How to Collect Miniature Dolls
Miniature dolls are a delight for girls of all ages. A fun childhood toy can become a collector's item as time goes on. Thanks to those who treasure and collect these items, miniature dolls that were produced a century ago can still be found--although the older the doll is, the more difficult it may be to find. It's best to start a collection small. As interest continues to grow, your collection can be enhanced and include more items of monetary and personal value.
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Instructions
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Join the message boards of some websites designed specifically for miniature doll collectors. You will find links in the Resources section. From meeting those who share your interests, your collection (and enthusiasm) will only grow. Fellow collectors who have managed to get more than one of a particular doll will often barter, sell or give away extras.
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Go to flea markets, swap meets and farmer's markets. Miniature dolls can be found in abundance in these venues. Lundby dolls (created by the maker's of the classic lighted doll houses) are a cute option for collecting. One person's junk can literally be a treasure. Buy items that you find genuinely interesting. Although it may turn out that the doll you pay a dollar for is worth 50 cents, there is a likelihood that it could be worth hundreds. Gamble within reason on a doll. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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Look at doll house stores. Doll houses are made to fit little dolls. Any doll house shop has to sell a variety of dolls to inhabit these houses. While these dolls may be small and not worth much, they may grow in value and look great on the shelf or in a doll house of your own. Stores such as Old America and Michael's have some choices in craft areas.
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Scan auction websites like eBay. You can find all kinds of miniature dolls here, everything from "The Waltons" miniatures from the 1970s to Dazzle Dolls. Bid or look in the "Buy It Now" section. You should probably stick to auctions if money is the issue. You can find great deals when sellers start with a low bid.
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Expand your collection of miniature dolls. Think outside the box. Cabbage Patch Kids even come in miniature form now. Consider placing the elegant among the fun and kitsch. Miniature dolls on display can tell a sort of story on their own. Your collection will grow far more rapidly if you expand your horizons when collecting.
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Place ads that let others know about the type of miniature dolls that you are seeking. You can do so on message boards (see Resources) or Craigslist. The list for types of miniature dolls out there is endless, so be very specific about your desires and preferences. There are sellers out there who are looking to part with those dolls. Let them know you are there. Avoid placing the amount you are willing to pay within the ad. It can scare someone away and not allow room for fair negotiation. To navigate the Craigslist website, simply select your city. You will then be taken to a main screen. Choose "Arts and Crafts" and "Toys and Games" from the list. Dolls are known to be included in both sections.
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Fix up an old doll house as a doll shelf. This is easy to do. You can even leave furniture in behind the dolls. Get doll stands--or stand each doll up by placing a small item behind her. Line all the dolls up in a row along each room in a doll house. This is a great way to display your dolls, and it suits miniatures perfectly.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't buy miniature dolls as an investment. While the value of dolls may be quite high and go up even more, it's never certain that a doll's price will remain constant.
