Christmas Layaway
Fill out this form to reserve your Simpich Character Doll this Christmas. More details for more
Chrstmas Layaway
Layaway lets you reserve a Simpich doll now and pay for it in three equal payments, with the piece arriving before Christmas. Once your first payment is in, the doll comes off the website and is held for you alone.
What qualifies
Any piece on simpich.com priced at $750 or more
One piece per layaway / or several pieces whose combined total is $750 or more
When
Reservations open October 13 and close November 1
The cutoff gives everyone enough time to finish their payments before Christmas.
The payment schedule
Your total (the doll’s price plus shipping and any sales tax) is split into three equal payments:
Payment Due 1st At reservation
2nd November 15
3rd December 12
Example: a $1,500 doll is three payments of $500.
You’re welcome to pay off the balance early at any time. If you do, your doll ships right away.
How to reserve
Fill out the Form above
I’ll confirm it’s available and send you an invoice for the first payment.
Your doll is held once that payment is received. Until then, it stays available on the site, so please pay within [48 hours] of the invoice.
I’ll send invoices for the second and third payments a few days before each due date.
We accept most credit and debit cards
While your doll is on layaway
It’s taken off the website and stored safely here, in the condition described in the listing.
Your price is locked in.
Shipping and delivery
Your doll ships within one business day of your final payment, so it arrives in time for Christmas.
Buyers in Colorado Springs can choose free hand delivery instead.
If plans change
The first payment is non-refundable. It covers holding the doll off the market during the busiest weeks of the year.
The second payment is fully refundable if you decide not to continue.
Once the final payment is made, the doll is yours. [Our standard return policy applies from that point.]
If a payment is missed, I’ll reach out. If I don’t hear back within [7 days] of the due date, the layaway is cancelled, the second payment (if made) is refunded, and the doll returns to the site.
Questions
Email me anytime at [email]. I’m happy to talk through any piece before you reserve it.
Browse Some Rare Finds
Over the decades the Simpich Doll Shop created many rare and wonderful designs, some that only saw a handful ever created, while other’s have been signed by the artist or stand as one of the only artist proofs created for every design regardless of number created. This page is dedicated to those pieces.
The Organ Grinder | Signed by Robert Simpich | The last and rarest Simpich Caroller
One red-mittened hand turns the crank, a pipe is clenched in his grin, and his cheeks are pink from the cold and from laughing. Whatever tune is coming out of that organ, he knows every note of it by heart.
The organ hangs from a leather strap across his chest, its face carved with a row of gilded pipes. And riding on top sits his partner: a small brown monkey, tail curled over his back, one hand pressed to his cheek, wearing a little red cap with a gold button to match his master's. Of the two of them, the monkey is the one watching you.
Turn him around and the story keeps going. A fringed red plaid scarf hangs down the back of a black wool coat. His trousers are black-and-white tweed. All of it is hand-sewn from real fabric, not painted on. On the back of his red cap, pressed right into the brim, is the mark: © Simpich.
The Organ Grinder was the last new figure added to the Simpich Carollers, released in 2005, less then two years before the doll shop closed. Making the Organ grinder one of the hardest to find, since they were only produced for a very limited time.
Robert Simpich, who founded the doll shop with his wife, Jan, sculpted the original. This piece was then cast, hand-painted, and dressed in hand-sewn clothing in the Simpich doll shop, and set on a wooden base. Turn it over and you'll find Robert Simpich's signature across the base, the year 2005, and the doll shop's gold foil label from 2413 West Colorado Avenue.
He has been well cared for. The scarf's fringe is intact, the wool is unfaded, the gilding on the pipes is still bright, and both the crank and the monkey's little cap are still with him.
