They say nothing haunts us like the clothes we didn’t buy. But the truth is, nothing haunts us like the Polly Pocket pieces we lost as children.
The tiny Mattel dolls burst onto the scene in the Nineties, following the success of the brand’s iconic Barbie dolls. Polly Pocket fever soon gripped tweens everywhere, thanks to the figure’s extensive wardrobe, animal friends and portable perks such as their epic hard-shell homes, which if you weren’t feeling old already, are now deemed retro. Gulp.
The collectibles came in a range of kitschy cute designs. Pastel pink shells, stars and hearts all opened up to reveal a treasure trove within. Petite blonde-haired, blue-eyes Pollys were free to maneuver as you pleased around their plastic homes, simply to be packed up and played again with later.
The teenie weenie dolls were conceived in 1983 by Chris Wiggs, who wanted to make a new toy for his daughter. Wiggs found a gap in the market for pocket-sized dolls, in turn conjuring up the famous cosmetic compact complete with a small house inside to home the minute figurines.
In 1989, Polly Pocket was listed as an officially licensed product of Bluebird Toys and hit the shelves with much success. After nine lucrative years, Bluebird Toys sold the company to Mattel, the creators of Barbie.
True Polly Pocketers will know that Polly underwent an aesthetic transformation at this point. The beloved compacts were shelved and more Barbie-esque models introduced. Polly Pockets were now sold with special clothing made from rubber which, let’s be real, we all used to chew on.
While the original compacts are only available to buy second hand and spending hours online playing Pollyworld Extreme Scavanger Hunt online is no longer feasible, there are still countless Polly Pockets to treat yourself or your child to.
From unicorn forests to llama party playsets, scroll on to discover the best Polly Pockets to marvel at.
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Polly Pocket Pet Adventure Treehouse Playset and Accessories
Any mention of a zipline and you have our attention. Polly Pocket’s Pet Adventure Treehouse Playset is packed with surprises, including the all-important zip wire feature. There are a total of five floors with surprises on each level to explore, plus the treehouse is expandable for even more fun.
The trendy treehouse set comes with Polly and Shani micro dolls and four animal figurine pals. Pop Polly in the swan vehicle and let her scoot around the trunks or give her a nudge down the waterfall side.
Buy now £34.00, Amazon
Polly Pocket Doggy Birthday Bash Compact Playset
A smaller option for prime portability, Polly Pocket’s Doggy Birthday Bash set is ideal for animal lovers. Join Polly and her friends for this paw-sitively adorable Doggy Birthday Bash. The blue dog model opens up to uncover two figurines and 12 accessories to jazz them up with. Once you or your child has finished playing for the day, pop the dog back together and use to wrist strap to carry like a handbag. Now that’s one plush pup.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Polly Pocket Compact Groom n Glam Poodle Playset
We will never not be obsessed with poodles, so this Groom n Glam Poodle Playset tickled our fancy. Join Polly and her pups at the grooming salon for a day full of canine makeovers.
Youngsters can fill the pool with water for a surprise splash effect, create bubbles in the tub or take turns in the swivel chair in between poodle pampering sessions.
Buy now £15.99, John Lewis
Polly Pocket Mama & Joey Kangaroo Purse
Jump into action with Polly Pocket’s Mama & Joey Kangaroo Purse. The cutest accessory we ever did see, the set is a great gift for children often on the go. It features a larger size and a fuchsia furry exterior touch for sensory stimulation.
Open up the purse to reveal a nursery-themed animal adventure featuring 13 pieces to craft your very own nature-inspired narrative.
Buy now £24.99, John Lewis
Polly Pocket Llama Party Playset
This llama-zing Polly Pocket set-up is not one to miss. Shaped like the friendly animal, the case is brimming with surprises that little ones will love. Pull the golden cord for colourful confetti and over 25 figurines will fall out of the piñata playset.
Treat Polly to an outdoor glamping slumber party, or put her to the test with the water obstacle course. The world is truly your oyster with this toy in tow.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Polly Pocket Unicorn Forest Compact Tea Party-Themed Playset
Mermaids, mushrooms and magical creatures? Oh my! This Polly Pocket Unicorn Forest Compact Tea Party-Themed Playset is a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed. Hidden in the depths of the woods awaits a mushroom house flanked by swings, horse stalls and a table laid for the grandest of tea parties. VIP guests include unicorns, butterflies and other mythic, mesmerising critters.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Polly Pocket PJ Party Sleepover Owl
Who can resist this gorgeous owl compact? For under £20, this PJ Party piece will provide oodles of fun for busy minds. Children can fill the frozen lake with water from the watering can provided, or take to the sleds for back-and-fourth fun. Bundle up together inside the tent, but don’t forget to pivot the telescope in order to gaze at the stunningly starry sky.
Buy now £15.99, John Lewis
Polly Pocket Sparkle Cove Adventure Narwhal Playset
Dive into a playtime session with the Polly Pocket Sparkle Cove Adventure Narwhal Adventurer toy boat. The delightful purple piece is suitable for water use and features two dolls, three pearls and 13 accessories to discover.
Open up your new narwhal friend to reveal a cruise ship interior where Polly can swing on the golf course or twirl around the ballroom. An added treat takes the form of the narwhal’s tail. Fill the pool with water and push down to spout water and send Polly whizzing down the slide.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Polly Pocket Compact Flower Garden Bunny
Leap into Polly’s world with the Polly Pocket Compact Flower Garden Bunny. A toy that can be used for water play, it contains colour-changing pieces and a splash pad. Create your own story with a helping hand from the 12 accessories provided, spanning swings for dolls and a swan boat for serene bath activities.
Strap the purple wristband on and take the compact to friend’s houses for Polly Pocket playdates.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
