I actually started BJD collecting over the pandemic. I'm still in my 20s so I can't afford too many of the expensive ones, and my apartment is tiny so that also limits the number of dolls I can have. I'm also too young to not give a sh*t about what people think about me, so I enjoy my dolls in private and only tell my closest friends about them. But BJDs have added another thing in my life to look forward to, which I think is the most important thing for me :)
Im just starting this hobby. Still a bit ashamed, stil shy about it. Sometimes people are mean... I have only Barbie dolls, lol and other similar becouse they are easy to get and not expensive. I dream about first bjd doll :) i love dolls, when i was a child my dolls was always clean and like new and it was the reason of my proud :) now im proud that i listened to myself and i let me love dolls. I pushed away this love for many years and even let my dolls from childhood go for free to another home ( familly told me that i was to old for dolls and they only taking space). Im ready to have dolls in my life again :) thank you for this channel, is good to know that people all around the world have similar love to dolls and treat them not only like a toys but like an art, decoration, hobby and way to fight with stress and other problems :)
Aw, I really hope you find like minded friends who will support you...and enable you! LOL You dont' need to shout it from the rooftops, but there are some great forums out there and you just need to find your Tribe!
I'm so glad that you spoke on this topic. I've been told by a few people that a doll collection is a worthless unnecessary hobby. However I enjoy coming home to my collection. Even if it's only for 15 or 20 minutes.
I've always had a love of doll's but never allowed myself to collect them as an adult until I started watching your channel.. your enthusiasm and passion for your doll's has given me the courage to start collecting and as an artist to seriously think about making my own, thank you so much for openly sharing your passion
I love finding dolls & rescuing them from yard sales & thrift stores. Then I give them a make over, freshen them up & make them some new clothes ( most dolls are naked when I get them). I often start with a crocheted hat because making tiny hats is very relaxing for me. A lot of these dolly rescues I give away to children who I encounter that need a doll because I can't keep them all lol. The whole process of restoring dolls is therapeutic to me & keeping dolls out of dumpsters makes me proud to be a doll collector
I have loved dolls ever since I was a young girl. It started with Barbie and Disney Princess dolls. Then I stupidly forced myself to hate dolls in 2nd grade due to peer pressure and my peers finding my interest in them 'childish'. I later found out that my inability to make friends came from me having Aspergers's Syndrome (which I found out in 7th grade, so I spent years thinking that there was something write with me), so that kind of explains my issues with lonliness. The thing that got me back into collecting was getting an Elsa (she was a comfort character for me) doll from my family for a Christmas when I was stuck at the hospital for a whole 10 days due to a crippling stomach issue I had (SMA Syndtome). It was the loneliest time of my life and that one Elsa doll was able to comfort me from my chronic stomach pain and serve as a friend during that time. Unfortunately, I no longer have that doll, but my dolls often feel like fiends to me and help me cope with my lonliness. Sometimes I just hold them and talk to them, or talk to them while changing their clothes or fixing their hair. And my personal favorite dolls easily become some of my best friends. They are always there for me. They listen to me fixate on things when my family or others get annoyed with my Aspie traits, and I love them for it. They never judge me and always let me be my true, unfiltered self. I even take one of them with me if I am going into a situation outside the house that I know will give me anxiety. They are also like miniature works of art to me and I find them so breathtakingly beautiful to look at. But I definitely relate with dolls helping with anxiety and mental health.
I started collecting American Girl dolls during the pandemic. I bought most of my stuff then. But, I collected 9 dolls in the last year and a half. If I had more time, I’d learn how to fix up dolls. But, I work long hours. I always look forward to the weekend, when I can play with my dolls. I don’t have a lot of money. So, I will stick near my area.
