Category: Anninversary Outfits

25th Anniversary CPK Outfits

In my opinion, the 25th Anniversary kids are the best replicas of the original Coleco kids, and their outfits are just as good! Many people confuse them with the originals. Find out how to differentiate between them.

Anniversary CPK Outfits – 10th to 40th

Quick Links:    Girl Outfits
                              Boy Outfits
                              Preemie Outfits

The 25th Anniversary CPKs manufactured by Play Along are, in my opinion, the best replicas of the Coleco kids and clothes produced thus far. Although they created only one version of each outfit, they replicated many outfits. In addition, the outfits came on a wide variety of dolls. Play Along produced ten girl outfits, two boy outfits, and seven preemie outfits for this series. Each kid came wearing a white baby diaper with sticky tabs underneath.

These kids came in a box very similar to the original Coleco boxes, but the primary colours are silver and white, and each one came with a silver plastic spoon. They also have a special birth certificate and hand tag. The signatures on their bottom are black and say 25th Anniversary.

Brown ponytail, blue eyed girl in a white and green 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch box wearing the pinafore outfit.
25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid birth certificate for Sonya Helaine whose birthday is on December 13th.
25th Anniversary Cabbage patch kid bum signature. It's back with a 25th stamped below it.
25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch kid hand tag, front and back.
Diaper on a 25th Anniversary AA Cabbage Patch kid.

One consistent difference between Coleco and 25th Anniversary outfits is the buttons. The 25th buttons are much thicker and slightly smaller in diameter than any of the Coleco.

Comparison of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch button and a 1980's Coleco button, top on.
Play Along vs. Coleco
Comparison of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch button and a 1980's Coleco button, side on.
Play Along vs. Coleco

Reminder, these outfits do NOT have clothing codes.

Reminder, these outfits do NOT have clothing codes.

Shoes

These are also of high quality and look very similar to Coleco shoes. There are 25th Anniversary versions of the three original types of shoes, and all have the 25th logo on the sole of the shoe. Inside the heel, they have the pattern often associated with Jesmar shoes inside and say ‘Made in China / Fabrique en chine’. They also come with a piece of white cardboard in the bottom of the shoe (see sneakers below). I have no idea why.

Sole of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoe showing the CPK logo.
Inside heel of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoe showing the odd shape and the words "Made in China".
Lace-up 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoes.
Lace-up/ High-top Shoes
Mary Jane 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoes.
Mary Janes
A pair of 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch blue striped sneakers.
Sneakers
A pair of 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch pink striped sneakers.
Sneaker

Girl Outfits

All but one of these outfits are faithful replicas of the original twenty 1983 outfits. The Butterfly Dress is from the 1986 mimic outfits series.

Bubble Romper

This only came in yellow with a yellow sweater and booties. Unlike the original, the romper has flutter sleeves, and the knit pattern on the other pieces is similar to the KT outfits but still different. The yarn used for the knit outfits is thinner than the original Coleco yarn.  
Shoes: Matching knit booties; Quick Link: 1983 Bubble Romper

Yellow Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the front of the romper in the Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the romper in the Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Ducky Dress

The 25th and the original outfits are very similar. I believe the yarn on the 25th is thinner, but otherwise, they would be hard to tell apart at a glance, although there are differences in the sleeve and collar ruffles.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1983 Ducky Dress

Ducky dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.. Pieces shot.

Elephant Romper

The 25th version is very easy to distinguish from the original, as the 1983 version never came in pink. In addition, the elephant on the 25th version is a heat transfer, while the original has an applique. Finally, the white shirt has no coloured stitching and doesn’t undo at the back like the original white shirts.
Shoes: Pink striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Elephant Romper

Pink Elephant Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Heart Dress

At first glance, they look very similar. However, the 25th version doesn’t open all the way down the back, and the heart is a heat transfer rather than an applique. The other obvious difference is that the 25th dresses have two ribbon stripes around the bottom hem, whereas the 1983 version has three.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Heart Dress

Pink Heart dress with tights from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the back of the Pink Heart dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Pinafore Dress

At first glance, this outfit is also very similar to the original 1983 outfit. However, the edge stitching on the 25th outfit is different from many of the 1983 outfits and is black, whereas the others are all shades of blue. Finally, the 25th dress doesn’t open completely at the back like the 1983 version.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Pinafore Dress

Pinafore dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the Pinafore dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Ruffled Overalls

