The Thanksgiving Collection

This collection remains one of the most intricate and challenging designs ever undertaken by Bob and Jan Simpich.
Enjoy this 2019 video, where David Simpich shares the rich history and craftsmanship behind this unique Simpich Thanksgiving Collection.

❄ A Portrait of Elegance: The Story Behind Evelyn Jane

In every Simpich Doll, there’s a story — and few are as heartfelt or personal as the one behind Evelyn Jane – The Ice Skater.

In the mid-1980s, Jan and Bob Simpich were invited to design a special doll to honor the winners of the 1988 U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Championship, held in Denver. Jan turned to a deeply personal inspiration: her sister, Evelyn Jane Nixon.

Known to her family as “Pudge,” Evelyn was the youngest of a lively household in Independence, Missouri. She was the twin sister of Marsha (“Midge”), and one of five children raised by Dr. Charles and Brenda Nixon. Though lovingly nicknamed in childhood, Evelyn grew into a woman of great poise and grace — qualities that Jan captured so beautifully in her tribute.

In 1984, Evelyn passed away from an aggressive form of sinus cancer. The diagnosis and loss sent waves of grief through the family, but also stirred something in Jan as an artist. She began sculpting a portrait head of her sister, unsure at first whether it would become a doll — only that she needed to express her love and loss through creation.

When the skating championship invitation arrived, Jan knew exactly who the doll should be: Evelyn Jane. Working with her husband Bob and son Reg, the family brought to life a Victorian skater, complete with a fur-lined coat, delicate bonnet, and pewter-cast skates. She glides over a sculpted block of “ice,” elegant and timeless — a tribute not only to winter’s charm, but to a life lived with grace and dignity.

Later, the portrait would be used again for another beloved Simpich piece: Victorian Summer, inspired once more by Evelyn’s memory.

In her final months, Evelyn spoke often of the Kingdom of God — a phrase that deeply moved her family. For those who knew her, Evelyn Jane is more than a collector’s item; it’s a quiet legacy of faith, beauty, and family love preserved in art.

Evalyn Jane over the years!

Above you can browse a number of appearences in the Doll Shops yearly catalogs.

The First Simpich Doll

Hello, my name is Toby Simpich. Back in 2020, during lockdown, we made the decision to sit down and interview Robert Simpich about the entire story of the Simpich Character Dolls. I’m so excited to finally be able to share this interview with you all and give a firsthand perspective on the incredible story of Robert and Janice Simpich.

So, without further ado, please enjoy this firsthand account of the beginning of the Simpich Dolls.

Why Moses Is the Perfect Place to Begin: A Journey Through the Simpich Character Doll Catalog

When you're looking back at the story of the Simpich Character Dolls, it might seem odd to start with one of the final pieces ever created. But Moses, released in 2002, isn't just a beautiful doll—he's a masterclass in everything that made Robert and Janice Simpich’s work so special.

Even though Moses came near the end of the Simpich journey, I think he’s the perfect place to begin ours.

My name is Toby Simpich and I’m excited to share why I think so:

Every Detail Tells a Story

On a casual glance at this piece its easy to miss many of the special details and masterful craftsmanship engrained in this piece by its designer Robert Simpich. From the rock he stands on to the Hebrew script on the tablets in his hands, this doll invites a long, thoughtful look.

Even the resin used for his sculpted features was specially selected to catch light in a radiant, almost surreal way—personally I find that this choice both makes him look more realistic while also capturing the transcendant moment this piece captures on the slopes of Mount Sinai all through centuries ago.

A True One-of-a-kind

Every Simpich Character Doll was hand-painted, sewn, dressed, and assembled. That means no two were ever exactly alike—each one carried its own slight variation, its own personality. The artistry of the designers, along with the intense care, creativity, and craftsmanship of everyone who worked on the Simpich Dolls, made each figure truly special.

Moses was especially uncommon, being a limited edition of only 1,000. Compared to some other figures that were produced in slightly higher numbers, this was a rare piece—even by Simpich standards.

And yet, it’s not just the quantity that makes him special. The real rarity lies in the business that created him. For decades, Robert and Janice Simpich built a company capable of producing something so intricate, creative, and unique. It took the foundation of incredible artisan employees, extensive processes, and years of trial and error to make something like Moses possible.

A Work of Faith

This is an image of the original announcement of the Simpich rendition of Moses in 2002

“you shall have no other gods before me”. Exodus 20 : 3-5

Look a little closer at the base of Moses, and you’ll notice something easy to miss: scripture carved right into the rock he’s standing on.

This quiet detail says so much. Robert Simpich—and all the artists who helped bring these characters to life—infused their work with faith, beauty, and meaning. These weren’t just dolls. They were reflections of deeper beliefs, values, and a desire to create something enduring.

I doubt it needs to be said, but for Janice and Robert Simpich, the process of bringing the Simpich Character Dolls to life was long, patient, and deliberate. They faced many major blocks and challenges—everything from customers waiting years for their Pilgrim sets to declining sales and increasing costs in the early 2000s. It took deep dedication to each other, to their craft, to their business, and to their faith to build something truly unique—something that could produce a figure like this Moses.

As a grandson of Robert and Janice Simpich, I want to begin this journey through the story of the Simpich Character Dolls because the work they did stands as both a symbol and a statement: that art—when made with love, detail, passion, and faith—becomes something timeless.

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to explore.

Written and Photographed by Toby Simpich