BEGINNER DOLL COLLECTING TIPS real life stories! How do I start doll collecting?

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Doll collecting can seem overwhelming when you start but having a love for dolls and a quest for learning is all you need to start your journey as a doll collector. In this video, I share some tips for your doll-collecting journey, whether you are just starting or have been collecting for a long time. Join me for some doll chat!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 What do I need to do to start a doll collection?
01:50 How do I become a doll collector?
03:35 What kind of dolls do I want to collect?
04:10 Don't buy everything!
05:11 How am I going to display them?
06:34 What type or kind do I want to collect?
09:18 Don't wait for the best deal!
13:40 Read books and don't rely too much on the internet.
16:20 My book collection
17:35 Find a supportive community
19:00 Do the thing!
20:00 Conclusion

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Rachel brings me such happiness in collecting dolls. I'm a male collector and I've always been told that its odd for me to be interested in such things, but these things bring me such joy weather it be finding them at a thrift store or fixing them. Thank you for being such an anchor in the community!

evanlieberman

I started collecting dolls when i was fourteen years old .It was my Grandmother who took a doll from a chest upstairs in a room and gave it to me .She said here start collecting dolls. I was thrilled . I later took her to a doll lady who identified her as Shirley Temple doll . It would be many years later i would find out she was not Shirley Temple but was Sally Joy from the American Character doll company ! But i was still thrilled just to know her true identity .Once i got married and had my own babies my dolls went i sold them and packed up what i could not sell . I returned back to dolls when i turned fifty . I am now 61 . I collect many dolls from composition dolls to dolls from the 1960's-1970's dolls. I collect what interest me . I love fixing up old dolls . It has been quite the adventure and that is what doll collecting should be an ADVENTURE !

thebrokendoll

My Grandmother was a closet doll collector having five dolls used as decor. She never had store bought toys as a child and raised three boys. My first doll, Vogue Baby Dear she gifted to me at age six months. In the day when Madame Alexander dolls were so coveted people stood in line to get them, she would take the bus and stand in line to buy me one for Christmas. It took her years to get me an Elise Bride, which to her was the icing on the cake. Gran passed away when I was 16 but she left me with so many gifts including my love of dolls.

LynneWright

I am 65 years old and have loved dolls all my life, and have been collecting since I was in my 20s. I still remember looking forward to a new baby doll every Christmas. Unfortunately, I don't have any of those old dolls I received as a child. I have all kinds of dolls, from antique to modern. My #1 tip is, keep good records of your dolls! Who the doll is, who made her/him, where you purchased, how much you paid, etc. I wish I had done this, and sometimes I did, but not always, and now I regret that I wasn't a good record keeper. My #2 tip is, save their boxes! Sometimes we think, "I don't need to keep the box, I'm never going to sell this doll." Believe me, your tastes will probably change over time, and when you go to sell that doll, you'll want the original box. Okay, I had to add an edit to this, because I realized I do have some of my childhood dolls, just not any baby dolls I received as a small child. I do have a Barbie from the 70s, and some Liiddle Kiddles and Skediddle Kiddles. they are tucked away in a suitcase in a closet - I really should get them out and put them on display with some of my other dolls!

theresasingleton

Rachel, I love watching your videos as they are so informative. I am 70 years. I have most of my childhood dolls, with the exception of a small Barbie collection which my mother gave away to charity as they were taking up space in her home. I have approximately 250 Shirley Temple dolls from the 1950's and a few composition dolls from the 1930's. I was given my first Shirley Temple doll at the age of 7 and since then, I wanted to collect all the original clothing manufactured for them all. I was totally blown away when I started restoring them. I have to work on learning how to restore the composition dolls as many were purchased with a lot of flaws. But I am still working on that. I just love working on these dolls. Unfortunately, I have no more room to put these dolls and I am going to have to scale down. I have no family or any who is interested in dolls like I am and I am soon going to have to think about a new home for them. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. One thing about collecting and repairing is that it takes money, time and patience. When you love these beauties, it's hard to stopping wanting one more. They are like potatoes chips, you can't have just one.

irmatalamantes

I have loved dolls all of my life. I collected 8" Madame Alexander dolls when I was in high school. When my girls were young they had American Girl dolls (those dolls still live with me!) and I loved them. When my daughters were grown I thought, "well, why not own some of those dolls?" Now I have a pretty big collection. I also love the Effanbee Patsy family, Raggedy Ann (I scored a naked Georgene at a thrift store and dressed her.), Patti Playpal, Shirley Temple and Giggles. I also collect Disney Animator and Fisher Price 'My Friend' dolls. Whew! They do take up a lot of space, but I love them all. Thank you Rachel. Your videos are like having coffee with a friend.

nanasewdear

I spent last 5 years in denial and ended up lots of dolls. Love of dolls took over my life but I could not accept it 😂. I made excuses that I need them for modeling for my crafting and I do, just not all of them... But it has been learning experience and I hope I`m now smarter. Also, I do love them all even though most are not expensive ❤❤❤

annikaaasav

For me the fun is to collect different dolls and doll types, but only the ones I really like. Dolls from the past and today, . Dolls from vinyl, hard plastic, fabric, wood, resin, porcelain...I have still all of my childhood dolls so I think I was a doll collector all the time.

s.f.