The 25th outfit is very similar to the 1983 outfit. It would be very difficult to distinguish between them in a photo, except that the blue 1983 overalls came with yellow rick rack on the shirt, not pink. However, that’s not conclusive evidence because there were 1983 shirts with pink rick-rack and may have been paired with the wrong overalls. Always double-check if you’re not sure. The most obvious difference visible differences are the buttons and lack of tag inside the shirt.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Ruffled Overalls

Blue Ruffled Overalls with white shirt from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Back of the Ruffled Overalls with white shirt from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the top of the ruffled overalls from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Shoulder-tie Dress

The easiest difference to spot between the 25th dress and the 1983 outfit is the collar colour. In the 25th outfits, the collar is the colour of the ‘blouse’, whereas the collar of the 1983 outfit is the same colour as the dress portion. In addition, the 25th dress doesn’t completely open down the back.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1983 Shoulder-tie Dress

Pink gingham Shoulder-tie Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Back of the Shoulder-tie Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Corduroy Suit

The most interesting aspect of this 25th Anniversary outfit is that it only came on girls, whereas the 1983 outfit generally came on boys. In addition, the 25th Anniversary colour was never used in 1983 and the bear applique is a heat transfer, and the hat is a very unique shape, nothing like the 1983 hats. Finally, unlike the 1983 outfit, the 25th Anniversary outfit doesn’t come with a white shirt.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Corduroy Suit

Aqua Corduroy Suit with bear heat transfer from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Windbreaker Outfit

This outfit has a few significant differences. With the pants, it’s the fabric and how white the stitches are for the pockets. For the shirt, it’s the lack of white neck and sleeve hems. With the jacket, it’s the logo and the collar. Each piece stands out as visibly 25th anniversary.
Shoes: Pink striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Windbreaker Outfit

Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. it has a purple windbreaker, pink and white striped shirt and blue jeans. Pieces shot.
Back of the pieces in the Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. it has a purple windbreaker, pink and white striped shirt and blue jeans.
Back of the jeans from the in the Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Butterfly Dress

This outfit is unique amongst the girl outfits as it doesn’t replicate a 1983 outfit. The original Butterfly Dress came out in 1986. However, it never came out in this pattern, and the lace of the 25th version is very frilly, not the cotton used in the 1983 dresses.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1986 #661 Heart/Butterfly Dress

Light blue Butterfly Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Back of the dress of the Butterfly Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Boy’s Outfits

There are only two boy outfits, and both are from the original 1983 series.

Demin Romper

As I don’t own this outfit yet, I’m basing my analysis on what I can see in photos. This is the only 16” kid outfit that I’m missing.

It appears that the romper is made of thin cotton fabric, not denim and it has wider straps. I can’t see any differences in the shirt; however, it would not have a Coleco tag in it, which it would if it was Coleco. The hat appears to be different as well, but I can’t describe how.
Shoes: Blue Striped Sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Denim Romper

A rust haired coloured, green eyed boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat.
The back of a a rust haired coloured, boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat.
A rust haired coloured, green eyed boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat. The denim romper is pulled down and the shirt opened ou show his white baby diaper.
Photos from Ebay

Sailor Suit

This outfit is also very similar, but there are immediately visible differences. The accent stripes are silver, whereas the Coleco is always white, and the bow isn’t as big. In addition, the anchor is a heat transfer, not an applique.
Shoes: Blue striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Sailor Suit

Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the front of the suit of the Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the suit of the Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Preemie Outfits

There appear to be seven preemie outfits, but I could be missing some. All but the Bunting Bag outfit are from the original 1984 series. It’s from the 1985 B-series.

I’ve only owned one of these, so I can only comment on visible differences. It appears many came with some white cotton slippers or booties, but I’m not sure. Based on the “Only at Target” on these boxes, preemies were never sold in Canada. I’m unaware if Target sold them in other countries. Their boxes were slightly different, with a heart behind the logo. Their hand tags had the same heart.

Gown with vest

The 25th Anniversary version doesn’t appear to come with a hat, and it isn’t two separate pieces. The vest is attached at the side seams, and there’s no lace at the neck.
Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Gown with vest

Yellow gown with attached vest from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Back of the gown with attached vest from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.

Bubble Bottom Romper

This 25th Anniversary version has an all-white bonnet instead of a pink one with white lace. The small shoulder ruffles are made of frilly lace, not cotton fabric, and the waist ribbon is silky and sewn to the outfit, not cotton with the option of tying a bow.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Bubble Bottom Romper

Brown eyed preemie MIB wearing the pink Bubble Bottom Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Bunny Outfit

This outfit is very similar, except that this colour combination was never used. The blue isn’t dark enough. In addition, the hat has the pattern on the entire bill, not just the underside.
Shoes: Lace-up Shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Bunny Outfit

MIB brown-eyed preemie wearing the white Bunny Outfit with blue gingham accents from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo courtesy of Christine Szerlag
Two preemies with brown eyes wearing the white Bunny Outfit with blue gingham accents from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Yoked Gown

The 25th Anniversary and Coleco versions are very similar in almost every way. The lace is different, otherwise, visually it’s a great replica. Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Square Yoked Gown

MIB blue-eyed preemie wearing the yellow Squared Yoked Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Blue-eyed preemie wearing the yellow Squared Yoked Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series. The gown is pulled up to show the white cotton booties on her feet.

