Its that time of year again, when collectors thoughts turn to exactly what dolls they should ask for to see under that Christmas tree. If you're a collector, this list will help you figure out what is HOT for the 2003 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 this year. The dolls that made the cut this year are quite diverse--from Madame Alexander to Barbie, baby dolls and fashion dolls!
This little Christmas doll by Madame Alexander is stealing the hearts of even non-collectors! Not only does the doll have an elaborately embroidered Christmas tree on her skirt, but she comes with her own miniature genuine Spode Christmas ornament! Also delightful are the delicate auburn curls--she's all ready for her first Christmas Tree decorating party! This Wendy also comes with the sought-after Commemorative Wendy face introduced this year.
Tiny Ann Estelle has just arrived in stores and she is hot! A miniature version of the popular, larger Ann Estelle dolls from Robert Tonner, this Ann Estelle can share clothing with the popular Tiny Betsy McCall. This premiere Tiny Ann Estelle collection includes several wonderful designs, including "Once Upon a Time" (the classic Mary Engelbreit queen), "Classic Sailor," and "He Sees You When You're Sleeping" (Ann in her PJs!).
OK, so nobody has actually SEEN this giftset yet, but the buzz is incredible. The set is slated to be released at the same time as the 3rd of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, before Christmas. Lord of the Rings Barbie & Ken Giftset, Return of the Kings has Barbie® and Ken® portraying Arwen and Aragorn. Many collectors are already pre-ordering this doll, sight unseen!
Ready-To-Wear Saucy Tyler Wentworth will be especially sought-after among the fashion doll collectors because the RTW Saucy will have a Robert Tonner's new completely articulated body at a fantastic price ($59.99). Also, this Tyler has just the "look" for the new Tyler Boutique clothing that is being released at the same time. Plus, new side-glancing eyes. RTW Saucy will be available in brunette, redhead and blonde.
This is the final red rose in the Coming Up Roses series. Sculpted by artist Emily Garthwright, Young Love Rose is perfect for decorating during the holiday season as well as year round. Young Love Rose holds a tiny doll (a hallmark of many Emily Garthwright creations) and is the first standing doll in this series. The doll captures the warmth of childhood that Ms. Garthwright's creations are also known for, and the costuming is outstanding. Musical, plays "The Rose," from Marie Osmond//Marian.
There are so many lovely new Lee Middleton dolls to choose from, but one that stands out this holiday season is the Native American Sleeping Baby from the Artist Studio Collection. Its hard to find a beautifully done Native American baby doll, and rarer still to find one sleeping. The doll is endearing, and it makes a fantastic presentation with its cloth-covered cradle board that comes with the doll.
Tiny Kitty has been hot all year and she shows no signs of slowing down for the holidays. The latest Tiny Kitty release is the Tiny Kitty Christmas hatbox Giftset. Tiny Kitty (by Robert Tonner) has jet black hair, and she has all the clothing she'll need to get through the holiday season, including a beautiful, deluxe gown. These dolls sell out quickly (the hat box set is a limited edition of only 1,000), so if you have your heart set on this Christmas Kitty, you should pre-order soon.
Due out in December, this Barbie is much talked about for two reasons. First, can Barbie REALLY be 45 already? Weren't we just celebrating the 35th anniversary with the first vintage Barbie reproductions? Second, wow, a Bob Mackie designed Barbie at an incredible price--approximate retail $50.00. This special anniversary doll will be available in Caucasian and Black starting sometime this Fall.
I've talked quite a bit about this doll, and it deserves a spot on our hot holiday list. With an amazing 17 points of articulation, the new Back to Basics Alex fashion doll from Madame Alexander can be posed in almost any position. Also, look for a few dressed dolls from this year's Alex line-up that have this full articulation, including Dinner For Two Paris.
Marie Osmond's Marian dolls has done a series of the stylized Adora Belle dolls for the holidays. This is one of the best in that series--Adora Belle Holidays 2003 is adorably dressed in a snowman-print dress, and white fur cape and hat. With her distinctive look and big eyes, Adora Belle is the Kewpie of today. She is a vinyl doll, with a porcelain look.