The “ you’re collecting them in your heart” piece got my choked up. Such a beautiful statement reminded me of the book, hundred dresses.

Keralasha

I'm 78 and have been in and out of doll collecting starting in my thirties. My oldest doll is my mother's 26"A.M. bisque doll. I hung on to three of my childhood dolls. The rest of my dolls are everything from bisque, composition, hard plastic and vinyl dolls are just dolls I love. The newest dolls in my collection are Galoob Baby Face. I have limited space and have been trying not to add more dolls to my over 100. Collecting dolls is addictive♥️

bettyboop

I have found my truth. I do doll shows and discussion groups at nursing homes. I have over one thousand dolls that gives me the option to have the people that I serve to select what types of dolls I should bring. They enjoy and reminis over childhood memories. They often stay and we talk about the dolls they had or have and it is so satisfying. I also let them have a picture taken with their favorite doll to share with their family. Thank for all the wonderful videos Rachel.

carolbuckland

I collect Effanbee patsy dolls, dolls from Italien Ratti and small dolls from German Schildkröt ❤️❤️I also love to buy and read books about dolls

piadeleuran

I really loved this video, and a video on books, yes. A tip I would give, is find someone you trust who knows your finances, and run potential purchases though them. It helps prevent over spending...yes don't wait, but remember your limits and that someone can help. My collection is all over the place, but in late 2020, I decided to focus my collection energies a few areas. One area is Skediddles. I always wanted them, but hadn't got any. So I did. I researched first, then explored the ones out there. I have 6 (multiples of those 6) of the 13, in that line. I have never been a completest, but this line is one I want to complete. This is where my someone has helped...money is tight for me (right now), so I can't purchase as I please. But I still watch the sales, and I read more on the subject, and that gets me though...for now.

historybuff

I've been collecting for about a year, always loved dolls, being on a low budget I bought German bisque dolls, thanks to your channel Rachel I can clean them, reset eyes and dress them God bless the talent of Linda wall 😀

andrewbeck

Also love your tip about if something comes up for sale don't necessarily wait for a good deal - I think of every doll purchase as a vacation - when you take a vacation you get a great experience and it might cost a lot or little but you're paying for the experience - I don't look at a doll purchase as an investment because the doll market really does oscillate. There's a few bucket list dolls I would jump all over if they came up (as long as I could afford them 😍)

MunecasPoupeesDolls

I started working last year, so I could finally save money to buy my first doll, which is a bisque head composition body Armand Masaille made somewhere between 1905 and 1938. I named her Beryl after the lady who sold her to me. I'm very enthusiastic about dolls despite everyone around me thinking they are creepy, but people support my passion nonetheless. I would really love some french fashion dolls and I'm curious to see a madame Alexander in person and see if I want to collect those. I binge watch your videos and ruby lane videos and that's where most of my knowledge has come from, so thank you very much!!

JoPoHope

I'm 63. I have loved dolls since I can remember. I have been actively collecting since my 20s. I share your love of the Raggedys. In 1999, we had our house on the market. During an open house, my collection (which included my Raggedys, some bisque miniatures and madame Alexanders) were stolen. Very sad, angering, and then educational in the aspect of "Now, I know better." Now, I've broadened my collecting to include kiddles (1960s) Dawn, and, of course, Barbie (mostly vintage to mod era). Thank you for all that y'all do. BTW, book recommendations would be fabUlous!

karenfollett

Rachel, I just love you! I am grateful to you for helping me accept that I LOVE DOLLS. I have been a little embarrassed about how much I enjoy them, but you helped me realize that it is okay. My doll budget is very modest, but I have been able to 'flip' dolls that I find at estate sales and use the profits to buy the dolls I want. Some of the ones I have had for a while have to leave (ebay) to make room for the better ones coming in. I have yet to spend the earnings from my "real" employment on a doll but am getting up the courage to do so. My love for dolls comes from a dear aunt, who loved dolls and her rose garden. When she passed away, she gave each of the nieces a doll from her collection. I think she started us all on the path of doll collectors. My aunt did not have a phone and lived off only a modest social security check but would find a way to put away enough to keep buying her beloved german bisques. I had a dear sister who was a serious collector who died tragically in 2013. She loved Kathe Kruse dolls, Schoenhuts, and german bisque, and everything dollhouse related. We would go to the Chicago area doll shows together and would have such a great time sharing our excitement about the dolls we would find. I haven't been to a doll show since she died, but now I think (thanks to you) I will go this year. Thank you Rachel for creating a community of doll lovers and for your inspiration and encouragement!