Frilly Gown

This 25th Anniversary outfit is significantly different from the original Coleco outfit. It never came in purple, and the neck area wasn’t white. In addition, in most cases, it should have four rows of lace around the neck. Finally, there’s no lace around the bottom hem of the dress. Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Frilly Yoked Gown

AA preemie wearing the purple Frilly Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series. The gown is pulled up to show the white cotton booties on her feet.
Purple Frilly Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Courtesy of Cathleen Mary

Striped One-Piece

These outfits are very similar to the original. They even look like they’re made from the same type of fabric. However, the lace on the 25th is frilly lace, not cotton lace like the original. Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Striped One-piece

AA preemie wearing the pink and white striped one piece with matching bonnet from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.

Bunting Bag Outfit                    

This is the only 25th Anniversary preemie outfit that is not a replica of the original 1984 outfits. It’s from the BSeries, which came out in 1985. It doesn’t have a hood (from what I can see) but there is a tie at the neck with a different type of string, not ribbon. Unlike the Coleco versions, which were either a solid colour or had striped sleeves, the 25th Anniversary outfit has solid white sleeves on a blue bunting bag.
Shoes: Unknown; Quick Link: B501 Bunting Bag

MIB brown-eyed, yellow tuft preemie wearing the blue and white Bunting Bag Outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Anniversary CPK Outfits – 10th to 40th

Cabbage Patch Kids have been in continuous production since 1983. Various companies have produced a wide variety of, but every 5 years we celebrate their continued creation and enduring appeal. Here’s an overview of each anniversary and the kids produced to celebrate them.

Anniversary dolls were produced every five years, starting in 1993 (year 10). The production companies often attempted to replicate the original Coleco dolls, with varying degrees of success. Below is a summary of the dolls produced for each anniversary, except for the 25th Anniversary Kids by Play Along, which will have a separate post soon.

10th Anniversary (Hasbro – 1993)

Produced by Hasbro, this was a limited-edition kid (100,000). These dolls had fabric-covered faces (not the regular vinyl of the Coleco kids) and were identical, although there are AA and caucasian versions. All of these dolls had the name Zora Mae and wore the same outfit. The outfit has been described as, “ [a] Pink floral dress trimmed with lace and a matching wide-brimmed hat, white lace tights, pink nylon panties, and white t-strap shoes.” (Ref #1, p. 43)

Pink 10th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Birth Certificate in envelope, showing the name Zora Mae.
Picture of the back of a 10th Anniversary cabbage Patch Kid with black cornsilk hair. You can see the 'hat' is actually just a brim.
Close up of the hem of a 10th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid dress showing the pattern, a line of lace, and the embroidered 10th anniversary patch.
AA 10th Anniversary kid complete with dress, shoes and hand tag.
Caucasian 10th Anniversary kid in box .
First four photos courtesy of Kattie Lynn. Final photo from HERE.

15th Anniversary (Mattel – 1998)

This is the first example of the anniversary kids being ‘replicas’ of the original 16′ Coleco kids and their outfits but in a limited fashion. For these dolls, they replicated only one of the original outfits, the Yoke Dress, and produced it in 4 different colours using gingham fabric.

Unlike the original outfit, this version has a removable yoke which ties at the back of the neck. The dress underneath looks very similar to the Bib Dress, without the bib, and is often confused with it. It came with Mattel’s version of white lace-up shoes (which have a hole in the bottom to be attached to the box) and white socks. (Ref #1, p. 126 – 129)

15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid sitting in the green liner of her box with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a red gingham dress with white yoke. She has light brown skin and brown braids.
15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch red gingham dress and bloomers without the white yoke piece.
Back of a 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch red gingham dress with the velcro fastener of the yoke visible over the shoulder.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a blue gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and dark blonde hair.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a green gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and lemon blonde hair.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a pink gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and lemon blonde hair.
Last 3 photos unknown.

20th Anniversary (Toy’s R’US – 2003)

Toys R’US produced numerous dolls during this anniversary year and labelled many as anniversary kids. However, the special anniversary kids are a boy and girl pair who are dressed in prom-like attire. They were sold separately in standing boxes which have flaps on the front that cover the entire doll except for the face. They have cornsilk hair and, like the Coleco kids, their names were randomly assigned.