Details
The last new Caroler, released 2005
Signed by Robert Simpich on the base · dated 2005 by hand · original gold foil shop label
Condition: heirloom
Condition: Pristine
“The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached…” Dickens’ unforgettable description of the third Spirit sets the tone for one of the most haunting moments in A Christmas Carol. It was this very passage that guided Bob Simpich during the final era of the Doll Shop, when he took on one of the most daunting creative challenges of his career: capturing the Ghost of Christmas Future in three-dimensional form. Concealed beneath a cavernous black shroud, with only a skeletal hand emerging from the darkness, this Simpich figure echoes the novel’s chilling imagery — a presence that seems to carry gloom and mystery in the very air around it.
Robert sculpted the Spirit as Dickens envisioned it: silent, faceless, and pointing unflinchingly to Scrooge’s own tombstone. The heavy black robes fall in deep, sculptural folds; the ghostly hand stretches toward the grave marker with a gesture that is both dreadful and necessary. It embodies the pivotal moment in the story — the instant Scrooge realizes his time is not endless, and that the future can only change if he does.
Across decades of writing about Simpich Character Dolls, joy has often been the theme I return to — the joy Bob and Jan poured into their work, the joy their creations continue to spark for collectors. And though some might say that Marley’s Ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Future stand apart from that joy, I would argue the opposite. Few pieces point us toward joy more clearly than these two Spirits. By exposing the consequences of a life lived for comfort, accumulation, and self-interest, they illuminate the path toward generosity, compassion, and transformation.
In this figure, Robert Simpich captured more than a character — he captured the turning point of Dickens’ entire tale. A solemn reminder, rendered with extraordinary craftsmanship, that joy is not something we receive by chance but something we choose, cultivate, and give. The Ghost of Christmas Future stands as one of the most powerful and meaningful entries in the Simpich Christmas Carol Collection: a silent, shrouded guide urging us toward the better future.
Condition: Pristine | Handmade in Bethlehem | Made of Olive Wood
A rare and meaningful addition to the Simpich Nativity Collection. During a trip to the Holy Land, Bob and Jan Simpich discovered a local carver near Bethlehem, whose craftsmanship captured the spirit of their vision for the Three Kings’ companion. They commissioned him to create this unique camel from olive wood, ensuring each piece reflected the natural beauty of the region.
Shipped in very small batches, this camel stands approximately 17 inches tall and showcases the rich, unpainted grain of the olive wood, lending authenticity and depth to any Nativity display. The Olive-Wood Camel is a symbol of Simpich’s dedication to quality and tradition, bringing a piece of the Holy Land’s artistry to your collection.
Condition: Excellent
This Abraham Lincoln figure captures the dignity and presence of the 16th President of the United States. Dressed in his iconic presidential attire, Lincoln stands beside a table holding a Bible, symbolizing his steadfast faith and leadership during one of the nation’s most pivotal times. Every detail, from his formal coat to his contemplative expression, reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of Robert Simpich. This piece is a tribute to an American icon and a timeless addition to any collection honoring history and heritage. The Simpich Abraham Lincoln is a spiecal edition and only 1000 were produced. a unique atrobute of this series of peices is that the first 141 of the 1000 produced have a different head design, with the remaining 859 having a revised, more historically accurate, design. Making this Simpich Character Doll one of the last created with the original head design.
The Ghost of Christmas Present – A Christmas Carol Collection
Condition: Pristine | 19 Inches Tall
In A Christmas Carol, the second spirit greets Scrooge with a laugh and an invitation: "Come in! and know me better, man!" The Simpich Ghost of Christmas Present looks like he's saying it right now. His arms are spread wide, his palms are open, and his eyes are crinkled nearly shut from laughing.
Dickens described this spirit carefully, and this piece follows him closely. In the book, the spirit wears a simple green robe bordered with white fur, a holly wreath set with shining icicles, and no shoes. He has long, dark brown curls. Here, the robe is deep green velvet, trimmed in thick white from collar to hem and around both sleeves. The holly crown is dotted with red berries and threaded with gold for the icicles. His curls and beard are sculpted in heavy ringlets. Beneath the robe he wears gold-flecked trousers, and his bare feet stand on a round wooden base.
