They are everywhere: smiling at you from the car in front of you in traffic or lining a friend's shelves as a collection. They go by several names: Nodders, Wobblers, and Nodding Dolls to name a few. We call them Personalized Bobbleheads. They are involved in every category of life, from sports to politics, even romance. Custom Bobbleheads have a surprising place in history and in pop culture. Here are 7 facts that will change the way you look at these joyful dolls.
1. Bobbleheads are older than the Unites States of America.
Bobbleheads made their entrance into European history in the 1760's. They were imported from China and made of ceramic. Through the centuries Bobbleheads have taken many forms, from life-like Indian replicas to the cartoonish variety we enjoy today.
2. A single Bobblehead auctioned for $59,750 in 2015.
One of two surviving Bobbleheads representing the 1961-1962 New York Yankees sold for almost $60,000 in 2015. Even though the Bronx Bombers took the title for both years, this Bobblehead has become a proud symbol of America's favorite past time.
3. In 2014, Major League Baseball gave away almost a million Bobbleheads!
Bobbleheads are almost as synonymous with Baseball as peanuts and Cracker Jacks. In 2014, 0.99 Million Bobbleheads found their way into the homes of Baseball fans as promotional gifts by the MLB.
4. A pair of personalized Bobbleheads wooed the heart of a young woman in Season 8 of the Bachelorette...almost.
Chris Bukowski instantly melted the hearts of viewers everywhere when he presented Emily Maynard with custom-made bobbleheads made in the pair's likeness in the first episode of the Bachelorette Season 8. We think this single gesture carried Chris through several rounds of eliminations, but we might be a tad biased.
5. One Bobblehead is credited with the resurgence in popularity among enthusiasts.
Historically, Bobbleheads reached the height of their popularity in the 1970's. Interest seemed to wane until one Bobblehead launched them back into the collectors' spotlight. On May 9, 1999, the San Francisco Giants hit it out of the park. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Candlestick Park, they gifted 20,000 visitors with a promotional Willie Mays Bobblehead. This replica revived the popularity of these adorable dolls and inspired a whole new generation of creators and collectors alike.
6. Bobbleheads got into the political scene with a campaign commercial in 2016.
Bobbleheads were thrust into controversy when Robert Blaha, a Colorado candidate for US Senate, reportedly spent $1,137 on Bobblehead replicas of other pertinent politicians. Not only did he use them his commercial, he took them on the road as he hit the campaign trail!
7. Move over Clifford, the World's Largest Bobblehead isn't a human, it's a St. Bernard!
In 2016, the Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized the mascot of Applied Underwriters Insurance Company as the largest Bobblehead ever. Standing nearly 15.5 feet tall, this colossal canine resides in Orlando, FL. Whether it's been to celebrate achievements, important events in history or to bring a smile to someone's face, bobbleheads have been there. Do you know a college graduate? Are you getting married soon and are looking for a unique cake topper? YesBobbleheads can design personalized bobbleheads for your own special occasion! Click here and we'll show you how easy it is to create your personalized bobblehead now!