How to Buy a Gene Doll

Gene is one of the most popular collectible fashion dolls on the market today. The creation of fashion designer Mel Odom, "Gene Marshall" is modeled after the glamorous Hollywood movie actresses of the 1940s and 50s. Each doll is 15 1/2 inches tall and depicts Gene either in one of her many fictitious movie roles or in a life situation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bows
• Ribbons
• Gene Catalogs
• Cellophane Tapes
• Gift Boxes
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Gene CDs
• Internet Access
• Gene Doll Accessories
• Gene Dolls
• Gene: Blue Goddess
• Gene: Iced Coffee
• Gene: Paper Doll Set
• Gene: Savannah
• Gene: Song Of Spain

1. Become familiar with the available versions of the Gene doll. Utilize the Internet and the catalog put out by Ashton-Drake Galleries, the company that issues Gene.

2. Determine which version of Gene appeals to you the most or, if you are giving her as a gift, best matches the gift recipient's personality. Is the gift recipient an aficionado of the Old South? How about Gene Marshall starring as "Savannah," a Southern belle?

3. Look at the '99 edition of Gene as a matador in "Song of Spain." Here Gene has raven-colored hair, though you can find other editions with blonde, brunette or auburn hair.

4. Check to see which Gene dolls your gift recipient already has and whether she has her heart set on a particular version.

5. Expect to pay from $70 to $100 for each Gene doll. The Gene Marshall dolls are all limited editions, so dolls no longer in production may cost more.

6. Explore the Internet, classified ads and auction Web sites for available Gene dolls - both retired and current - and accessories.

7. Make sure that the Gene doll you purchase is authentic. Each doll is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

8. Check on the estimated delivery time before you order your Gene doll online or through a catalog. Delivery times vary from company to company, with two to four weeks being the average wait.

9. Purchase your Gene doll from a specialty doll shop or a collectibles shop. You may not get the selection you would get on the Internet or through a catalog, but you will be able to receive your Gene doll immediately.

10. Present your Gene doll in either a gift box or unwrapped and supported by her pedestal. If you decide to leave Gene unwrapped, decorate the figure with a bow and ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid long lines during the Christmas season by ordering your Gene doll through the Internet. Make sure that the site is secure when giving credit card information over the Internet.
• Pay for your Gene doll with a credit card if ordering from the Internet, a catalog or classified ads. This will allow you to document your purchase and will give you some recourse if you are dissatisfied with your purchase.
• Consider giving additional Gene accessories along with the doll. Gene accessories sold through Ashton-Drake Galleries start at approximately $25. Many other Web sites offer Gene-related accessories and accessory patterns.
• Keep up-to-date on new Gene merchandise - paper doll sets and a romantic music CD, for example.
• Consider allowing the dealer or retailer to ship your Gene doll directly to the gift recipient to save time.