Thank for the great video. I suffer from depression and my dolls really calm me down. I love to sew clothes for them and make them little rooms. I am always on the hunt for props that I can use in my dioramas. 😎
Hello Alison. I am not a doll collector, however I have found your channel a form of anxiety & stress relief.😊 Thank you for the uplifting messages you send us. And I am a huge Trixie Mattel fan too. She is so funny. 😄 You have made me think about having one doll made especially for me. If I could afford it, I would love a Lady Penelope Crighton-Ward doll. Thanks for the content. Jane in New Zealand 💐
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls Hello Alison. (Sheepish smile) yes I know about the Lady P Funko Pop, I am looking at her on my shelf 😆. She is very pretty, but insists on throwing herself off the shelf anytime someone walks past her lol😄 Thank you for the suggestion though. I got her just in time, as I have heard they are no longer making her. Keep safe & well. Jane in New Zealand 💐
Oh, that was such a great video! I loved the photos you inserted. Like you, I've always loved dolls. My mom could sew, and she made matching dresses for my dolls and my sisters and me. I had younger sisters, and would put on "shows" by making them act out stories. Also like you, I have a wide variety of "tastes" in dolls, and have many thrifted ones that I refurbished, and I am proud of that! Don't have any resin dolls, but I did just order my 3rd Smart Doll! I thank you for introducing them to me. 😁😁
You just reminded me that I have a Chrissy tucked away somewhere! She’s the impetus to my adult doll collecting. I found her at my mom’s house, and spent some time combing her hair. Mom and I went to her local doll store (yes- she had one in Beaverton Oregon- it was awesome and is no longer there :-/ boo hoo) to find shoes for her. Much love to Chrissy! I’m proud of collecting dolls because of 1) Its a non-destructive way for me to relieve stress. 2) Collecting any toy taps in to the fun and play side of life that we all should have. 3) I don’t necessarily love other people’s children, but I believe every child deserves a safe and imaginative childhood, and the dolls help me to connect with children I may not have otherwise been able to appreciate. I’m also a zealot for letting “non-doll” type mothers know that dolls are a healthy, stimulating, creative toy for their children, and not to suppress or question it. I’m proud of the fact that I speak up for children who can’t express or influence adults in their world.
I guess I'm proud when I've taken a poor, sad, dirty, broken doll and make it whole again. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing this doll brought back to life. I feel so sorry for them. My husband is amazed when I've fixed up a doll that was so pathetic. Also, the friends I've made through doll collecting. They are the best in every way. I know that people that don't collect, don't understand us. But I will not change. I love dolls, toys, dollhouses and miniatures. It's a part of who I am. And I love it!
I am new to collecting dolls I choose silicone and reborns as I love babies. I do not have a BJD but love the look of them. I not new collecting as I collected precious moments for years and anything koala bear. My babies now have a lo of koala bear related items and clothing. I don't hide the fact that I collect dolls even though the males in the family think I'm crazy
This was such a lovely video, I have been collecting all my life and im in my 60s, from antique, vintage, American, cloth, and artist dolls, especially vinal. and reborn babies. I have learnt so much from your video's plus being tempted to have to buy dolls that you are discussing. Having 2 sons that are house bound with disabilities my life is not easy, going into my doll room and sorting out and seeing what space I can make to add another doll. helps with my stress. plus the excitement of waiting for the post, Thank you Alison for such incredible video's. You have helped me in many ways over the past couple of years with your sharing, Love and hugs from Linda in London UK, oh if ever you need any doll you can;t get there just let me know xx
One of the reasons I am proud to be a doll collector is maintaining family history. Even though the family were teachers who farmed on the side, and vise-versa, in the frontier of Indiana; dolls were seen as a luxury. That still trickles down the generations to me (and I have tried to pass it onto my children). Therefore, when a doll was acquired, it was treasured. My Grandmother had one doll (named Bubbles). I still have her/him...the sex always seemed to change with each telling of a story she gave. I have my mother's dolls, and my dolls (despite surviving a fire -- a few dolls were re-given so we would not feel the loss as much). I have also set aside a few of my children's dolls, now that the kids are grown. I remember asking my Great-grandmother if she still had any dolls? She just waved her hand away and said she had only a little rag doll and those dolls don't survive this long. I remember wishing I could have seen the doll even if it was in a tattered heap. It may be why I have a soft spot for cloth dolls. BTW, I like the rest of your list.
That's awesome!! No one in my family really treasured dolls before me, although I do have a few family dolls that have been passed down. That would be a good video now that you mention it 🤔
Oh my goodness, I relate SO MUCH to that "dolls are a nervous energy outlet" point! They give me something to focus on (whether it's crafting for them, researching, watching vids, considering prices, whatever) that isn't a bottomless, anxiety-riddled thought spiral.
Your videos have meant so much to me through this pandemic. Your videos are super inspiring and have taught me so much and brought me a lot of joy. Thank you!
I love that you love Trixie Mattel too! I discovered her channel over quarantine as well and it brings me so much joy that she is also a doll collector.
I'm proud of the diversity of my collection. It's the thing most people comment on when they see it. My collection looks like the world, and I love that. I am also proud when I can restore a doll, for my own collection or for someone else to enjoy. I'm proud to be an out-of-the-box collector because I feel dolls are made to be enjoyed. Finally, I'm proud of the joy they bring me and how they inspire me to be creative.
