No long lines or empty store shelves...eBay has made Cabbage Patch Kids available to Cabbage Patch fans worldwide!  Cabbage Patch dolls, Cabbage Patch clothes, Xavier Roberts originals, and everything Cabbage Patch is right here on eBay waiting to be adopted!  In this guide, we'll take a walk back in time to the early days of Xavier Roberts and Babyland General Hospital!

Back to the Cabbage Patch and Babyland Beginnings

Back in 1976, as America celebrated her bicentennial, a Truett-McConnell College art student named Xavier Roberts was in Georgia practicing his skills at molding fabric with a needle.  This old German technique allowed Roberts to use his stitching to maintain a shape in the fabric of his doll creations.  Incorporating quilting into his work, he continued his work and began calling his dolls "Original Little People."  As unique "little people", no two alike, his dolls were special.  He came up with the concept of giving them birth certificates and name tags and letting people "adopt" (not buy) their very own soft-sculptured little person for $30.

In July of 1978, after taking home first prize in the Osceola Art Show in Florida,  Xavier and a group of school buddies formed the company, Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc.  They renovated an old medical clinic in Cleveland, Georgia.  They reopened it in 1979 as the Babyland General Hospital....and a new craze was soon to sweep America.

Guests were greeted by employees dressed in full hospital garb.  Rooms were filled with incubators and the wonderful "Mother Cabbage" cabbage patch of newborn babies just waiting for a little shot of 'Imagicillin'.  New 'moms' and 'dads' were given a lovingly swaddled "Little Person" to love, cherish, and adopt as their very own.

It was not long before talk shows and television audiences found their way to this little oasis in Georgia.  The dolls were adorable....and everyone (literally) wanted one...now.  In 1982, Xavier Roberts sold mass-marketing rights to Coleco.  Coleco kept the same style as the Xavier Roberts originals, except for using vinyl heads on their dolls.  They renamed these dolls "Cabbage Patch Kids". This did not hurt the demand....parents lined up to find them, grandparents camped out to buy them, and folks looking to make a profit horded them. 

And the rest is history! 

Photo Album of Xavier Roberts Little People

Identification Tips for Buying Soft-Sculptured Little People

Did you know...."Original Little People" birth certificates feature the "Family History" and include the Father's Full Name (ex. Xavier Roberts), Birthplace (Cleveland, GA), Date, Mother's Maiden Name, Birthplace, Date, Residence at time child was born, Sex, Weight at birth, pounds, ounces, Length, inches.

Did you know...The birth certificate features (from left the right) the baby's left footprint, artist left thumbprint, artist right thumbprint, and baby right footprint.  Each certificate has a unique official registration number.

Did you know...Xavier Roberts used a baby book from the Depression years to name his 'babies'.  That's why you will not find many with names that were actually popular in the 70s.

 

Did you know...The large thumb is a signature feature of Little People dolls handmade by Xavier Roberts personally.

Did you know...All original soft-sculptures have soft, fabric faces and removable clothing. 

Did you know...Most original soft-sculptured Little People have a tag attached on the right side of the body which gave bathing instructions from the Babyland General Hospital.

Did you know...It was Coleco that gave their mass-produced vinyl-head dolls the name of "Cabbage Patch Kids".  Xavier Roberts and his Original Appalachian Artworks retained the rights to make soft-sculptures. 

Did you know...The Xavier Roberts original soft-sculptures are usually between 18 and 22 inches in length.  Cabbage Patch Kids are generally under 16 inches.

Did you know...Original Little People soft-sculptures left Babyland in their parents' arms.  Cabbage Patch Kids were sold in boxes. 

Did you know...that many of the Original Little People were hand-signed in ink by Xavier Roberts himself...notice the large X, this is not seen with the stamped signature.

Tips for Buying Little People on eBay

• Do Your Research - Learn as much as you can about "Original Little People" soft-sculpture originals.  Not all sellers are knowledgable of the fakes and imposters that abound and, unknowingly, may identify their doll incorrectly.  If their description and/or photo leaves a question in your mind, then remember to ask the seller.  This lets you clear up things before the sale and keeps both you and the seller on the road to a successful transaction. 
• Understand eBay Jargon - Check out the list of eBay acronyms so that you can more quickly distinguish NM (near mint) and BIN (Buy It Now).  Informed buyers make smart buyers!
• Use different keywords - The Advanced Search option provided by eBay lets buyers search titles or the title and description or completed items. Keep in mind that not everyone will precisely list an item as a 1979 Babyland General Hospital Little People.   Rather than getting discouraged...expand your search, you might discover a piece listed simply under babyland doll or little people doll.   Remember that the tag may have been lost and the current owner may not even realize what they have.  Changing your search increases the chances of finding your item. Save your search on your personalized My eBay page and receive an email notification when a new listing is posted.
• Remember eBay Stores - eBay offers buyers another area for bowling pins through eBay Stores featuring pre-1990 Cabbage Patch Kids dolls and Original Little People. With great inventory selections and frequent updates, you just might find the perfect addition to your family.  If you are still in search of a Babyland original, be sure to post a notice to sellers in eBay's Want It Now section.
• Bid Safely and Smartly - Review the seller's feedback rating...are their customers consistently happy with their purchase?  Do they have experience selling Xavier Roberts soft-sculptures?  Are babies sold "as is" or with a "satisfaction guarantee"?  Is there a shipping/handling fee? If you win the bid, keep in mind that PayPal provides buyers with a safe and secure means to purchase items without revealing their credit card numbers to sellers....this is a welcome (and free!) alternative.
• Enjoy the Ride - In conclusion....have fun with it! eBay is a great way to peek through an amazing selection of Xavier Roberts soft-sculptured babies and Babyland General Hospital originals.  Discover rare styles you did not know existed and remember....your Original Little People awaits!