MIB 20th Anniversary TRU boy. The top pohoto shows the box, which is long and skinny and coloured silver with little decoration. The bottom has the CPK logo and the top has a hole for the kids face to look through. The bottom photo shows the box open and the doll visible with the CPK story on the inside flap.
Photo location unknown.

The boy dolls all wear a black tuxedo with a white shirt, a silk aqua-coloured vest, and a handkerchief. They also have an aqua-coloured flower on their collar, a black tie, navy blue socks, black TRU shoes, and black silk boxers!

Cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. He's AA with a black tux, white shirt and aqua vest and accents.
Back view of a cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. He's AA with a black tux.
Close up of a Cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. It shows a good view of his vest, tie.
Photos courtesy of Michelle LeRoux.

The girl’s all wear a matching aqua and pink dress, pink lace headband, white lacy tights, matching panties, and pink TRU shoes. They carry a matching purse/bag.

Blonde cornsilk TRU girl wearing an aqua dress with pink accents, matching headband with large pink flower and holding a matching bag.
Pieces of the 20th Anniversary girls outfit showing an aqua dress with pink accents, matching headband with large pink flower, silk undies, pink TRU shoes, white lace tights and holding a matching bag.

25th Anniversary (Play Along – 2008) (Separate post)

30th Anniversary (Jakks Pacific – 2013)

As before, JAKKS Pacific attempted to replicate the vintage Coleco kids for this anniversary. Like Toys R’Us, they produced several kids during this period, but only one set was labelled 30th Birthday Kids. Stickers on the boxes said Limited Edition Vintage Kids.

Although they seem to be attempting to replicate the original Coleco dolls, only two of the outfits are similar to the original 1983 outfits, the pink dress and the purple overalls. I believe each outfit only came in one colour, although apparently, the dress with the pinafore has also been seen in pink.

Picture of four 30th Anniversary Cabbage Patch girls, each in their box, wearing a different outfit. They have different hair and eye colour as well.

Interestingly, although they are being produced by JAKKS Pacific, because JP bought out PLay Along, they must have had access to their materials. The heads on at least some of these 30th Anniversary kids were created by Play Along 25the Anniversary molds! These are the last two girls shown above.

Head mold information on the back of a 30th Anniversary kid that says Copyright 2007, OAA INC. Play Along China.
Head mold information on the back of a 30th Anniversary kid that says Copyright 2007, OAA INC. Play Along China.

Other 30th Anniversary kids produced at the same time included, but aren’t limited to:

Two MIB Cabbage Patch Kid girls with "Commemorating 1983" stickers on the box. One is a red head with sailor dress and the other is a lemon blonde with a pink gingham dress.
Brunette Cabbage Patch kid girl in a purple dress inside a 30 Years CPK box that was sold only at Target inthe US. This doll looks more like the the later dolls in quality and outfit.

35th Anniversary (2018) – WCT

As far as I can tell, they just put some sort of Commemorating 35 Years on all the kids they produced this year. I’ve found at least three different box designs with this message on them. There does not appear to have been an attempt to replicate the Coleco kids or their outfits.

Brown yarn haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a pink ruched dress MIB. The box says "35th Collectors Edition".
Lemon yarn haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a light blue dress with pink ribbon, MIB. The box says "35th Collectors Edition".
Yellow cornsilk haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a purple dress with pink tights, MIB. The box says "Celebrating 35 Years".
Photos all acquired from Ebay or Amazon. Sorry!

40th Anniversary (Jazwares – 2023)

I haven’t seen anything produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary, however, we still have 7 months, so keep your eyes peeled.

At this time, the current 2023 babies are available through Jazwares in California USA.

PTP: Bubble Romper Sweaters

How to determine which knit sweaters may go with which bubble romper. It’s all in the details!

Like all of the clothing made for Cabbage Patch Kids, the sweaters used in the #9 Bubble Romper Outfit are susceptible to differences based on factory. Meaning, the look of the sweaters changes based on the factory that produced them.

These sweaters are not tagged. (For information on what part of a CPK outfit do come tagged, visit Where are tags in clothing located?) Consequently, it is difficult to confidently match sweaters to rompers.

To determine which factory made a sweater, take note of the following.

  • The tension and pattern of the knit.
  • The patterns that are used for the edges and hems.
  • The pattern and look of the decoration around the neck. (If there are any.)
  • The colour(s) used around the neck.

NOTE: The factory of manufacture for each sweater is noted in the caption of the picture.

