How to Buy Collectible Kewpie Dolls Online

Use the Internet to search for and purchase collectible Kewpie dolls. These cherubic figures were first introduced to the public in 1912 and have been produced in a variety of media ever since.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doll Clothes Knitting Patterns
• Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns
• Porcelain Kewpie Infant Soft Dolls
• Internet Access
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Doll Stand By Kaiser Mfg.
• Kewpie 1949 Anniversary Romper 8-inch By Effanbee
• Kewpie Dolls
• Kewpie Memorabilia
• Magicloth: Cutie By Schylling
• Doll Clothes

1. Find vintage Kewpies on the Internet by searching online antique and collectibles shops and online auctions.

2. Find more recently manufactured Kewpie dolls by using the Shopping List below or by searching online doll shops, auctions and toy stores.

3. Buy a Kewpie doll as a gift, but consider the age of the recipient when you decide what type of Kewpie doll to buy. Will the child on your gift list be able to appreciate and take care of a fragile, vintage collectible? Or would he or she prefer a Kewpie that can withstand the rigors of daily use?

4. Add to the gift recipient's Kewpie collection. Check first to see which dolls he or she already has and which might be preferred. Add to a collection with a hand-painted porcelain Kewpie or an Effanbee Anniversary Kewpie doll. Splurge on a vintage Kewpie.

5. Treat a very young child to a Kewpie look-alike. A Magicloth Cutie set would be perfect for the paper doll fanatic on your gift list. Cutie looks like a Kewpie doll and comes with clothes and accessories that adhere to the doll without the use of tabs.

6. Know that the price of your Kewpie doll will vary with age, condition and manufacturer. Original Kewpies signed by their creator, Rosie O'Neill, could sell for hundreds of dollars.

7. Expect to pay considerably less for more recently manufactured dolls. Magicloth Cutie sets start at $12, while an Effanbee Anniversary Kewpie doll starts at $25.

8. Try to find additional accessories to go with your Kewpie doll. A stand would be a useful item to accompany any doll. Kewpie memorabilia such as plates, postcards, ornaments and banks are available at online collectibles and auction sites.

9. Check on the estimated delivery time before you order your Kewpie doll online. If the doll is to be given as a gift, make sure it will arrive in time for the gift-giving occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay for your online purchases with a credit card. This will allow you to document your purchase and will give you some recourse if you're dissatisfied with the transaction. Give your credit card information only through secure Internet sites.
• Make clothing for your Kewpie doll. Many Internet sites offer free clothing patterns for dolls of all sizes and pattern books that will show you how to measure for and make your own doll clothes.
• Take advantage of offers to ship the doll directly to the gift recipient. Your gift will be professionally wrapped and packaged. Often the company will even include a gift card.