At 19 inches, he is the largest Simpich doll ever produced, and the size lets the small details come through: the laugh lines around his eyes, the knuckles on his open hands, the toenails on his bare feet, and the twisted gold rope belt with its tasseled ends.
He was sculpted by [designer], then cast, hand-painted, and dressed in hand-sewn clothing in the Simpich doll shop.
Condition
Pristine, as shown in the photos.
In the story, this is the spirit who takes Scrooge to the Cratchits' Christmas table, and he's a natural centerpiece for a Christmas Carol display alongside the Cratchit Family.
| Patriotic Tribute
Charlie Dell is a classic example of the Simpich Character Dolls at their most expressive—an everyday figure elevated through storytelling, craftsmanship, and unmistakable personality.
Dressed in well-worn work clothes, Charlie stands with a relaxed confidence, coffee mug in hand, as if pausing mid-morning before heading back to the task at hand. His easy smile and open posture give the piece a quiet warmth, capturing the dignity and familiarity of a working man rendered with genuine affection.
The detailing throughout the figure reflects the hallmarks of Simpich artistry. From the carefully sculpted facial features and hand-painted expression to the layered fabrics, leather belt, and textured gloves, every element is thoughtfully composed. The mug—simple and unassuming—adds a subtle narrative touch, reinforcing the lived-in realism that defines many of the most beloved Simpich designs.
This example is inHeirloom Condition and is signed by the artist, placing it among the most desirable examples available to collectors. Artist-signed pieces offer a direct connection to the hands that created them, transforming the figure from a beautiful object into a personal work of art.
Charlie Dell is a piece that rewards close inspection and long-term appreciation. Whether displayed on its own or alongside other character figures, he brings a grounded, human presence to any Simpich collection.
A standout acquisition for collectors seeking exceptional condition, artist provenance, and the timeless charm that defines the Simpich Character Dolls.
Condition: Pristine | Limited Edition of 1,000 | Introduced in 1999
Dear Santa is one of the most personal and story-rich pieces in the entire Simpich Santa Collection. Dressed in classic red velvet trimmed with soft white fur, Santa pauses mid-journey to read a handwritten letter pulled from his mailbag—a quiet, intimate moment rarely captured so thoughtfully in Santa design.
What makes this piece truly special is the story behind the letter itself. The note Santa reads was written by Bob and Jan Simpich’s granddaughter, transforming this sculpture from a holiday figure into a genuine family keepsake. The message—simple, sincere, and filled with childlike faith—reflects the heart of Christmas and the values that shaped the Simpich legacy across generations.
Every detail reinforces the narrative: the weight of the mailbag slung over Santa’s shoulder, the tiny letters peeking out marked “Mail – North Pole,” and Santa’s gentle, attentive expression as he reads. Even the bell at his cap and the polished wooden base contribute to the sense that this moment is both timeless and deeply personal.
Handcrafted and hand-finished, Dear Santa stands as a celebration of belief, innocence, and the enduring magic of Christmas letters written with hope. Limited to just 1,000 pieces and offered here in pristine condition, it is a standout Santa for collectors who value story, family connection, and the deeper meaning behind the season.
A truly special addition to any Simpich Santa collection—and one of the most heartfelt designs ever created.
End of the Line Santa
Every great journey must come to an end.
The caboose in Santa's hand is bright red, lettered EOL on the side — End of the Line — and painted right into the frame beneath it: Simpich © 2006. Robert Simpich designed this Santa as the final piece the doll shop would ever release, and he said so in the piece itself.
Then look at what this Santa is wearing. Not the great fur-trimmed coat — a suede work apron, its pockets filled with a hammer, a ruler, a pencil, a paint rag, a candy cane, and a paintbrush with the color still on its tip. Half of it is a toymaker's kit. The other half looks suspiciously like the working tools of the doll shop. It is hard to hold this piece and not see the artist standing inside the Santa.