OK Factory
P Factory
KT Factory
IC Factory
PMI Factory
AX Factory
UT Fctory; Photo from Chrisa Easton.
Jesmar
Lily Ledy
Tri-ang Pedigree

If you have a sweater that is not pictured here, or you have a better picture than one used here, I would love to see it.

Yellow Sweaters

I believe that yellow sweaters were only manufactured by the OK factory and for the 25th Anniversary Kids (Play Along).

OK factory sweater
25th Anniversary Sweater; Photo from Cathleen Mary.

Knit Booties

The correct knit booties will match the sweater. They will have the same tension and knit pattern. For more information visit Shoes: Knit Booties.

CPK Shoes: An Overview and Links

Are these shoes CPK? What kids did they come on? Which shoes go with which outfit? Some answers to your CPK shoe questions . . . with more to come!

To find out more about a specific kind of footwear, click on the links included throughout.

Table of Contents

Factory labels on shoes
Shoe Type by Outfit (Summary List Here)
Exceptions
Cleaning Shoes
25th Anniversary Shoes (Play Along)
Aftermarket and Fakes
Jesmar Shoes

Edit: Lacing CPK Shoes

Factory labels on shoes

Almost all Coleco shoes produced between 1983 and 1986ish were labeled with the factory of manufacture inside by the heel. These shoes also said, Hong Kong, even after they were no longer manufactured there. It’s thought that they chose not to remake the molds. Specialty outfit shoes like clown shoes and cowboy boots are also factory marked.

Interior of sneaker cabbage patch kid shoe which says Made in Taiwan and has a circle with IC inside it.
Interior of a cabbage patch kid shoe which says Hong Kong and has a circle with P inside it and the number 2.
Interior of a cabbage patch kid shoe which says Hong Kong and has a circle with P inside it.

Later, sometime around 1986 or 1987, they stopped putting the factory and HONG KONG inside the shoes. Instead, some say CHINA, some have just a number, and some are entirely blank. I believe that they showed up in that order but have no proof of it, except that the coloured toddler shoes have CHINA in them and the only coloured Mary Janes I’ve seen have nothing in them.

The numbers that can be found in the shoes are a mystery. I believe they are a mould number but again, I have no proof. A ‘pair’ of shoes do not need to have the same number.

.Shoe Type by Outfit

Cabbage patch kids came with various types and colours of footwear. The type of shoes that an outfit came with changed as time passed.

In 1983 and 1984 there were only four options. They were worn by regular kids and preemies. For more details on each type of shoe click on the links below.

  1. Regular ‘lace up’ shoes Part 1 & Part 2
  2. Mary Jane Shoes
  3. Sneakers
  4. knit booties
Lace ups
Mary Jane’s
Sneakers
Knit Booties

Information on which shoes went with which outfits in the 1983 Regular kids outfits, or the 1984 Preemie outfits are available on their individual posts.

Special Note: During the first few months of production, the kids manufactured in Hong Kong came out with shoes like those described above, but which had slightly different characteristics (at least long-time collectors think so). For details on how to identify Hong Kong Kid shoes go to each of the shoe types using the links near the top of this post. . Click here for a definition of Triple and Double Hong Kong Kids.

Starting in 1985, other footwear options became available, and three of the original four options began showing up in a rainbow of colours. The new options included:

Type of ShoeOutfits they belong with 
Ballet FlatsSome Cornsilk Series 2: Wacky and Layered
Some 500s series outfit
Some 800-815 series Regular kid outfits
BootsSome Cornsilk Series 2: Wacky and Layered
Some poseable kid outfits (transitional)		 
Chunky SneakersDesigner Line Kids 
Chunky Toddler SneakersSome toddlers; transitional and later Hasbro toddlers
Saddle ShoesSome regular kid transitional outfits (800s)
May have come on some later Designer Line Kids.
Transitional Poseable Kids (specifically the Cheerleader outfit)		 
WeeboksBlue Saddle Shoe Version – Coleco
Generally came hanging on the arm of Poseable kids. Some were wearing them.

White Toddler Version – Coleco
Generally, came as a second pair of shoes hanging off the kid’s arm. Some were wearing them.		 
SandalsSplashin’ Kids 
Slippers (matching)BBB Outfits, toddler outfits, Splashin’ Kid outfits, 25th Anniversary Preemies (only came in white) 

Most series did not come with only one type of footwear.
For example, the second series of Cornsilk outfits (Jump to Cornsilk Series 2: Wacky and Layered Pt. 1) came with the following:

  • #321  – Boots
  • #322 – Boots, almost all white
  • #323 – Boots
  • #324 – Boots
  • #325 – Ballet Flats
  • #326 – Boots

#327 – Ballet Flats
#328 – Boots
#329 – Ballet Flats
#330 – Ballet Flats
#331 – outfit unidentified
#332 – White Boots
#333 – Boots

Some outfits came with shoes that were unique to that outfit.

