toys I receive to review are usually given to a child. This set of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls is a little different.  First I have to say they are WONDERFUL!  They capture a time gone past and and put you in a "timeless frame of mind." You smile and want to hug them.  I just love them.  

My husband and I were looking at them on our kitchen table and he said you know these should go to someone who will really appreciate them.  Yes, but I didn’t think I knew anyone who fit that bill.  Fast forward less than a week and I was taking corned beef and cabbage to a 88 year old woman from our church. 

I walked into her home for the first time and it was covered with Raggedy Anns and Andys and memorabilia.   And so, of course, Mary Louise is the proud owner of this 100^th anniversary doll.  

Mary Louise was so excited to receive this 100^th anniversary Raggedy Ann doll and she hugged and admired her new treasure.  It is now the newest member of her collection.

She did lift her dress and check to see if she had a heart and indeed she does.  This one is authentic.  Verified by an expert.

Mary Louise checking all the details

 Mary Louise was also interested in the details in the history folder.  John Gruelle received a patent for the doll in 1915 and in 1918 he published the “Raggedy Ann Stories.”   As the folder says, these are "heirloom treasures to be passed along for generations to come.

Here are two Raggedy Ann books in Mary Louise’s collection – one is the original published in 1918 and the other was published in 1928.  They have been well read and are worn with love.  The pictures below include the publisher’s page and a page of the color illustrations of the book. You can still get the Raggedy Ann Stories at Amazon.

Do you believe these color illustrations in a 1918 publication of the Raggedy Ann stories?

Mary Louise took out some of her other special edition Raggedy Anns kept in boxes and you can tell that she is a proud - and more important - joyful collector.

These dolls will also be loved by a young child and they certainly are the type of doll that becomes a life long best friend.  I am keeping the 100^th anniversary Raggedy Andy for my grandson due this summer.

Reviewing these Raggedy Ann dolls became more of a wonderful experience that just a review for me.  I must say that I have become a Raggedy Ann fan!  And now you have an opportunity to win all three dolls and start your own collection or give one to your own favorite doll collector.  Before I go to the giveaway details I have to thank Aurora Gifts for making my friend and I so very happy with these dolls. I have seldom been so happy when gifting a review item.

Giveaway Details

It is easy to enter and there are two ways. Both ways count as an entry so you get two entries if you do both.  I need to be able to contact you if you win. If you enter -  email me with your email address at marion@grandmachronicles.com.  I will not use your email address for anything except to notify you if you win.  Grandmother’s Honor.

1.      Leave a comment here on the blog 

     and/or

2.      Like The Grandma Chronicles facebook page - click here.

You can have two entries by doing both.  Deadline to enter: April 22, 2015 at midnight. The winner will be selected using random.org.

 This item can be sent to US and Canadian addresses only.

Full Disclosure:  This review is completely my own opinion and I was not reimbursed for it.  I did receive review samples. 

You can also buy these items at Amazon: