Liddle Kiddles and Skediddles

Introduced in 1966 by Mattel, Liddle Kiddles were a delightful surprise in a world dominated by full-size dolls. At just 2 to 4 inches tall, they were made to be portable, collectible, and easy for small hands to carry. Their popularity quickly sparked a trend, inspiring other toy companies to create tiny dolls of their own.
What truly set Kiddles apart was their attention to detail. Although they were miniature, they featured rooted, brushable hair, real fabric clothing, and carefully themed accessories. The dolls themselves were inspired by the look and spirit of everyday children, capturing playful expressions and charming styles that felt familiar and relatable.
Mattel constantly experimented with imaginative ideas. There were Skediddle Kiddles that could “walk” and wave when pushed, dolls hidden inside lockets and jewelry, animal-costumed Kiddles, fairy-tale couples, glow-in-the-dark space characters, and even a talking townhouse that spoke when a small ring was pulled.
By 1970, rising oil prices made plastic and vinyl more expensive and harder to obtain. As a result, Mattel was forced to scale back production, and many planned Kiddle designs never made it to store shelves. That short production run is part of what makes Kiddles so appealing today. They capture a brief moment of late-1960s creativity, imagination, and playful toy design.