jzaesk

I love collecting crochet dolls but I don’t come across them often and the ones I do I don’t particularly like. My biggest regret is getting rid of some much loved crochet dolls when I became a minimalist. Apart from that I like modern dolls and I only buy thrifted due to budget. Yesterday I found a Lol doll at the thrift store, her arms are articulated, she is dark skinned with a beautiful Afro hair. I love her but I don’t see her in any videos on YouTube. She has fabulous boots, stockings, and black, shimmery pants and top. She’s in perfect condition. My heart sings.❤😊

marcellemayer

First off, Rachel, I've been watching your amazing videos for years. I always love your expertise, positive energy, beauty -- and, yes, your dolls!

My maternal grandmother, who baby-sat me for the first four years of my life -- because both of my parents worked long hours -- directly shaped me into a doll collector. Doll-wise, my memories trace back to age 2: doing the toddler walk behind Grandma whenever the doorbell rang. By age 3, I knew the mailman was at the door, and Grandma would sound so excited. "Who's that, sweetheart?" Minutes later, she'd help me tear away the paper (back then, the late 1960s, those babydolls would be mailed in a thick brown paper). Looking back, perhaps my maternal grandmother subscribed to a mail order catalog. Once the brown paper was torn away, the babydoll was inside pretty cellophone. One of these babydolls I named "Lanier" (don't know where the name came from; Grandma loved her soaps, so maybe there was a "Dr. Lanier" ... lol). That was the first time I'd ever named a doll. IMO I'd become a doll collector.

When my family moved to the suburbs (still the late 1960s), Grandma no longer was baby-sitting me every day. I had begun pre-school at age 4. I still would receive a doll every Christmas from my maternal grandmother when my family would go Christmas house hopping. (Notice that I haven't mentioned my maternal grandfather. He was working all the time back when Grandma was baby-sitting me daily, so I'd mostly see him at family picnics, barbecues, birthday parties and Christmastime. As a toddler, I couldn't understand why he didn't care about my dolls.

After my family moved to the 'burbs, Santa Claus gifted me with two or three babydolls each Christmas. I'd always write down one doll on my list to Santa -- because my practical and stern mother would remind me to keep my list short -- but the on Christmas morning, when I ran toward the tree in my jammies, I'd see one or two other babydolls! Sometimes one of those babydolls was on TV commercials. So I really thought Santa (as in Santa Claus in the flesh was real). I didn't need a miracle to happen on 34th Street.😊 Now, there weren't only babydolls waiting for me, but a nurse's kit (found under the Christmas tree for several consecutive years because my parents wanted me to become a nurse), babydoll clothes NIP, games, and clothes for me.

Outside of Christmastime, my maternal grandparents (my paternal grandparents were divorced, and both lived many states away from our family) took cruises in the 1970s and brought back Caribbean souvenir dolls purchased either on the cruiseships or at shops in the far-flung destinations. I was *not* permitted to play with those dolls, which is why I still have them and in good condition. My stuffed animals remain in a suitcase not to be reopened until after I am no more.😆

Fast forward to my forties ... I had enjoyed various phases of life, except losing my mother as a teen. I'd begun traveling in earnest, and naturally purchased dolls as souvenirs. However, my collecting had never ceased. Several years before my mother's death, I was crazy about the Malibu Barbie and Malibu Christie dolls -- and their fashions (MOC, MIB). My mother had banned me from playing with any dolls once I turned 13, but with my baby-sitting fees I took the bus into another town to buy yet another Malibu at one of several department stores -- Gimbel's and Gertz's to name a few -- and at "five 'n dimes" such as Woolworth's and Lamston's. Before leaving Lamston's, I'd treat myself to a small bag of salted roasted cashew nuts or a slender red&white-striped box of fresh, hot popcorn! And my new Malibu acquisitions? Well, I'd hide them in shoes in my closet, in my bookbag and other places. To this day, I have zero guilt over this.