I have loved dolls since I was a toddler! In every single photo of me, I am hugging a doll! I am so proud to still be able to collect as an adult... to the dismay of my 22 yr old daughter! 😁💜
I love dolls since childhood and I started collecting when I grown up able to purchase my first porcelain doll in a shop few years ago. My collection has all type of dolls which including Barbie and Japanese dolls. I used to attend Anime events which I first time know about Dollfie Dream dolls and love at first sight,since then I started to enjoy and collect them. Thank You for sharing this video☺☺☺❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💕
@@MunecasPoupeesDollsyes I actually don't know about DD dolls until I have attended the Anime Event in Singapore few years ago then I started to collect them and My Smart Doll Moment too☺☺☺🍀🍀🍀
I so agree with this list, and especially the number 1. I've got friends all over the world now and met so many of them through doll collecting. Also, it took me to places where I wouldn't have been otherwise. The dollroom hasn't happened for me yet, but hopefully sometime this year
Yeah, it's the friendships, isn't it? So much love in the doll community...as well as the drama, I suppose, but I will twist into a pretzel to avoid that! LOL I always say that my interests are dolls, cats and Doctor Who, and it's amazing how often these things interconnect! I subscribed to your channel when Is saw you wearing a Who shirt!
Could not have said it any better. We are a great community of people with something great in common. I am proud to be a collector for all the really great people I have met. It has also helped me emotionally, I love pretty and artistic things
Another excellent video that hit all the right points. But what I love most about collecting is that my dolls are beautiful. They are like friends that truly comfort me when I am sad ,lonely, anxious or just bored. I have doll soap opera on my Instagram. All my dolls a backstory, including a first and last name, so that they have a life of their own. I am able to live a different life or a different story with each doll making my own little world.
I remember when the Barbie Career of the Year was a Judge, a judge in my state shared that on her social media. I responded to her that I was a doll collector. She actually answered me. She told me that her Grandmother was a collector and then she thanked me for preserving our cultural history by collecting dolls ! That made me proud !
I love going to the thrift store and finding dolls to fix, it's a great satisfaction for me. It's been 10 years since I started collecting them again and I don't want to leave them anymore ..
I love your videos so much. I have felt slightly disconnected to the bjd hobby this last year ,as a small bjd artist involving my son and I ,we had to close due to the pandemic. It was heart braking ,but my love of vinyl dolls has helped me through . That and being inspired by your videos. I've learnt so much watching your videos,dolls I have never heard of before now on my wish list lol . Thank you ,you should be proud of what you do ❤️
I'm proud of myself for sticking with the hobby I love no matter what anyone thinks (my family is supportive but I know some people think it's weird). Like you, I have collected since I was a child and I do use dolls as a form of therapy. Great video and I love the childhood pictures!
Your videos have been on fire 🔥 I just can’t get enough! I love how candid you are in your videos, just like you’re talking to your friends. I have learned so much from you and this one in particular. I can now say I am a proud doll owner!
I've always loved dolls but was nervous of expressing that because my sister has always been the tomboy, hates pink type and I felt I had to be like her. thankfully I've never let anyone take away my love of plushies, if I didn't have large stuffed animals on my bed then I would loose a huge comfort in my life. I've managed to get back into things that I used to love recently, through cu-poche and nendoroids I've started to get into doll/figure collecting, figures felt less 'childish' so I didn't feel ashamed of it, plus I already collected Huskey plushies/figures/toys (especially Beanie Boos Slush ones) I used to love Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty, but I fell out of that because of other kids making fun of it because my legal name is Kitty. I think over the pandemic I started to prefer feeling childish, it feels like you don't have to deal with certain stresses like school work and the fact that I was going into the first year of GCSEs anymore, sitting on the floor colouring in a colouring book and listening to game theory videos because they're all things I did as a younger kid. Something that really helps with getting into collecting is how my mum sees dolls and express how beautiful she finds them, or how cute they are, I showed her the Hello Kitty and Friends dolls and she loved them like I did, which resulted in me buying an Éclair doll (the hello kitty inspired one) with money from my birthday, I feel like have to gauge how she views something before I buy it because I don't have a way to buy things online on my own yet and I'm really scared of being judged for my interests so I'm really really glad that she loves those dolls as much as I do. My Éclair doll is really special to me, I don't do much with her but her being there feels like a reminder that I am still a kid, and even when I'm not a kid anymore it doesn't mean I can't have 'childish' interests, she basically takes away a lot of my insecurities about my interests and myself. I really want to collect the Hello Kitty and Friends dolls, especially the Keroppi and My Melody inspired ones, but right now I want to save up to get a Smart Doll, I'm hoping that Anomaly will still be available by the time I save up the money, I'd rather buy the doll with one or two accessories or items of clothing but if she becomes available and I have the money for her but not anything else then I'll settle for getting her on her own. This is a bit tangent-y and jumps between subjects and back again but I don't really know how to fix that so.. point is I'm really excited to get move from figure collecting into doll collecting and you're videos are very helpful for me in sort of validating my love for dolls? Kind of like, if an adult woman can collect and appreciate and love these dolls despite so many people seeing it as childish, why can't I, as a teenager who is still a kid, engage in 'childish' hobbies, if that makes any sense. I also love your unboxing videos, how you showcase the dolls, with smart dolls I looked all over youtube for unboxing videos of the dolls I was interested in so I could see how they look moving rather than in pictures, and your videos are really good quality so I'm really glad you have Anomaly since it means I have a really good quality reference for how she is for a consumer and a collector.
