Mrs. Bones Research Library

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Welcome to the Mrs. Bones Research Library, where we document the history, provenance, identification, and collector information behind the vintage, antique, and collectible treasures we discover. Each guide is independently researched using official manufacturer documentation, historical references, collector resources, and archival materials whenever available.

Department 56 Snowbabies®

History, Identification & Collector's Guide

Featuring Three Retired Figurines from the Mrs. Bones Collection

Research File No. MBRL-2026-0004

Published: July 24, 2026

Last Updated: July 24, 2026

A Research & Provenance Guide

Some collectibles tell a story long before they become valuable.

Department 56 Snowbabies® have delighted collectors for more than three decades, capturing the innocence of childhood through charming winter scenes sculpted in delicate bisque porcelain. Although many collectors recognize these beloved figurines immediately, fewer know the fascinating history that inspired them or the careful craftsmanship that transformed them into one of the world's most recognizable collectible figurine lines.

This guide documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on three authentic retired Department 56 Snowbabies acquired during a local charity garage sale benefiting breast cancer research. While each figurine has its own unique title and personality, together they illustrate the artistic style, manufacturing quality, and enduring appeal that have made Snowbabies favorites among collectors around the world.

Our goal is not simply to identify an item, but to preserve the historical information we uncover so that collectors, researchers, and future owners can better understand and appreciate these remarkable little works of art.

Research Summary

The Story Behind Snowbabies

Long before Department 56 introduced its famous Snowbabies collection, tiny snow children had already become part of European folklore.

During the late nineteenth century, German artists began producing charming porcelain figurines inspired by photographs of children bundled in heavy winter clothing. Their rounded shapes, oversized hats, and soft snowy appearance quickly became associated with the nickname "Snow Babies." These early figures became popular decorative objects throughout Europe and eventually found their way into American collections.

Nearly a century later, Department 56 revived this artistic tradition by introducing the Snowbabies® collection. Rather than reproducing the antique German figures exactly, Department 56 created an entirely new interpretation—one filled with warmth, imagination, humor, and gentle storytelling. Every figurine was given its own personality through expressive poses and whimsical titles that encouraged collectors to imagine the story unfolding within each winter scene.

Today, Snowbabies remain one of Department 56's most beloved collectible lines.

About Department 56

Department 56 was founded in 1976 and quickly became one of America's best-known collectible giftware companies. While many collectors recognize the company for its Christmas villages, Snowbabies soon developed a devoted following of their own.

Unlike mass-produced decorative figurines, Snowbabies were designed to celebrate childhood wonder, kindness, friendship, family, and the magic of winter. Their soft matte finish and textured porcelain clothing gave them an appearance unlike virtually any other collectible available at the time.

Each release was carefully sculpted, assigned an official title, catalog number, introduction date, retirement date, and original suggested retail price. Once retired, many figurines became available only through the secondary collector market, where condition and rarity continue to influence collector interest.

Understanding Bisque Porcelain

One of the defining characteristics of authentic Snowbabies is their beautiful bisque porcelain finish.

Unlike traditional glazed porcelain, bisque porcelain is intentionally left unglazed after firing. This creates the soft, velvety surface that gives Snowbabies their distinctive snow-like appearance.

The textured "snow suits" worn by the figures further enhance this illusion, making each figurine appear as though it has been sculpted from freshly fallen snow.

Because bisque porcelain is more porous than glazed ceramics, collectors generally recommend handling Snowbabies carefully and avoiding excessive moisture or abrasive cleaning products.

Caring for Snowbabies

Collectors generally recommend:

• Dusting gently with a soft cosmetic brush or microfiber cloth.
• Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Never immersing the figurine in water.
• Avoiding abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents.
• Protecting delicate accessories such as stars, tools, penguins, and gift packages from accidental impact.
• Retaining original boxes whenever possible, as complete examples are often more desirable to collectors.

Proper care helps preserve both the appearance and long-term collector appeal of these delicate porcelain figures.