At his feet, a shaggy dog in a red collar sits looking up — waiting on him the way dogs wait on someone who is almost done working for the day.
And Santa is waving. One hand holds the finished caboose; the other is raised. Hello or goodbye — in 2006, it was both.
Robert Simpich, who founded the doll shop with his wife, Jan, sculpted the original design; each piece in the edition was then cast, hand-painted, and dressed in hand-sewn clothing in the Simpich doll shop, and set on an oval wooden base. Released at the end of 2006 in an edition of 750, End of the Line Santa is the final Simpich design — and the most sought-after piece in the line. Twenty years on, that has not changed.
This is number 435 of the 750, signed by Robert Simpich.
Details
Released 2006 — the final Simpich design and the last Santa in the collection
Limited edition of 750 · this piece is #435, signed by the artist
Condition: heirloom quality
Condition: Pristine | Limited Edition of 1,000 | Introduced in 1999
Dear Santa is one of the most personal and story-rich pieces in the entire Simpich Santa Collection. Dressed in classic red velvet trimmed with soft white fur, Santa pauses mid-journey to read a handwritten letter pulled from his mailbag—a quiet, intimate moment rarely captured so thoughtfully in Santa design.
What makes this piece truly special is the story behind the letter itself. The note Santa reads was written by Bob and Jan Simpich’s granddaughter, transforming this sculpture from a holiday figure into a genuine family keepsake. The message—simple, sincere, and filled with childlike faith—reflects the heart of Christmas and the values that shaped the Simpich legacy across generations.
Every detail reinforces the narrative: the weight of the mailbag slung over Santa’s shoulder, the tiny letters peeking out marked “Mail – North Pole,” and Santa’s gentle, attentive expression as he reads. Even the bell at his cap and the polished wooden base contribute to the sense that this moment is both timeless and deeply personal.
Handcrafted and hand-finished, Dear Santa stands as a celebration of belief, innocence, and the enduring magic of Christmas letters written with hope. Limited to just 1,000 pieces and offered here in pristine condition, it is a standout Santa for collectors who value story, family connection, and the deeper meaning behind the season.
A truly special addition to any Simpich Santa collection—and one of the most heartfelt designs ever created.
McNair and Friend — Simpich Character Dolls, Caroler Collection | Heirloom Condition | Designed and Signed by Robert Simpich
Most people assume the gentleman is McNair. He isn't. McNair is the scotty lovingly held under the mans arm.
Caught mid-carol with one mitten raised, this portly old fellow is singing his heart out on a snowy street, and tucked under his arm is his small companion, McNair, a shaggy West Highland terrier with a red collar and his tongue out, gazing up at the singer as if he'd join in if he could. The Friend, then, is the man, and once you know that, the whole piece rearranges itself: it's the dog's story, and the old gentleman is simply the one lucky enough to be carrying him.
The Friend wears a grey felt hat with a black band over a full head of white hair and a bristling white mustache; his cheeks are pink from the cold and his mouth is open on a long note. He's dressed in a plum wool overcoat, a soft grey tartan scarf woven with red, green and blue, grey felt mittens, and black-and-white checked trousers over black shoes, all mounted on a beveled walnut base.
McNair and Friend is one of the rarest and most sought-after of all the Simpich Character Dolls. He was a late addition to the Caroler Collection and was produced for only a handful of years, so relatively few were ever made and he seldom comes up for sale. For collectors building a complete Caroler scene, this is often the last piece to find, and one of the hardest.
Condition: Pristine | Produced in limited numbers about 200 were made This piece is #68 | Designed and signed by Reg Simpich
he American Civil War remains one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. Yet from that terrible conflict came emancipation—a defining step toward extending the promise of liberty and the principle that “all men are created equal.”
