Topsy-Turvy doll facts for kids

A Topsy-Turvy doll is a special kind of doll that has two heads and two bodies, but they share the same legs! Imagine a doll that you can flip upside down to reveal a completely different character. These dolls usually have two opposing characters, meaning they look very different from each other.

Traditionally, these dolls were American cloth dolls. Often, one side would be a white girl, and the other side would be a Black girl. Later versions sometimes showed a white girl on one side and an adult woman figure on the other. It's a bit tricky to find exact details about when and where these dolls first appeared. However, we know that by the 1950s, dolls like "Topsy and Eva" were sold by big stores such as Sears and Montgomery Ward. The Babyland Rag company, also known as Bruckner, also made them.

Where to Find Topsy-Turvy Dolls

Many Topsy-Turvy dolls are now part of special collections and museums. These places help us learn about the history of toys and dolls.

Dolls in Collections

You can find many dolls in the Topsy-Turvy style in the Hatch Collection of Black Cloth Dolls. This collection helps preserve and display these unique toys.

Dolls in Museums

Another example of a Topsy-Turvy doll is on display at the Philadelphia Doll Museum. This doll wears a red checked apron. It's called a "double ender" because it has two opposite heads, just like other Topsy-Turvy dolls. Visiting museums like this can show you how dolls have changed over time.