Most Valuable Cabbage Patch Dolls

Unless you were a kid or frantic parent in the early 1980s, it might be hard to appreciate just how big Cabbage Patch Kid dolls were at the time. The toys are distinct from most other dolls, featuring a soft body and a round plastic head that was either bald or covered with yarn-like hair of various shades.

The selling point was that each doll was somehow unique, making it feel to kids as if they truly had a one-of-a-kind item. Officially released by artist Xavier Roberts through Coleco Industries in 1982, it wouldn’t be long before children across the country fell in love, wanting to “adopt” a Cabbage Patch doll of their very own.

Decades Later, the Hunt Is Still on for Cabbage Patch Kids

Although the public might not be as keen on Cabbage Patch Kid dolls as they once were, this isn’t true for devoted collectors. You might not think these items work as collectibles, as there are hundreds of millions out there, but you would be wrong.

There are a few notable exceptions that make them special collector's items. We rounded up a list of valuable Cabbage Patch dolls, selling for at least several times their original price, and ranked them from least to most expensive.

13. Elizabeth Jolene (Tie)

Year released: 1983

Value: $140

* Note: All values came from eBay and Etsy sales. As most eBay users know, the amount an item sells for depends on the person willing to purchase it for that amount.

Why the Elizabeth Jolene Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

Tied in the 13th spot, this doll doesn’t have its original papers, so the seller renamed her. Some items that come with the doll are also brand new and not part of the initial packaging.

Even so, this red-haired doll is in near perfect condition, with no stains or wearing to be seen. As such, it’s still a premium collectible that was successfully “adopted” for a great price.

13. Nuala Delaney (Tie)

Year released: 1985

Value: $140

Why This Nuala Delaney Cabbage Patch Kid Is So Valuable

This doll is in practically new condition and comes with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed outfit. The clothing items are brand new, but this doll sadly lacks its original box and papers. 

Despite this, the item was confirmed to be released in 1985, making it a great vintage purchase.

12. Ruth Eva

Year released: 1988

Value: $150

Why the Ruth Eva Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

This lovely soft doll was put up for sale by the original owner. Thanks to the careful storage of the toy, it’s in very good condition with no visible staining or tears. 

It even has its original birth certificate, adoption papers and tag.

11. Red Hair Pig-Tailed CPK Doll

Year released: 1985

Value: $155

Why This Cabbage Patch Kid Is So Valuable

This doll is a vintage 1985 release and is in very good condition. The price is lower than other items on this list because it appears it doesn’t come with its original box, clothing or paperwork.

Still, the condition was such that it sold successfully.

10. Cynthia Lorna

Year released: 1980

Value: At least $171.50

Why the Cynthia Lorna Doll Is So Valuable

Cynthia Lorna is a “Little People” soft sculpture toy, released not long before Xavier would make his iconic deal with Coleco. As such, this doll is a rare item since the Little People line is believed to be the inspiration for Cabbage Patch Kids.

It might have enjoyed higher valuation, as it also has its original documents, if not for staining.

9. Belvina Clair

Year released: 1985

Value: $250

Why the Belvina Clair Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

Belvina Clair is a vintage Cabbage Patch Kid doll that comes with its original box and adoption papers. As the doll is nearly 37 years old, the box is faded, and there are some markings on the soles of her shoes due to sitting in the original box for so long.

Best of all, the doll includes its original clothing, including this pair of adorable glasses. 

8. Katie Lin

Year released: 1985

Value: $260

Why the Katie Lin Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

A gently used Cabbage Patch Kid collectible, Katie Lin is a soft sculpture doll with an original birth certificate and a Xavier Roberts signature. It also comes with the original pacifier. A close-up look reveals slight stains on the doll’s shoes and clothing.

Despite this, the doll ultimately sold for about 10 times its original 1980s pricing.