this is pretty incoherent so I'll try to make it make sense I still have worries about how other people view me having dolls, but seeing collectors like you helps me feel more secure in my love for dolls, and the comfort that the one doll that isn't a figure that I currently have brings me is huge
I love seeing that Gotz doll that you found and freshened up. She just has such a sweet look. I've just come back from vacation in Kentucky and felt like I made time to visit every thrift store, antique store and flea market to find some things to fix up. I came back with bag fulls and some nicer, newer things too. One of the more interesting things I found was a German vinyl doll from the 1980s. The brand is Gustel Weid. Interesting name and not much info out there, but she's looking spiffy now and she fits with my collection of modern vinyl German dolls That's one of the things I enjoy. The search to find a forgotten treasure and making it pretty again. I love learning about different dolls, especially old ones. It's funny how similar some of us are. We had a love for dolls as little girls and we kinda just let them slip away when we were too old (except for Allison 😉, and we are glad she never let that love go), but then we chose to keep that love that we always had for them and brought them back in our lives. Hey, for some people it motorcycles, cars, action figures, teacups, porcelain figures, antique furniture, or hot wheels. But, for us, it's always been the dollies.
I love Chrissy dolls. My Nana bought me one in 1969 when I was 7 years old. I used to like to make her hair grow and it was pretty and red. I have Barbies in the boxes. So, I just started collecting American Girl dolls. I have always loved dolls.
Thank you Allison for a great video ☺️ I definitely agree on your top ten including the number one choice 🥇making dolly friends is awesome 💜 I’m still fairly new to the bjd & doll community, but I’ve started to make some really great friendships along the way ( wink, wink 😉😅). Covid has made it rather difficult in meeting people in person 🥺 but I’m hoping in the future to attend some of the dolly meet ups and overseas conventions. But Ive got my tickets for BlytheCon UK later in the year which is sadly online, but it’s a start 😄💜💜💜.
The Italy had beautifoul FURGA Dolls. Erano bambole molto espressive e particolari come quelle spagnole e americane e di seguito c'erano le bambole della Sebino (che ideò Cicciobello) e della Migliorati (che ideò bambole come lo spumone o cuore caldo)
I too started doll collecting at 11, growing up being told that I’m “too old to play with dolls” was tough, especially when I came out as a trans man, it seemed like as soon as I became a man people expected me to hate dolls. I’m so glad I ignored them though, I have no idea what I would do without my dolls! And if you’re ever in Canada send me a message!!
I have depression, your videos help me. I look forward to them everyday!
I'm glad you look forward to them, sending 🤗
I actually started BJD collecting over the pandemic. I'm still in my 20s so I can't afford too many of the expensive ones, and my apartment is tiny so that also limits the number of dolls I can have. I'm also too young to not give a sh*t about what people think about me, so I enjoy my dolls in private and only tell my closest friends about them. But BJDs have added another thing in my life to look forward to, which I think is the most important thing for me :)
Im just starting this hobby. Still a bit ashamed, stil shy about it. Sometimes people are mean... I have only Barbie dolls, lol and other similar becouse they are easy to get and not expensive. I dream about first bjd doll :) i love dolls, when i was a child my dolls was always clean and like new and it was the reason of my proud :) now im proud that i listened to myself and i let me love dolls. I pushed away this love for many years and even let my dolls from childhood go for free to another home ( familly told me that i was to old for dolls and they only taking space). Im ready to have dolls in my life again :) thank you for this channel, is good to know that people all around the world have similar love to dolls and treat them not only like a toys but like an art, decoration, hobby and way to fight with stress and other problems :)
I'm glad you've been able to bring dolls back into your life 💜💜
Aw, I really hope you find like minded friends who will support you...and enable you! LOL You dont' need to shout it from the rooftops, but there are some great forums out there and you just need to find your Tribe!
@@pooshkahnla6074 thank you :) im shy person generaly and step by step im finding people with doll related hobby :)
I love dolls and people who love dolls. Thanks for inspiring!
