Earlier this week, Hallmark announced big news for miniatures collectors…Merry Miniatures are making a big comeback! In celebration of the the return of Merry Miniatures, this week’s Throwback Thursday takes you on a journey that highlights the evolution of this collection.

In 1974, an appealing group of small, handcrafted figurines made their Hallmark debut. These miniatures have had several names throughout the years but most collectors know them as Merry Miniatures.

Merry Miniature characters celebrate every day occasions and favorite holidays, especially Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They add a charming touch to seasonal decor and are often displayed year-round. Their popularity inspired the introduction of Mini Merry Miniatures in 1983.

Merry Miniature Milestones

1974

  • Introduction of a new line of plastic “Party Favors.”  Original offerings included figurines for Everyday, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Property figurines introduced (Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy)

1976

  • Manufactures mark added to figurines (©Hallmark Cards, Inc., ©HMK CDS)
  • Betsey Clark introduced
  • First St. Patrick’s Day figurine included in product
    offerings (white pipe)

1977

  • Collection renamed Merry Makers

1979

  • Collection renamed Party Favors
  • First Valentine’s Day figurine included in product offerings (LOVE)

1980

  • Collection renamed Little Treasures

1982

  • First container included in product offerings
  • Micey Mouse and Muppets introduced

1983

  • Collection renamed Merry Miniatures
  • Mini Merry Miniatures introduced
  • First dated Merry Miniatures (Cupid, Valentine’s Day and polar bear, Christmas)

1984

  • Merry Miniatures Greetings, the first boxed set was released. (8 piece set featuring cute animal figurines each with a different messages)
  • Hugga Bunch introduced

1986

  • First Graduation Merry Miniature figurine included in product offerings (owl)

1987

  • Merry Miniatures become a Keepsake product line.  Previously they had been created by the Hallmark specialty group as a gift offering.

1988

  • First Merry Miniatures historical brochure published
  • First commemorative Merry Miniature (snowman “For Teacher”)

1990

  • Merry Miniatures series debut (series pieces denoted by a small heart-shaped symbol with a number in it.)
  • Containers discontinued

1993

  • First Merry Miniature display stand included in product offerings (formed plastic base with cardboard seasonal backdrops.
  • First Independence Day Merry Miniatures included in product offerings

1996

  • Merry Miniatures are offered in themed sets with decorative gift boxes
  • PEANUTS introduced

1997

  • HERSHEY’S introduced

1998

  • Madame Alexander introduced

1999

  • Winnie the Pooh introduced

2000

  • First annual collection (Happy Hatters) included in product offerings

2001

  • Merry Miniature repaints included in product offerings (The Magic of Childhood collection). Figurines available in Blonde, Brunette and Auburn hair colors.

2002

  • Merry Miniatures line discontinued

2015

  • Merry Miniatures line relaunched

Fun Facts

Merry Miniatures started as party favors and sold for a dollar or less.

Many older Merry Miniatures are not marked as such collectors may not realize that certain pieces are Merry Miniatures.

Five of the Merry Miniatures produced in 1976 and 1977 are similar to the Hallmark “Adorable” ornaments. These are the Betsey Clark (holding star), Santa (with kitten), Drummer Boy and Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.

Two Merry Miniatures have been Keepsake Ornament Collector’s Club exclusives. In 1988 Seal of Friendship (a white seal pup balancing a red Christmas ball ornament on it’s nose) was given to KOCC members as a member-get-member gift. And in 1995 “Cinderella’s Stepsisters” (complements the Cinderella collection), was given away as a gift membership bonus.

None of the Merry Miniature series lasted longer than three years.