  • Talker Outfits
  • World Travelers (China, Holland, Russia, Spanish Boy)
  • Western Wear – brown boots
  • Astronauts – a sort of bootie
  • Circus Kids – clown shoes
  • Ringmaster – black boots
  • 600s PJ Series (slippers and booties)

Most of the early packaged outfits came with shoes, as did many of the packaged outfits that came with unique shoes (e.g., Western Wear). However, many packaged outfits, especially those sold after 1985, did not come with shoes included. Starting in 1985, shoes become available separately packaged with socks and other accessories. This continued until 1989.

.Exceptions (this is Coleco after all)

Like with other outfits, during transitional periods or when they were trying to get rid of excess product, occasionally you can find a MIB doll with the ‘wrong’ footwear. As long as the footwear was in production before the doll was issued, it could be a possible combination.

I have even recorded one example of a transitional regular kid wearing Hasbro Kissin’ Kid shoes!

Cleaning shoes

I clean shoes with a toothbrush and a bar of Sunlight Soap. Sticky shoes are cleaned with Magic Eraser or Bar Keeper’s Friend.

Marks made from markers, pens, and other such things that do not come out with regular cleaning can be treated with zit cream, just like a doll’s head.

Early shoes were made of the same type of vinyl as the doll heads. As such, they can get pox. They can be treated the same way as doll heads. (Videos about pox and treating pox are available here.)

The inside of a white regular, high top Cabbage Patch shoe in which you can see brown spots of 'pox'.

Shoes that are yellowed or discoloured can sometimes be treated by soaking in Polident (water-soluble, not toothpaste). I’ve found it often takes multiple soakings and doesn’t always work perfectly.

25th Anniversary Shoes

The 25th Anniversary kids came with regular shoes, Mary Jane’s, and sneakers. They are easy to distinguish as they have the Cabbage Patch logo and 1893-2008 on the bottom. The preemies came with these shoes or white slippers/booties with a white bow.

Picture of a pair of 25th Anniversary high top Cabbage Patch shoes. One shows the side and top, and the other is up on end, showing the bottom of the shoe.

.Aftermarket and Fake Shoes

There are MANY types of aftermarket CPK shoes. To learn more, jump here: Aftermarket Shoes.

Jesmar Shoes

All of the foreign factories produced CPK shoes. I do not have enough information to discuss most of them. For information on Jesmar shoes, visit Shoes: Jesmar Shoes

Preemie Outfit #10: One-Piece

A one-piece outfit that’s perfect for play time.

Main graphic that has a mint green background and black text that says "#10 One-Piece". it has a picture of an AA doll wearing a blue and white version of the outfit.


1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

This is a two-piece outfit.

  1. One-piece outfit. It has a white yoke and sleeves while the remainder of the outfit is patterned, generally vertical stripes but not always. There’s lace around the yoke, sleeves, and leg holes. There is a small white ribbon bow in the middle bottom of the yoke.
  2. Bonnet. It is the same pattern as the majority of the outfit with a lace frill running inside the bonnet about 3″ back from the front edge.

Footwear: Regular shoes and socks

Sample of outfit #10, 10C OK, showing both pieces. It has a white yoke and sleeves and the rest is yellow and white striped. The bonnet is yellow and white striped.

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 10C P that is pink and white stripes, not purple and white stripes) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> There are differences in the lace based on the factory. The OK and WS factories used the same lace, but the SS lace used different lace on the one-piece but the same lace as the others on the bonnet.

> Mimic Outfit: # 710 – This outfit is almost identical to Preemie outfit #10. I cannot see any differences except that some may have come without the small bow. This came with knit booties I think, not shoes. I’m unsure as I do not have tags for those outfits.

A picture of mimic outfit #710. It has a pink blouse and pink sleeves, the remainder is pink and white striped.

> 25th Anniversary Preemie outfit: Appears almost identical to Preemie outfit #10. Visit the link for more information.

Picture of a 25th Anniversary preemie in box with a lemon blonde tuft and purple eyes. The outfit is pink and white striped.

Preemie Outfit # 9 -Romper with Bubble Bottom

The preemie version of the bubble romper with an adorable bonnet.

Main graphic with a baby blue background, black text that says "#9, Romper with bubble bottom" and a picture of a doll wearing a yellow version of the outfit and shoes.


