Mel Birnkrant's Color Me Cutie dolls were manufactured by Fisher Price in 2001. These little Cuties were nearly dumped by FP (for what reasons, who knows, the toy industry has a lot of politics to contend with). However, Walmart and Toys R Us ordered them so Fisher Price went ahead and made the little dolls after all. Then they tried to discontinue the dolls but Avon ordered them so FP made some more.

Now, it appears that the GIGO company acquired the FP molds and they are making the Color Me Cuties under a new name as "Fruit Kids". The vibrant little Cuties have obviously declared that they want to LIVE, and that's what they're doing as they come back time and again. The reason why? Because Mel Birnkrant's doll designs are very special, of course.

The Gigo dolls are a little different from the Color Me Cuties. They are approximately 1 inch taller (9 inches.) They have acrylic eyes rather than painted eyes (nice improvement.) And, the dolls have new hands so they don't hold the color markers anymore. The hair colors are as vivid and sassy as ever. And, the dolls have adorable little freckles on their happy faces.

Click here to read all about the Best Friends
and the Color Me Cuties!