But back to my forties ... I discovered eBay, browsed and found dolls and other toys from my childhood, and I made the transition to having a passion-hobby as an *intentional collector* of dolls. First came the CPKs, which my newly widowed father had shamed me out of buying when I was 18. "You're too old for dolls, " he admonished me in 1983. Well, by 2005, I owned dozens of them -- from NRFB and MIB to well-loved. Those adorable Cabbage Patch Kids represented the babies I never got to have biologically and the children I never had a chance to adopt (back in my 30s, I repeatedly was told no because I was single and my apartment was unsuitable -- yet I had the love, compassion, commitment and the income. ... Within a year, making a home for an increasing number of CPKs became addictive, so I donated a bunch and sold a bunch on eBay. I kept one MIB and three loose (they all have their adoption papers). That same year, I was lent a book of historical fiction by a co-worker and got caught up in the Romantic era (which in art I'd long loved, too), especially the fashions! By 2006, I'd begun an antique-doll collection (including easy to afford [back then] ancestors of souvenir dolls that my maternal grandparents gifted me and my cousins. Several years later, after purchasing and reading many books and price guides (esp. Jan Foulkes') and attending exciting Theriault's live doll auctions -- I took another vacation trip to Québec province. On rue St-Denis that sweet summer, I stumbled upon a late-19thC Jumeau languishing in the sunny window of a furniture shop in le Plâteau Montréal. My friends and I were on our way to La Banquise for poutine and as they chatted away in French, I was frozen in place, gazing at a frail antique doll baking in la vitrine. I summoned my friends and when I pointed to the Jumeau, they all threw their arms up and uttered various French words that cannot be repeated here. I had a LOT of Canadian paper currency on me as well as credit cards as I was staying with a friend for several weeks. So, I begged them to accompany me inside the furniture shop to translate for me, as my tourist French would get me only so far. Unfortunately, that afternoon I was too eager, and so the shoplady and owner -- through one of my friends' translation into English -- said that she couldn't part with a family heirloom. (You'd better believe that, after that vacay, I started studying French seriously and intensively. Now I'm able to negotiate doll prices en français, but if I ever again see an antique doll in the window of a non-doll-shop, I'll walk on because I'll assume that doll isn't for sale. Sentimental value and family history can't be negotiated; they must be respected.)

Back when I first was reading about antique-doll fashions, my thoughts naturally gravitated to my love of Mod doll fashions of my tween and early-teen years. I also mused on the garments my mother dressed me in (my skinny legs meant I was kept in "go go" boots from autumn to the following spring😆). And my mother herself was a fabulous dresser and a seamstress outside of work. She sewed from Simplicity and Butterick patterns. Although I never ceased collecting antique dolls, I began collecting Mod dolls (1967 to 1975) quite seriously. While browsing eBay's vintage Barbie pages, I couldn't help but find also-stunning earlier Barbie dolls. I learned about the first Ponytail (and about her prototype: the Bild Lilli), and soon the #1 & #2 PTs became my holy grail dolls in the overall vintage-doll category. I still have yet to capture a #1 or #2 Ponytail, but ahhhh ... I've had and have some gorgeous #3 PTs and true #3/#4 transitional PTs. I now have the experience to discern subtle differences among #3's and #4's. Also, IMO #4 Ponytails, especially the early ones, are underrated nowadays. I've been among Barbie collectors analyzing the secondary market, and we agree. However, within a few more years -- certainly by 2025, when the #4 PTs turn 65 -- we'll see a shift in perception. Of course, the #1 PT will always be the first. I've witnessed collectors and dealers (and folks who are both) battle it out online about #2 Ponytails' and #3 Ponytail bodies. I understand the contention and the confusion. Mattel, Inc. wasn't thinking of a numbering system, right? Mattel wanted to use existing parts. After the company discontinued placing holes for copper tubes in the Ponytails' soles, the remaining legs were used for what we collectors term the #2, #3 and, yes, a very few #4's. Not all #2's and #3's completely fade to white or grayish-white. Therefore, one can *think* one has a #2 Ponytail head to toe, when the head can be a #1 or a #2 attaches to the body (torso and limbs, or torso or limbs) of a #3. I wish I would get so lucky to have a *chance* to be confused! But my hunting and close attention to details are getting me closer to my holy grail vintage Barbie doll. Just this week I acquired a first-owner #4 Ponytail Barbie, and while she was well-played-with (not an issue for me, because I'll never sell her), she has a rare feature: "JAPAN" incised horizontally within a rectangle on her right sole. This is seen only on the earliest Ponytails. Thus far in my collector's life, I've seen this early "JAPAN" marking on the right soles of #1's, some #2's and some #3's -- all online (not only eBay but on Worthpoint) and at previews for live vintage-Barbie auctions. Everything about my "new" #4 PT assures me that she *is* indeed a #4 from the early part of the year 1960. She's simply one of the few now-called #4 Ponytails with whom workers at Mattel's Japan factory fitted with legs that could've gone to a now-termed #3 Ponytail. IMO she's not a transitional #3/#4. She's a #4. Well, a rare #4 due to that sole variation.

It's dedicated and informative doll collectors like you, Rachel, that keep me inspired and persistent in the hunt.🫶🏼

gabrielapaulinholuv

BEGINNER DOLL COLLECTING TIPS *real life stories!* How do I start doll collecting?