I'm so glad that you spoke on this topic. I've been told by a few people that a doll collection is a worthless unnecessary hobby. However I enjoy coming home to my collection. Even if it's only for 15 or 20 minutes.
They can go kick rocks!
I've always had a love of doll's but never allowed myself to collect them as an adult until I started watching your channel.. your enthusiasm and passion for your doll's has given me the courage to start collecting and as an artist to seriously think about making my own,
thank you so much for openly sharing your passion
I'm so happy to hear that you're embracing your doll collecting 💜💜
I love finding dolls & rescuing them from yard sales & thrift stores. Then I give them a make over, freshen them up & make them some new clothes ( most dolls are naked when I get them). I often start with a crocheted hat because making tiny hats is very relaxing for me. A lot of these dolly rescues I give away to children who I encounter that need a doll because I can't keep them all lol. The whole process of restoring dolls is therapeutic to me & keeping dolls out of dumpsters makes me proud to be a doll collector
I love your story thank you for sharing 💜💜
Thank you so much for what you do. ❤️
That is a fun way of giving back to your community and sharing your love of dolls. :)
I have loved dolls ever since I was a young girl. It started with Barbie and Disney Princess dolls. Then I stupidly forced myself to hate dolls in 2nd grade due to peer pressure and my peers finding my interest in them 'childish'. I later found out that my inability to make friends came from me having Aspergers's Syndrome (which I found out in 7th grade, so I spent years thinking that there was something write with me), so that kind of explains my issues with lonliness. The thing that got me back into collecting was getting an Elsa (she was a comfort character for me) doll from my family for a Christmas when I was stuck at the hospital for a whole 10 days due to a crippling stomach issue I had (SMA Syndtome). It was the loneliest time of my life and that one Elsa doll was able to comfort me from my chronic stomach pain and serve as a friend during that time. Unfortunately, I no longer have that doll, but my dolls often feel like fiends to me and help me cope with my lonliness. Sometimes I just hold them and talk to them, or talk to them while changing their clothes or fixing their hair. And my personal favorite dolls easily become some of my best friends. They are always there for me. They listen to me fixate on things when my family or others get annoyed with my Aspie traits, and I love them for it. They never judge me and always let me be my true, unfiltered self. I even take one of them with me if I am going into a situation outside the house that I know will give me anxiety. They are also like miniature works of art to me and I find them so breathtakingly beautiful to look at. But I definitely relate with dolls helping with anxiety and mental health.
They are definitely like miniature works of art, thank you for sharing your story 💜
I started collecting American Girl dolls during the pandemic. I bought most of my stuff then. But, I collected 9 dolls in the last year and a half. If I had more time, I’d learn how to fix up dolls. But, I work long hours. I always look forward to the weekend, when I can play with my dolls. I don’t have a lot of money. So, I will stick near my area.
Thank for the great video. I suffer from depression and my dolls really calm me down. I love to sew clothes for them and make them little rooms. I am always on the hunt for props that I can use in my dioramas. 😎
That's such a fun activity to do 💜
Hello Alison. I am not a doll collector, however I have found your channel a form of anxiety & stress relief.😊 Thank you for the uplifting messages you send us. And I am a huge Trixie Mattel fan too. She is so funny. 😄 You have made me think about having one doll made especially for me. If I could afford it, I would love a Lady Penelope Crighton-Ward doll. Thanks for the content. Jane in New Zealand 💐
Thank you Jane!! And also, come join us as a Collector, you'll love it 🥰🥰😍
And also, there is a Funko pop Lady Penelope, maybe you could start with that 😉
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls Hello Alison. (Sheepish smile) yes I know about the Lady P Funko Pop, I am looking at her on my shelf 😆. She is very pretty, but insists on throwing herself off the shelf anytime someone walks past her lol😄 Thank you for the suggestion though. I got her just in time, as I have heard they are no longer making her. Keep safe & well. Jane in New Zealand 💐
Thanks for the video. Collecting has allowed me to develop new skills like sewing and doing faceups.
That is a really good one 💜
Oh, that was such a great video! I loved the photos you inserted. Like you, I've always loved dolls. My mom could sew, and she made matching dresses for my dolls and my sisters and me. I had younger sisters, and would put on "shows" by making them act out stories.
Also like you, I have a wide variety of "tastes" in dolls, and have many thrifted ones that I refurbished, and I am proud of that!
Don't have any resin dolls, but I did just order my 3rd Smart Doll! I thank you for introducing them to me. 😁😁
Yay for your 3rd Smart Doll 🥰🥰
You just reminded me that I have a Chrissy tucked away somewhere! She’s the impetus to my adult doll collecting. I found her at my mom’s house, and spent some time combing her hair. Mom and I went to her local doll store (yes- she had one in Beaverton Oregon- it was awesome and is no longer there :-/ boo hoo) to find shoes for her. Much love to Chrissy!