Identifying Authentic Snowbabies

Authentic Department 56 Snowbabies share several distinctive characteristics that help separate them from later imitations and unrelated winter figurines.

Common identifying features include:

• Matte bisque porcelain construction
• Textured "snow suit" clothing
• Soft hand-painted facial features
• Whimsical winter themes
• Official Department 56 markings
• Snowbabies® backstamp
• Individual catalog titles and item numbers assigned by Department 56

Many earlier examples manufactured in Taiwan display only the Department 56 and Snowbabies® backstamp without the catalog number itself. As a result, positive identification often requires comparing the sculpt with official Department 56 catalogs and historical manufacturer archives rather than relying solely upon markings found on the base.

The Three Figurines Researched

The three figurines documented in this guide were all acquired together during a local charity fundraising sale. Although purchased individually, they represent an excellent cross-section of Department 56's imaginative storytelling style.

Each example was independently researched using official Department 56 manufacturer documentation together with historical collector references to confirm its identity.

The three retired figurines examined in this guide are:

• So Much Work To Do! (Item No. 56.68373)
• Wait For Me! (Item No. 56.68128)
• A Special Delivery (Item No. 56.76244)

Researching the Individual Figurines

Figurine One

So Much Work To Do!

Official Item Number: 56.68373

Introduced: 1993

Retired: 1998

Original Suggested Retail Price: $18.00

Perhaps no figurine in this group better captures the whimsical spirit of the Snowbabies collection than So Much Work To Do!

The scene depicts a determined Snowbaby bundled in a textured winter suit while energetically gathering brilliant golden stars with an oversized shovel. A small backpack completes the scene, suggesting that even the stars themselves require collecting before the day's work is finished.

Although the subject is playful, the figurine reflects one of Department 56's defining artistic strengths—transforming ordinary childhood imagination into charming miniature stories.

The example researched by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard retains its original sculptural details, including the delicate golden stars, shovel, backpack, and characteristic matte bisque finish.

Official Department 56 documentation confirms this figurine as "So Much Work To Do!" (Item No. 56.68373).

Figurine Two

Wait For Me!

Official Item Number: 56.68128

The second figurine researched portrays one of the most delightful winter scenes in this group.

A bundled Snowbaby carefully pushes a sleigh overflowing with wrapped Christmas presents while two cheerful penguins accompany the journey through the snow. Holly decorations, bright packages, and the animated expressions of the penguins create a scene filled with movement and holiday excitement.

Unlike many single-character Snowbabies, Wait For Me! tells a complete story. Rather than depicting a simple pose, the sculpt encourages the viewer to imagine the excitement of preparing for Christmas deliveries or hurrying to join friends during the holiday season.

Its larger multi-character composition also demonstrates the increasingly elaborate scenes Department 56 introduced as the Snowbabies collection continued to expand.

The figurine researched for this guide matches the official Department 56 retired product identification for "Wait For Me!" (Item No. 56.68128).

Figurine Three

A Special Delivery

Official Item Number: 56.76244

Introduced: December 1990

Retired: December 1993

Original Suggested Retail Price: $7.00

The third figurine in this study represents one of the earlier retired Snowbabies examples researched by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard.

Appropriately titled "A Special Delivery," the figurine depicts a Snowbaby carrying an oversized bundle of carefully wrapped gifts while making its way through the snow. The figure's determined expression and heavily loaded pack create another charming story of generosity and holiday giving.

Although smaller than Wait For Me!, this figurine perfectly demonstrates Department 56's ability to communicate emotion and personality through remarkably simple sculptural details.

Official Department 56 manufacturer documentation identifies this figurine as "A Special Delivery" (Item No. 56.76244), introduced in December 1990 and retired in December 1993.

Collector Interest

More than thirty years after many of these figurines were introduced, Department 56 Snowbabies continue to enjoy a loyal international collector following.

