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History of Sylvanian Families

History of Sylvanian Families

We explore the history of Sylvanian Families products and explain why they make a sound investment for any parent.

The very beginning

Originally launched by Epoch in Japan in 1985, the Sylvanian Families range was a bit hit although, technically, their name was “Pleasant Friends of the Forest”. Highly detailed, the figures, buildings and every day household objects inspired the imagination of the children of their time. Originally, the figures were of a porcelain construction and much of the furniture was wooden. However, this quickly changed to plastic designs as the products launched in the USA later the same year.

TV Series – Helping the history of Sylvanian Families evolve

The popularity of Sylvanian Families soared in 1987 across the UK and Spain when an animated TV series was produced. This was adapted for many other countries which saw the popularity increase across the world. The CBN Family channel aired the series to the US and this was repeated in the late 1990’s when the series moved to PAX TV.

Expansion in Europe

Following on from the success of the TV series, Tomy aquired the rights to produce products for the UK market. This sent the popularity of the Sylvanian Families sky rocketing across the UK and Western Europe in 1987 – so much so that the British Association of Toy Retailers awarded Sylvanian Families their “Toy of the Year” award 3 years running from 1987 to 1989.

Calico Critters

The history of Sylvanian Families changed course in 1993 when Tomy lost the rights to use the name “Sylvanian Families” in the US and Canada. This was a huge blow to their plans but they quickly regained their ground by launching the same products under a different name; “Calico Critters”. To this day, most Americans would associate the term Calico Critters with what the rest of the world would consider to be Sylvanian Families. It is essentially the same product range though. Tomy handed the rights to the USA and Canadian market to Epoch Everlasting Play LLC and the UK followed suit in 2014.

30 years of history, and counting!

The Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters range of products remains as strong today as it has ever been – although the UK market is now supplied by Flair. Classic and vintage items – some no longer available as new products – still sell on the used market with very strong values and, in fact some items increase in value year on year. This makes a Sylvanian Families collection a very sound investment as, while most toys depreciate, these charming products continue to delight children. Generation after generation, used Sylvanian Families characters and accessories retain their values and make an ideal investment.