I’m proud of collecting dolls because of
1) Its a non-destructive way for me to relieve stress.
2) Collecting any toy taps in to the fun and play side of life that we all should have.
3) I don’t necessarily love other people’s children, but I believe every child deserves a safe and imaginative childhood, and the dolls help me to connect with children I may not have otherwise been able to appreciate. I’m also a zealot for letting “non-doll” type mothers know that dolls are a healthy, stimulating, creative toy for their children, and not to suppress or question it. I’m proud of the fact that I speak up for children who can’t express or influence adults in their world.
I guess I'm proud when I've taken a poor, sad, dirty, broken doll and make it whole again. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing this doll brought back to life. I feel so sorry for them. My husband is amazed when I've fixed up a doll that was so pathetic. Also, the friends I've made through doll collecting. They are the best in every way. I know that people that don't collect, don't understand us. But I will not change. I love dolls, toys, dollhouses and miniatures. It's a part of who I am. And I love it!
My husband is the same when I'm able to fix up a doll, always cheering me on 🥰
I am new to collecting dolls I choose silicone and reborns as I love babies. I do not have a BJD but love the look of them. I not new collecting as I collected precious moments for years and anything koala bear. My babies now have a lo of koala bear related items and clothing. I don't hide the fact that I collect dolls even though the males in the family think I'm crazy
💜💜💜
This was such a lovely video, I have been collecting all my life and im in my 60s, from antique, vintage, American, cloth, and artist dolls, especially vinal. and reborn babies. I have learnt so much from your video's plus being tempted to have to buy dolls that you are discussing. Having 2 sons that are house bound with disabilities my life is not easy, going into my doll room and sorting out and seeing what space I can make to add another doll. helps with my stress. plus the excitement of waiting for the post, Thank you Alison for such incredible video's. You have helped me in many ways over the past couple of years with your sharing, Love and hugs from Linda in London UK, oh if ever you need any doll you can;t get there just let me know xx
Thank you Linda for being such a great supporter of this channel 💜💜
its my pleasure Alison. cant wait to see the dolls you bought back from the doll factory x
One of the reasons I am proud to be a doll collector is maintaining family history. Even though the family were teachers who farmed on the side, and vise-versa, in the frontier of Indiana; dolls were seen as a luxury. That still trickles down the generations to me (and I have tried to pass it onto my children). Therefore, when a doll was acquired, it was treasured. My Grandmother had one doll (named Bubbles). I still have her/him...the sex always seemed to change with each telling of a story she gave. I have my mother's dolls, and my dolls (despite surviving a fire -- a few dolls were re-given so we would not feel the loss as much). I have also set aside a few of my children's dolls, now that the kids are grown. I remember asking my Great-grandmother if she still had any dolls? She just waved her hand away and said she had only a little rag doll and those dolls don't survive this long. I remember wishing I could have seen the doll even if it was in a tattered heap. It may be why I have a soft spot for cloth dolls. BTW, I like the rest of your list.
That's awesome!! No one in my family really treasured dolls before me, although I do have a few family dolls that have been passed down. That would be a good video now that you mention it 🤔
Loved your video😻…. I’m proud of my collection and of not caring what others think of my doll obsession…
Thank you so much for watching 💜
The people I’ve met, and the information I’ve learned and feel better because it helps with my anxiety and depression.
💜💜💜
Oh my goodness, I relate SO MUCH to that "dolls are a nervous energy outlet" point! They give me something to focus on (whether it's crafting for them, researching, watching vids, considering prices, whatever) that isn't a bottomless, anxiety-riddled thought spiral.
Exactly!! It's a great and way more productive outlet for all that energy 💜💜
Your videos have meant so much to me through this pandemic. Your videos are super inspiring and have taught me so much and brought me a lot of joy. Thank you!
Love the childhood photos included . Your probably like me and in half your childhood photos you have a doll or toy in hand .
Yes LOL!!! I've always loved my dolls 😆
I love that you love Trixie Mattel too! I discovered her channel over quarantine as well and it brings me so much joy that she is also a doll collector.
Same!! Love her so much 🥰
I'm proud of the diversity of my collection. It's the thing most people comment on when they see it. My collection looks like the world, and I love that. I am also proud when I can restore a doll, for my own collection or for someone else to enjoy. I'm proud to be an out-of-the-box collector because I feel dolls are made to be enjoyed. Finally, I'm proud of the joy they bring me and how they inspire me to be creative.