1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

This outfit has two pieces.

  1. Romper. It has one pattern/colour at the top and a solid colour on the bottom. The bottoms and short sleeves are ‘bubbled’. There are lace caps at the shoulders. There is a waist ribbon that is attached at the back on both sides and then ties at the front.
  2. Bonnet. It has a very large lace ruffle that matches the sleeve caps. The colour matches the colour of the bottom half of the romper.

Footwear: Regular shoes and socks

Picture of preemie outfit 9B P. It has a pink top with pink rose buds and pink bottoms and bonnet.

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 9B P that is green and white gingham, not pink with pink buds) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> So far, there are no observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

> B-Series outfit: #B504 – Blouse with sleeve caps and bubble romper overalls and matching bonnet. Although it is a two-piece outfit, it looks like outfit 9 when on the dolls.  

Picture of outfit B504H. It has a purple blouse, a pink CPK logo on the chest and white bottom with multi coloured hearts. The bonnet matches the bottoms.
Photo courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> Mimic Outfit: #Unknown – This outfit looks almost identical to Preemie outfit #9, except it has a white bow at the neck, no bonnet, and came with knit booties. I believe it is a 700s mimic preemie outfit (709 or 713), but I need clothing tag pictures to confirm this.

Preemie with lemon yellow looped tuft in a green box liner with pink Birth certificate. The top of the outfit is white, the bottom is pink and white gingham. It has white knit booties.
Photo source unknown.

> 25th Anniversary Preemie outfit: This outfit appears almost identical to Preemie outfit #9. For more information visit: 25th Anniversary Outfits

A brown eyed preemie doll inside a 25h anniversary preemie box. The outfit is similiar to 9B
Photo source unknown.

Preemie Outfit #4: Gown with square yoke

The preemie version of the regular kids Yoke dress.

Main graphic with a mauve background that says "#4 Gown with yoke" in black text and has a picture of a Cabbage Patch kid with a preemie wearing a blue version of the outfit.

1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

This outfit has two pieces:

  1. Cotton gown. It has a white square yoke at the neck which is trimmed in lace and has a bow bottom centre. The bottom hem of the gown is straight. There are two parallel lines of lace running around the bottom of the gown. The sleeves also have a line of lace parallel to the hem and are trimmed with lace. The lace around the bottom hem is different from the lace everywhere else.
  2. Bonnet. It is the same colour as the gown and trimmed with two lines of lace (which is different from the lace on the dress)

Footwear: Knit booties

Picture of a yellow shadow striped version of the gown with square yoke outfit and matching bonnet,

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 4F OK that is pink, not baby blue) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> There are no observable differences between outfits produced by different factories.

> 25th Anniversary Preemie Outfits: For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

Picture of a 25th Anniversary preemie with blue eyes wearing a pink version of the yoke dress.

Preemie outfit #1 – Gown with Vest

A gown with a vest and matching bonnet.

Blue graphic with a picture of a Cabbage Patch preemie wearing a gown, vest and bonnet. It says #1, Gown with vest" in black lettering.

1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

There are 3 pieces to this outfit.

  1. Gown: Long cotton gown with a straight across bottom. There is lace along the bottom hem, around the end of the sleeves, around the neck and in a single strip down the middle front. This is the tagged piece.
  2. Vest: A different colour/pattern than the gown. It ties closed at the front with satin ties. Lace edges from the chest area all around the bottom hem. The arm holes are capped with small flutter sleeves.
  3. Bonnet:  Cotton bonnet that is the same colour as the gown. Edged with lace.

    The lace on the sleeves and down the front of the gown is different from the other lace in the outfit.

Footwear: Shoes / Booties

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 1D OK vest that is pink and white gingham, not white with purple buds) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> At this time I can see no observable differences between outfits produced at different factories.

> B-Series outfit: There is a BSeries version of this outfit, but I don’t have the number recorded.   (Future Post)

> 25th Anniversary Preemie Outfit: This outfit looks very similar but the vest is attached and doesn’t continue around to the back. For more information visit, 25th Anniversary Outfits.

Picture of a yellow gown with attached vest. The 25th Anniversary version of the outfit.

#20 Sailor Suit

Safe harbour and calm winds.

Main graphic with light green background and black text tha says "#20 Sailor Suit" and is bracketed by two kids. The first kid is an auburn looped, brown eyed boy with #4 paci head mold wearing a white sailor suit with vivid blue accents. The second is the same hair and eyes with a #2 head mold and wearing a red sailor suit with white accents.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Description:
Legless romper with short sleeves made from cotton twill fabric. It has a sailor collar with trim and a fabric necktie. There is a pocket with an anchor patch on the right breast pocket and button accents at the waist. Decorative features are enhanced with contrasting trim. It came with sneakers and socks.

