When you buy a
collectible play doll for your child, there are more things to consider than when you buy a $9.99 play doll for your child. You want the doll to be special and to last, yet you also want your child to be able to enjoy and play with the doll. However, playing with the doll should not cause the doll to fall apart--it's a delicate balance. Here are the top ten things you should consider when you buy a collectible play doll.
1. What is the Purpose of the Doll?
Some collectible play dolls really are meant to sit on a shelf, with occasional, light play only. Other collectible play dolls are meant to be played with extensively, and yet, hopefully, reach the next generation of the family. When you are looking at a collectible play doll and considering its purchase, you need to keep this balance in mind. If you want the doll to be well-loved and extensively played with, look for a sturdier doll such as a collectible Madame Alexander vinyl baby doll.
2. What is the Age and Character of the Child?
Obviously, if you are buying for an older child, a more elaborate and fragile doll can be purchased for play and yet also be used for display and collecting. An example of this might be a Marley Wentworth fashion doll, or even a more expensive Lee Middleton Baby Doll. Also, its a fact of life that some are hard on their dolls and like to swing them from their arms, while others like to throw calm tea parties. I don't think that any little girl under five is ready for a collectible doll.
3. What Is The Price of the Doll?
Even if price is no object to you, do you really want to spend $500 for an Annette Himstedt doll when you are not sure what the condition of the doll will be after play? There are many collectible play dolls priced under $100, and many others that are priced under $50. If you aren't sure about a young girl or her play habits, you might consider a $69 Adora Baby doll instead of a $160 Lee Middleton Baby doll. For older girls, 10-15 who still love dolls, price can be no object.
4. Does The Doll Have Rooted Or Wigged Hair?
Although both rooted and wigged doll hair can work for play, rooted hair is generally more durable for play than wigged hair, especially for extensive brushing and combing. Also, steer clear of mohair for any doll intended for play as it is very fragile and can too easily be combed or brushed out of the wig.
5. Does The Doll Have Removable and Changeable Clothing?
Some dolls are made with costumes that are just to look at. They generally don't have extra outfits available, and the clothing is not made with durability in mind. Many of the Marie Osmond porcelain dolls are the same (not that I would ever suggest a porcelain doll for a play doll--at any age). Other dolls are made to dress and re-dress, including most fashion and baby dolls. See my next tip regarding why you may want to choose a doll with changeable clothes for extra play value.
6. Are Additional Dolls, Clothing and Accessories Available?
The American Girl dolls are a great example of a collectible play doll that have a great variety of dolls, clothing and accessories available for the dolls. These items greatly expand the play value of the dolls, and also add to the collectibility. Other dolls that have this available include Marley and Tyler Wentworth, Only Hearts Club dolls, and Ginny dolls by Vogue. Certain baby doll have additional outfits and accessories available as well.
7. What Is The Play Value of the Doll?
This ties in nicely with the considerations regarding clothing and accessories. Some dolls, although collectible, make play value a priority. The above-mentioned American Girl dolls have high play value (including books about their adventures) as do most fashion dolls and certain baby dolls. You may or may not want your collectible play doll to come with extra play value; if the doll is really intended to sit on a shelf all the time, then extra play value is just a temptation to take her down.
8. Is The Doll Made To Sit on a Shelf?
Any porcelain collectible doll is meant to sit on a shelf. Certain Madame Alexander dolls not only have elaborate, multi-piece costumes, but even little accessories that create a visual tableau. These are sit-on-a-shelf dolls which may be played with, but which aren't, really, intended to be. This may be what you want, if you are buying for an older girl and want the doll to be mostly a keepsake.
9. Does The Doll Have Sleep or Stationary Eyes?
Whether the doll has sleep or stationary eyes is most important when buying a collectible play baby doll. For play, many children prefer sleep eyes which close when the doll is laid down. However, dolls with fixed eyes can have a much more realistic look.
10. What is the Longevity of the Doll Company That Made The Doll?
This is especially important if you are buying a doll that you want to add to later--clothes, doll friends, accessories, cases. If you want to be sure that you can add to the doll's trousseau in years to come, its best to pick a doll made by a company that has been in business at least a few years. There is nothing more frustrating than buying a doll and then later finding out that the only way to buy her additional items is to search on eBay after the manufacturer has closed its doors.
