( 
)It Was a Moment That I Will Never Forget . . .
Two years ago, I was walking through the aisles of boy toys with my son in one of the world famous department stores where the people all wear smocks with "How May I Help You?" on the back because they are always running away from you, when I became quite bored of GI Joes and monster trucks. Taking a tour of the next aisle, I began to remember that I was once a little girl who loved to play with her Barbies and not just the present day mother to a six year old son. However, once a mother, always a mother. I came upon a new "Barbie" that made me once again begin collecting these well-known, brand-name dolls.
His Name is Tommy, and I LOVE Him . . .
When I saw this adorable "little brother" of Ken, I fell instantly in love. You see, my son was six years old and had recently received the trendy spiked hair cut. However, I saw in Tommy the three year old, bowl-cut haircut, adorable baby that I used to have before he became an independent six year old. The blonde hair, the precious grin, and great clothes . . . how could anyone not fall in love?
Along Came Kelly . . .
Kelly was introduced as part of Midge's wedding party in 1991; however, she was not to be seen again until 1995 when she was re-introduced as baby sister to Barbie. She is a 4 1/2" doll who has many friends, including Tommy.
In 1997, Tommy was introduced as Kelly's friend and Ken's baby brother. This was the very first time that little girls saw Ken as more than a pretty face to hang on Barbie's arm. He now had family members of his own.
Big Brother Ken with Tommy on Ebay
Tommy became part of the Li'l Friends of Kelly line as a brother to Ken, but he is mosly seen with Kelly in great sets like . . .
Kelly and Friends as Scooby Doo and the Gang
Kelly and Tommy as Sponge Bob and Patrick
Kelly and Tommy as Raggedy Ann and Andy
Kelly and Tommy in Wedding Set
Around the World With the Children of Barbie . . .
There are many versions of Li'l Friends of Kelly. In fact, Kelly is named Shelly in some other countries and comes with different packaging. However, the US version has created Kelly and Friends of the World.
The Newest Version . . .
Sweetsville
For those who would like an older look to the Kelly or Tommy doll, Mattel has recently introduced an approximately six year old version of the Li'l Friends called Sweetsville. They are a little taller and have been dubbed "Lemonheads" by the critics because of the size and shape of the Sweetsville dolls' heads.
And My Personal Favorite Will Always Be . . .
What To Collect?
I am going to say the same thing that every collector says, "Collect what you love." Maybe you had a blonde baby girl and Kelly reminds you of her at the age of four, or maybe the dark beauty Deidre reminds you of your precious baby girl before she went into first grade . . . or maybe you had the bowl-cut, blonde boy like me . . . you collect what touches you. Of course, most people only collect mint in box (MIB) or new in box (NIB), but you can purchase these dolls at half the price on Ebay if they are not in the box. You must decide for yourself by thinking of how you will display your dolls and also if you will ever resale them.
You may also want to collect the abundant assortment of clothing and accessories for these wonderful Li'l Friends.
Tommy and Kelly Clothes and Accessories on Ebay
So that's the story of how I found a way to keep my now eight year old son young and innocent. I have a collection of thirty-two Tommy dolls with hopes of continuing the collection until my son is old enough to give me a grandchild. Okay . . . I won't stop; I'll just go hunting for a doll like the new grandbaby.
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