Outfit 20B KT. Red sailor suit with white accents, anchor on the pocket, and tie.
Outfit 20B KT

This outfit is not technically a part of the 1983 series as it did not come out on kids until 1984. (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.5) However, based on the numbering convention, it is just easier to include it in the 1983 series. It was manufactured/ sold on MIB kids until at least 1986, but probably later.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 20A OK that has green accents, not red) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit does not appear to have been manufactured by the primary factories CC and SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • tie fabric
  • anchor colour
  • colour/shade
  • one vs. two accent colours
Collage showing four sailor suit outfits. It shows the comparison between version 1 and 2 of both outfits 20A and 20B. In both cases, the P factory outfits have two accent colours, versus one.

> Mimic outfits: The 25th Anniversary version is blue with white accents. It only came on boys. For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

In box 25th Anniversary kid with butterscotch looped hair and blue eyes, #2 head mold. He's wearing a blue sailor suit with white accents and white silk ribbon tie.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing. They came in a rainbow of wonderful colours.

Bald paci boy wearing a red sailor suit with blue tie and accents and white piping.
Triang Pedigree version ~ Courtesy of Jerry Marie
Two paci boys wearing sailor suits. One is blue and one s red. Both have white accidents. The patch on the pocket is a steering wheel, not the anchor o fthe others.
Lily Ledy Version ~ Courtesy of Mildri Yukart Ruiz
Picture of 6 kids standing against a wall. Each one is dressed in a sailor suit and looks different. Dark brown loops, red fuzzy, auduburn fuzzy, lemon loops, wheat loops and brown fuzzy, all except one with blue eyes. They are all paci kids. They are wearing the following coloured sailor suits: gold, aqua, celery green, navy blue, medium grey, and orange.
Jesmar sailor suit outfits (Photo courtesy of Monica Sehovic)

Other Information

> A unique Sailor Suit has been found, visit Sailor Suit Surprise!

#16 Denim Romper

Deceptively simple, incredibly cute.

Main graphic tthat has a red background, black text that says "#16 Denim Romper" with two kids bracketing it. The first kid is a brown haired shag wtih brown eyes, #8 head mold and glasses. He's wearing a red plaid shirt and jean romper with red cotton hat. The second kid is an AA bald, brown eyed #2 face mold with orange shirt and jean romper.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the denim romper belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Checkmates

Description:
Jean/denim romper with a square CPK silk label on the bib, worn over a collared short-sleeve shirt that closes at the front with one button. It comes with a red twill baseball cap, sneakers, and socks. Take note, some early versions may have come with regular lace-up shoes.

Outfit 16D, OK. Blue and white check t-shirt, jean romper, and red cotton hat.
Outfit 16D, OK

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 16A KT that is green, not blue) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit does not appear to have been made by the primary factories CC or SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • fabric colour/shade
  • romper stitching
  • romper structure
  • look of the square CPK logo
  • shirt fabric
A collage of pictures showing the differences in sewing and structure in the denim romper and the fabric shades of the shirts.
Pictures courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25th Anniversary version came with a blue and white check shirt and the traditional red cap. For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid, mint in box. He's got fuzzy wheat hair, green eyes and a #3 head mold. He's wearing a blue and white check shirt, jean romper and red cap.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. Tsukuda also put some of their twins in this outfit. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing.

Tsukuda Twins
Jesmar Shirt

Other Information

> Refer to Beneficial Buttons for information on clear vs. white buttons.

> A few early Hong Kong versions of the outfit have been found with metal buttons and closures. I am unsure of the significance of this difference.

“Triple HK, 1983 KT Early HK kid – Bibbed denim romper with an aqua flannel shirt and red cap. Very unusual, however; is the romper itself which opens and closes at the side with 1/2″ copper naps which are embossed with USA style on each one. Snap fasteners also attached the straps to the bib. The shoes  . . . are white high tops with blue stripes, but the stripes are a dark teal shade, are very shiny and appear to be hand-painted. The inside soles of the shoes are stamped KT Hong Kong in bold black letters.” (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 3)

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(Photo courtesy of Kat Perhouse)

It is interesting that a second metal button outfit has been identified, and both outfits have the same red flannel shirt.

> The CPK logo changes in colour/look. This most likely happened due to changes over time, but may also be caused by the factory. I do not know at this time.

A comparison of the silk label used on the front of the CPK denim romper. There's a difference in size, design, and shade of green.