InFreeman, designer Reg Simpich sought to capture a single, powerful moment: the joy of a man whose bondage has ended and whose chains can no longer hold him. Every detail contributes to that story, from the handcrafted shackles and broken lengths of chain to the figure’s uplifted face, open arms, and unmistakable expression of relief and celebration.
Joy is a theme found throughout the Simpich Character Dolls collection, but few pieces express it with the emotional power ofFreeman. It is a thoughtful and deeply human design—one that acknowledges a painful history while centering the dignity, freedom, and hope represented by emancipation.
Details for Collectors
AlthoughFreemancarries a stated edition of 800, I have serious doubts that the full edition was ever completed. Based on how rarely this piece appears, I believe the actual production may have been much closer toYoung Lincoln, a piece believed to have had a production of approximately 200.
Whatever the final number may have been,Freemanis unquestionably one of the more difficult Simpich Character Dolls to locate. A piece in this remarkable condition may truly represent a one-time opportunity. This is an exceptionally rare design and a particularly outstanding example.
God Bless Us Every One — Scrooge & Tiny Tim
1999 · Limited Edition #134 of 800 · Condition: Pristine
The only limited edition ever produced in the Simpich Christmas Carol Collection — and one of the rarest pieces in the entire Simpich body of work.
A transformed Ebenezer Scrooge, dressed for Christmas dinner in his green tailcoat and lace jabot, gathers Tiny Tim onto his knee. Tim, crutch in hand, reaches up to touch the old man's face — the moment Dickens' story has been building toward, rendered in sculpted detail down to Scrooge's weathered hands and worn shoes.
The wooden stool beneath them carries the story in Bob Simpich's own hand-lettered engraving: "Tiny Tim did not die! Scrooge was a good friend" and "He knew how to keep Christmas well as any man alive" — Charles Dickens, crowned by the words "God bless us every one."
Mounted on an oval mahogany base, stamped and hand-numbered 134/800, dated 1999. In pristine condition — a rare opportunity for the serious Simpich collector.
Condition: Pristine
Limited Editions: Sweet Betsy #72 of 1,200 | Ike #22 of 1,200
Designed by: Ragan Simpich
“Now don’t you remember Sweet Betsy from Pike,
Who crossed the big mountains with her lover Ike?”
Inspired by the classic American frontier song Sweet Betsy from Pike, these remarkable Simpich Character Dolls bring to life the story of Betsy and Ike as they journey west during the era of the California Gold Rush.
Designer Ragan Simpich captured the pair with wonderful personality. Betsy stands confidently in her deep red traveling dress, one hand resting on her hip as she looks toward Ike. Beside her, Ike holds his broad-brimmed hat with a quieter, almost admiring expression. Displayed together, their poses create a charming sense of interaction and make the figures feel like two characters caught in the middle of their own frontier story.
The original song recounts the hardships, humor, and adventure experienced by those who crossed the mountains in search of a new life in the American West. Betsy and Ike embody that spirit of determination while retaining the warmth and gentle humor found throughout the Simpich Character Dolls collection.
Both figures were produced as limited editions of 1,200, yet they appear on the secondary market with surprising rarity—especially together and in this level of condition. Sweet Betsy is numbered 72, while Ike is the exceptionally early number 22. Preserved in Pristine Condition, this is a particularly beautiful example of one of Ragan Simpich’s most distinctive historical pairings.
Condition: Pristine | Introduced in 1995 | Limited Edition of 1,500
Apple of His Eye Santa captures one of the most tender moments in the entire Simpich Santa Series. Dressed in his cozy nightshirt, Santa lifts a cheerful baby high into the air, both faces glowing with pure delight. Robert Simpich designed this piece to embody the joy of Christmas morning—an emotion he worked tirelessly to express in many of his Santa designs. The result is a heartwarming celebration of family, innocence, and the simple moments that make the season magical.