7. Brunette CPK Class Of 1990 Doll

Year released: 1990

Value: At least $260

Why This Cabbage Patch Kid Doll Is So Valuable

Although the eBay auction incorrectly labeled the doll as 1983 vintage, the dress it comes with correctly identifies this brunette Cabbage Patch Kid toy as a generation 1990 release. The doll is in decent condition, despite a couple of visible scuffs in its original dress.

At least one person agreed with the current valuation, bidding $260 for the Cabbage Patch Kid. However, it’s possible that future buyers may not.

6. Popcorn-Haired Blonde Cabbage Patch Kid

Year released: 1986

Value: $285

Why This Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

While this adorable Cabbage Patch Kid doll might not have a name, it's clearly in excellent condition. The toy features a signature pink birthmark on its bottom that verifies its 1986 release date.

Though a vintage doll, it was sold in very new packaging rather than its original box.

5. Doris Abrona

Year released: Between 1982 and 1989

Value: $305

Why the Doris Abrona Cabbage Patch Kid Doll Is So Valuable

Cabbage Patch Kid toys with darker skin tones were already rare upon release during the 1980s, so these dolls are going to be highly sought after. Doris also benefits from being in great condition, despite signs of wear.

Still, she doesn’t come with her original box, which no doubt impacted the price. Fortunately, the doll has its original paperwork, which helped to boost the valuation.

4. Tilly Kay

Year released: 1979

Value: $550

Why the Tilly Kay Little People Doll Is So Valuable

A predecessor to the Coleco Cabbage Patch Doll, these rare Xavier-designed toys are automatically in high demand. But while there are millions of Cabbage Patch toys around, the same cannot be said for the Little People dolls that served as their inspiration.

And so Tilly Kay naturally was going to be worth a good amount of money.

3. Anna Greta

Year released: 1986

Value: $810

Why the Anna Greta Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

The doll’s bright red hair is a contributing factor to its desirability, as these dolls aren’t as common as their blonde and brunette counterparts. Also working in the toy's favor is that the toy, while lacking its box, did come with the original pacifier. Additionally, this doll came with its adoption paper and birth certificate.

If you can find an Anna Greta Cabbage Patch Kid doll with all of this and the original box, we imagine the valuation could go even higher.

2. Teresa Ann

Year released: 1985

Value: $2,000

Why the Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll Is So Valuable

This doll stunned collectors when she sold on eBay for $2,000. Although not the most expensive Cabbage Patch Kid purchase, it’s worth noting that No. 1 involves “twins,” making Teresa Ann the most valuable solo doll.

When sold, she was in mint condition, wearing her original pink dress. It’s likely that the original features played a crucial role in her valuation.

1. Unnamed “Little People” Twins (Pre-Cabbage Patch Kids)

Year released: 1979

Value: $3,500

Why These Twin Dolls Are So Valuable

These mysterious vintage dolls sold for a whopping $3,500 back in June 2018. If they ever make their way to auction again, there’s a chance these rare pre-Cabbage Patch Kid toys could sell for even more.

These soft “Little People” twins are technically predecessors to the popular toy line, making them exceptionally unique and worth a lot. They are, by all appearances, in excellent condition. Most importantly, these are signed dolls, with Xavier's signature very easy to see on each toy.

What the Most Valuable Cabbage Patch Kid Dolls Have in Common

As you probably noticed, the dolls going for the biggest bucks are among the oldest to exist, so the earlier, the better. Among the most prized are those dolls created and sold by Xavier before he made the deal with Coleco.

It’s also best to have the original adoption papers and birth certificates, as these significantly boost the value of the toys in question. The original Xavier-deigned dolls had a “birthmark” signature on their bottom, either in blue or green ink. Other factors contributing to a doll’s value include its condition and whether it comes with its original packaging.

Cabbage Patch Doll Collectibles: Worth It in the Long Run?

When it comes to the collectible nature of dolls like the Cabbage Patch Kids, time is almost always on your side.

The Cabbage Patch Kids toys need not ever see a resurgence in popularity for a collector with a sharp eye to benefit from snagging one of these rare toys and keeping them for years to come, eventually selling them for a profit.