How to Collect Bobbleheads

Bobblehead dolls first hit the market in the 1950s and have been growing in popularity and variety ever since. Varying from Hula girls to baseball players, ceramic to plastic, these silly little dolls are no joke for the serious collector. Fortunately for you, building a collection of bobbleheads won't be too hard, if you know where to look.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Tell all of your friends and family that you are beginning or trying to expand your bobblehead collection. They will all rejoice with relief, as birthdays, Christmas and other gift-giving occasions will become much easier for them. If you are specializing in a particular type of bobblehead, like antiques, baseball figures or characters from popular television series, be sure they know.
2. Check out the websites of your favorite television series or sports teams to see if they are offering collectors' items and bobblehead dolls. Bobbleheads from "The Simpsons" to "Boston Legal," TNA Wrestling to Minor League Baseball, are available for your collecting pleasure. Be sure to check regularly, as some of these websites will offer special limited collectors edition dolls that quickly increase in value.
3. Shop online auctions for antique, rare or generally difficult-to-find bobbleheads. Inquire well about condition, age, packaging and other details before purchasing, as a photo is your only method of ensuring the quality the bobblehead.
4. Search online for specialty bobblehead shops, as they are numerous and offer thousands of different types of bobbleheads, from handmade to mass produced, antique and new. Many of these sites even allow you to custom make a bobblehead doll from your own picture, your loved ones or pets.
5. Look for bobbleheads everywhere, both locally and when on vacation. Novelty stores, gift shops, mini-marts and tourist souvenir shops are all popular locations for buying bobbleheads.
6. Connect with other bobblehead collectors so that you never have to worry about doubles in your collection. If a friend or family member has gifted you a bobblehead you already have in you collection, place an ad on craigslist and find someone willing to trade for another bobblehead.