Those are all excellent reasons to be a proud collector 🥰🥰🥰
I have loved dolls since I was a toddler! In every single photo of me, I am hugging a doll! I am so proud to still be able to collect as an adult... to the dismay of my 22 yr old daughter! 😁💜
She needs to shape up and start collecting dolls 😂
I love dolls since childhood and I started collecting when I grown up able to purchase my first porcelain doll in a shop few years ago. My collection has all type of dolls which including Barbie and Japanese dolls. I used to attend Anime events which I first time know about Dollfie Dream dolls and love at first sight,since then I started to enjoy and collect them. Thank You for sharing this video☺☺☺❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💕
I don't know why but I didn't realize you collected DD! How cool! Thank you for sharing 💜💜
@@MunecasPoupeesDollsyes I actually don't know about DD dolls until I have attended the Anime Event in Singapore few years ago then I started to collect them and My Smart Doll Moment too☺☺☺🍀🍀🍀
I so agree with this list, and especially the number 1. I've got friends all over the world now and met so many of them through doll collecting. Also, it took me to places where I wouldn't have been otherwise. The dollroom hasn't happened for me yet, but hopefully sometime this year
🤞🤞🤞 for your room!
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls thank you! 💖
Yeah, it's the friendships, isn't it? So much love in the doll community...as well as the drama, I suppose, but I will twist into a pretzel to avoid that! LOL I always say that my interests are dolls, cats and Doctor Who, and it's amazing how often these things interconnect! I subscribed to your channel when Is saw you wearing a Who shirt!
The Doctor got me through grad school 🥰
Could not have said it any better. We are a great community of people with something great in common. I am proud to be a collector for all the really great people I have met. It has also helped me emotionally, I love pretty and artistic things
💜💜💜
Another excellent video that hit all the right points. But what I love most about collecting is that my dolls are beautiful. They are like friends that truly comfort me when I am sad ,lonely, anxious or just bored. I have doll soap opera on my Instagram. All my dolls a backstory, including a first and last name, so that they have a life of their own. I am able to live a different life or a different story with each doll making my own little world.
I know a lot of other people who love making backstories for their dolls 💜💜
I remember when the Barbie Career of the Year was a Judge, a judge in my state shared that on her social media. I responded to her that I was a doll collector. She actually answered me. She told me that her Grandmother was a collector and then she thanked me for preserving our cultural history by collecting dolls ! That made me proud !
That is so cool and would have made me proud too 💜💜💜
I love going to the thrift store and finding dolls to fix, it's a great satisfaction for me.
It's been 10 years since I started collecting them again and I don't want to leave them anymore ..
It's such an amazing satisfaction 💜💜
I love your videos so much. I have felt slightly disconnected to the bjd hobby this last year ,as a small bjd artist involving my son and I ,we had to close due to the pandemic. It was heart braking ,but my love of vinyl dolls has helped me through . That and being inspired by your videos. I've learnt so much watching your videos,dolls I have never heard of before now on my wish list lol . Thank you ,you should be proud of what you do ❤️
Thank you for the video love...vinyl dolls are equally amazing and I'm glad they have helped you 💜
I'm proud of myself for sticking with the hobby I love no matter what anyone thinks (my family is supportive but I know some people think it's weird). Like you, I have collected since I was a child and I do use dolls as a form of therapy. Great video and I love the childhood pictures!
Your videos have been on fire 🔥 I just can’t get enough! I love how candid you are in your videos, just like you’re talking to your friends. I have learned so much from you and this one in particular. I can now say I am a proud doll owner!
Yay! Thank you Sara I'm glad you're enjoying them 💜💜
Beautiful video! Thank you so much for making and sharing it 🌷🌸🎀
Thank you for watching 💜
I've always loved dolls but was nervous of expressing that because my sister has always been the tomboy, hates pink type and I felt I had to be like her. thankfully I've never let anyone take away my love of plushies, if I didn't have large stuffed animals on my bed then I would loose a huge comfort in my life.
I've managed to get back into things that I used to love recently, through cu-poche and nendoroids I've started to get into doll/figure collecting, figures felt less 'childish' so I didn't feel ashamed of it, plus I already collected Huskey plushies/figures/toys (especially Beanie Boos Slush ones) I used to love Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty, but I fell out of that because of other kids making fun of it because my legal name is Kitty.
I think over the pandemic I started to prefer feeling childish, it feels like you don't have to deal with certain stresses like school work and the fact that I was going into the first year of GCSEs anymore, sitting on the floor colouring in a colouring book and listening to game theory videos because they're all things I did as a younger kid.