Collectors frequently seek:

• Retired figurines
• Early Taiwan production examples
• Original boxes and packaging
• Limited production releases
• Holiday-themed scenes
• Multi-figure displays
• Excellent bisque finish
• Complete, undamaged accessories

While market values fluctuate over time, originality, condition, rarity, and completeness remain the primary factors influencing collector desirability.

Our Research Notes

One of the most enjoyable aspects of researching these figurines was discovering how easily similar Snowbabies can be confused without official manufacturer references.

Although internet image searches and marketplace listings often provide useful starting points, they frequently contain incorrect titles, item numbers, or descriptions copied from other sellers.

For this reason, Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard verified each figurine against the official Department 56 Retired Products archive before confirming its identification.

The three figurines documented in this guide—So Much Work To Do!, Wait For Me!, and A Special Delivery—illustrate why manufacturer documentation remains the most reliable source for identifying retired Snowbabies.

Research into Department 56 collectibles continues to evolve as additional catalogs, advertisements, and historical records become available. Whenever new verified information is discovered, this guide will be updated accordingly.

Market values discussed within collector communities represent individual examples sold at specific points in time. Actual value depends upon condition, rarity, completeness, provenance, and the marketplace in which an item is offered.

Official Manufacturer References

Department 56 Retired Products Archive

Official manufacturer documentation confirming product titles, catalog numbers, introduction dates, retirement dates, and original suggested retail prices.

References

1. Department 56 Retired Products Archive – "So Much Work To Do!"
   
   
2. Department 56 Retired Products Archive – "Wait For Me!"
   
   
3. Department 56 Retired Products Archive – "A Special Delivery"
   
   
4. Department 56 – Retired Products Archive (Official Manufacturer Resource)
   
   
5. Department 56 Official Website
   
   

Additional Research Sources

Department 56 historical publications

Collector reference materials

Historical product catalogs

Private collector archives

Secondary market observations

Research Confidence

🟢 High

This guide is supported by official Department 56 manufacturer documentation, historical collector references, examination of the researched examples, and comparison with authenticated retired product records.

About the Mrs. Bones Research Library

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing project dedicated to documenting the history of vintage, antique, and collectible items acquired by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard.

Rather than simply listing an item for sale, we believe every piece deserves its story to be preserved. Whenever possible, our research is based upon official manufacturer documentation, museum collections, historical publications, collector references, and other reputable historical sources.

Know Something We Don't?

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing historical project. If you own original Department 56 catalogs, advertisements, factory literature, or additional verified documentation relating to these figurines, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Explore more historical research and collector guides in the Mrs. Bones Research Library.

Find These Pieces at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard

The researched figurines featured in this guide are part of the carefully curated collection at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard. While availability is always subject to prior sale, collectors are encouraged to visit our online store to explore these and other vintage, antique, and collectible treasures.

Shop Online:
https://mrsbonescuriocupboard.com

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Because many of our items are one-of-a-kind, these figurines may sell before this article is updated. Even if they have already found new homes, we invite you to browse our current collection and continue exploring the Mrs. Bones Research Library for additional historical research and collector resources.

Citation

Please cite this research as:

Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. "Department 56 Snowbabies®: History, Identification & Collector's Guide Featuring Three Retired Figurines from the Mrs. Bones Collection." Research Library No. MBRL-2026-0004. Published July 24, 2026. Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. Available at: https://mrsbonescuriocupboard.com/blogs/mrs-bones-research-library/department-56-snowbabies-history-identification-collectors-guide

Research Date: July 24, 2026

Research Library No.: MBRL-2026-0004

Research Confidence: 🟢 High

Confidence Statement: This research is supported by official Department 56 manufacturer documentation, including the Department 56 Retired Products archive, together with historical collector references and direct examination of the three figurines researched. The identification of So Much Work To Do! (56.68373), Wait For Me! (56.68128), and A Special Delivery (56.76244) is considered highly reliable based on the available evidence.