This piece also stands apart for itsunique material composition. Unlike traditional Simpich figures, this Santa was crafted from an almost porcelain-like resin that absorbs paint rather than forming a vibrant outer shell. While the effect gives the piece a soft, luminous quality, it also makes itextremely fragile. Over the past several decades, many examples have been damaged, making pristine surviving pieces remarkably difficult to source in the 2020s—despite the original edition size of 2,500.
With its emotional storytelling, graceful sculpting, and unusual place in Simpich production history,Apple of His Eye Santaremains a beloved treasure for collectors. A beautiful reminder of joy, childhood wonder, and the heart of Christmas, this rare piece is a truly meaningful addition to any Simpich collection.
Condition: Pristine | Limited Edition of 1,200 | Introduced in 2005
#661/1200
Even a Mouse Santa (#661 of 1200) is an exceptional limited edition figure by Master Puppeteer David Simpich, showcasing his unmatched artistry and imagination. Dressed in traditional holiday attire, Santa holds a plate of cookies, with a whimsical mouse munching on one, adding a playful touch that celebrates the joy of sharing during the holiday season. The intricate details of Santa’s attire and the charming expressions of both Santa and the mouse highlight the remarkable craftsmanship that Simpich dolls are known for. This piece is not just a decoration but a cherished work of art that embodies the spirit of generosity and Christmas magic.
Condition: Pristine
Ben – The Cobblestone Kids Series
Rare Simpich Release (2005–2006) | Christmas in July Feature
Among the rarest and most whimsical creations in the Simpich Christmas legacy, the Cobblestone Kids stand alongside pieces like the Concertina Man and Organ Grinder in terms of scarcity, charm, and collector appeal.
Produced only in 2005 and 2006, these spirited young carolers were part of a short-lived release, making them exceptionally hard to find today. In fact, this Christmas in July launch marks the first time I’ve had any of the Cobblestone Kids available in years — a true treat for longtime collectors.
Whether you're starting a new tradition or completing a long-awaited set, Ben is a rare and joyful addition to any Simpich display — a shining reminder of the youthful wonder that fills the streets of Christmas Eve.
Meet Abby — bundled up in a cozy wool coat and head scarf, she's the picture of winter resilience and holiday spirit. With her bright red gloves gripping a caroling sheet tightly in the cold, Abby is ready to sing her heart out through the snowy streets of Christmas Eve. Her expression is focused and full of determination — she’s clearly not letting a chill get in the way of a perfect performance.
Meet Eve — dressed in festive green and full of confidence, she takes the lead with ease. You can tell she knows the words to every carol by heart — the sheet music in her gloved hand is more of a formality than a necessity. With her composed expression and relaxed grip, Eve brings a quiet joy and natural poise to the group.
Meet Nicky — while he may be humming along to the more familiar carols, his attention is clearly elsewhere. He’s not here just to sing — he’s on a mission to deliver joy in the form of a cuddly, wriggling puppy held proudly in his arms. His sheet music? Long forgotten. After all, what better gift could a village receive on Christmas Eve than a few new furry friends?
Meet Sally — unlike her little brother Nicky, who’s joyfully trying to re-home a litter of puppies, Sally’s Christmas Eve companion is strictly spoken for. Wrapped gently in a blanket and held close in one arm is her new kitten, a gift she simply couldn’t leave behind. With her song sheet in the other hand and a determined expression on her face, Sally is ready to sing her way through the chilly streets — spreading cheer while keeping her new best friend safe and warm.
Meet Ben, the eldest of the group and very likely their unofficial leader. With a lantern raised high to light the way and a knit cap pulled tight to fight off the cold, Ben is ready for whatever a stormy Christmas Eve might bring. His pose, expression, and layers of warm Victorian clothing tell a story full of imagination and holiday spirit.
Get in touch with Toby Simpich
Whether you trying to choose which piece would be best to start with or you’re trying to find that final piece to complete your collection reach out using this form! This Collection can be one of the hardest to complete, and I would love to make that process easier for you!