Its that time of year again, when collectors' thoughts turn to exactly what dolls they should ask for to go under that Christmas tree. If you're a collector, this list will help you figure out what is HOT for the 2004 holiday season. And, if you are buying a gift for a special collector, this list will show you which dolls will put a smile on your collector's face. The dolls that made the cut this year are quite diverse--from a Marie Osmond doll to a Lord of the Rings Barbie doll, plus more.
The Barbie Lord of the Rings Gift Set was a huge hit last year, and demand is already strong for the beautiful (and nicely priced) Barbie as Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Rings. Barbie is ethereal with her long curls, pale skin and pale white medieval-inspired dress. Of course, you'll need my #3 pick, Ken as Legolas, to go with her!
As mentioned above, you'll need Ken as Legolas to go with Barbie as Galadriel. This is one of the most handsome Ken's ever made, a true match for last year's Aragorn. And, with such a popular character as Legolas, you can't miss! Suggested retail on both Galadriel and Legolas is approximately $39.99 each, so you can't go wrong.
Ok...not a doll, this is a book, and it is a MUST have for all Tyler Wentworth, Sydney Chase, and other fashion doll collectors. The photography in this book is stunning, and the book provides a comprehensive look at the entire 5-year history of the Tyler Wentworth collection, plus appropriate and interesting commentary. Seeing the collection as a whole in this way showcases why this doll has been such a phenomenon in the world of fashion dolls.
I couldn't pick just one! Madame Alexander makes so many beautiful Christmas-themed dolls every year, and they delight both collectors and children alike. Look for Santa's World (only $99.99, a doll, an elf, a reindeer and more!), Mistletoe and Holly Cissette, and Christmas Stocking, among others. One of these dolls under the Christmas tree just screams out "Happy Holidays!" to the lucky recipient.
These dolls were one of my top ten Toy Fair picks, and, after stocking them in my store and having them sell out almost immediately, they are again one of my top ten picks for the holidays. The Only Hearts Club dolls are actually a play doll for children, but with their tiny set eyes, full poseability and wonderful clothing they have also captured the hearts of collectors. Look for them at specialty doll stores; suggested retail is a reasonable $14.99 for the dolls and $9.99 for the outfits.
This whole, relatively new category of dolls makes the list this year. These dolls are as close as you can come to a real baby...without the late nights, colic, and dirty diapers that accompany the real thing! Companies offering the soft-vinyl baby dolls include Ashton Drake (Loving Emily and other similar collections) Lee Middleton (Breath of Life Babies) Marie Osmond (Babies a Bloom) and others.
Gene hasn't made many of my lists lately, but the very limited holiday Gene from this year, A Touch Of Hospitality Gene, is truly outstanding. She comes dressed in a stunning deep maroon party dress, with a glamorous, non-hokey Santa outfit to change into. If you do any Christmas displays of your dolls, she is perfect. But, don't delay--only 750 were made. Retail is $169.99 suggested because of the extra outfit.
If you already have Tyler Wentworth dolls and clothing in your collection, you'll love the new Chase Modeling Agency dolls. Made with the same body as the Wentworth dolls, the Chase Modeling Agency dolls have a youthful look, and will add great versatility to your Tonner fashion doll collection. Dolls include sporty Jac, blonde Angelina,curly-haired Stella and sophisticated, brunette Ashleigh.
If you have a fashion doll collection, chances are you don't have enough male dolls, and its nearly certain that you don't have a black male fashion doll. Russell Williams, from the Tonner Doll Company, is new for this holiday season. Some collectors think he is even better looking than his good friend, Matt O'Neill! Russell shares all of Matt's clothing, and also fits the Matt O'Neill Valet case, also new for 2004.
This doll has really hit a cord with Marie Osmond doll collectors. Olive May Tribute is a doll that Marie has made to commemorate her mother, who died just this year. The doll is beautiful, and was an instant sell-out on QVC. A limited edition, if you want one, don't delay--doll retailers will be receiving a limited quantity of the dolls for the 2004 holiday season.