Something that really helps with getting into collecting is how my mum sees dolls and express how beautiful she finds them, or how cute they are, I showed her the Hello Kitty and Friends dolls and she loved them like I did, which resulted in me buying an Éclair doll (the hello kitty inspired one) with money from my birthday, I feel like have to gauge how she views something before I buy it because I don't have a way to buy things online on my own yet and I'm really scared of being judged for my interests so I'm really really glad that she loves those dolls as much as I do. My Éclair doll is really special to me, I don't do much with her but her being there feels like a reminder that I am still a kid, and even when I'm not a kid anymore it doesn't mean I can't have 'childish' interests, she basically takes away a lot of my insecurities about my interests and myself.
I really want to collect the Hello Kitty and Friends dolls, especially the Keroppi and My Melody inspired ones, but right now I want to save up to get a Smart Doll, I'm hoping that Anomaly will still be available by the time I save up the money, I'd rather buy the doll with one or two accessories or items of clothing but if she becomes available and I have the money for her but not anything else then I'll settle for getting her on her own.
This is a bit tangent-y and jumps between subjects and back again but I don't really know how to fix that so.. point is I'm really excited to get move from figure collecting into doll collecting and you're videos are very helpful for me in sort of validating my love for dolls? Kind of like, if an adult woman can collect and appreciate and love these dolls despite so many people seeing it as childish, why can't I, as a teenager who is still a kid, engage in 'childish' hobbies, if that makes any sense.
I also love your unboxing videos, how you showcase the dolls, with smart dolls I looked all over youtube for unboxing videos of the dolls I was interested in so I could see how they look moving rather than in pictures, and your videos are really good quality so I'm really glad you have Anomaly since it means I have a really good quality reference for how she is for a consumer and a collector.
this is pretty incoherent so I'll try to make it make sense
I still have worries about how other people view me having dolls, but seeing collectors like you helps me feel more secure in my love for dolls, and the comfort that the one doll that isn't a figure that I currently have brings me is huge
Great video! I enjoyed watching. Thank you 😊
CAUSE YOUR MY GOOD FRIEND LOVE DAVID
I love seeing that Gotz doll that you found and freshened up. She just has such a sweet look. I've just come back from vacation in Kentucky and felt like I made time to visit every thrift store, antique store and flea market to find some things to fix up. I came back with bag fulls and some nicer, newer things too.
One of the more interesting things I found was a German vinyl doll from the 1980s. The brand is Gustel Weid. Interesting name and not much info out there, but she's looking spiffy now and she fits with my collection of modern vinyl German dolls
That's one of the things I enjoy. The search to find a forgotten treasure and making it pretty again. I love learning about different dolls, especially old ones.
It's funny how similar some of us are. We had a love for dolls as little girls and we kinda just let them slip away when we were too old (except for Allison 😉, and we are glad she never let that love go), but then we chose to keep that love that we always had for them and brought them back in our lives. Hey, for some people it motorcycles, cars, action figures, teacups, porcelain figures, antique furniture, or hot wheels. But, for us, it's always been the dollies.
I had to Google the Gustel Weid they look beautiful! Congrats on your find 💜
This was another great video. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much 🥰
I love Chrissy dolls. My Nana bought me one in 1969 when I was 7 years old. I used to like to make her hair grow and it was pretty and red. I have Barbies in the boxes. So, I just started collecting American Girl dolls. I have always loved dolls.
They make me feel safe
💜💜💜
Yep me too sometimes
💜💜
Hello another great video, your videos rlly make me happy and guess what I was able to get supergirl on time !yay!
Congratulations on Supergirl!!!
Sorry to bother you again but did you get supergirl?
@@cry_baby9392 no I didn't, I'm not a huge Supergirl fan. If he comes out with a Star Wars doll though, I'll definitely be trying for that!
Oh ok thank you and Star Wars would be cool to.
Comfort for me❤️❤️❤️ great video ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much 🥰
Thank you Allison for a great video ☺️ I definitely agree on your top ten including the number one choice 🥇making dolly friends is awesome 💜 I’m still fairly new to the bjd & doll community, but I’ve started to make some really great friendships along the way ( wink, wink 😉😅). Covid has made it rather difficult in meeting people in person 🥺 but I’m hoping in the future to attend some of the dolly meet ups and overseas conventions. But Ive got my tickets for BlytheCon UK later in the year which is sadly online, but it’s a start 😄💜💜💜.
Ooooo I've also got my BlytheCon UK Tix!!!
The Italy had beautifoul FURGA Dolls.
Erano bambole molto espressive e particolari come quelle spagnole e americane e di seguito c'erano le bambole della Sebino (che ideò Cicciobello) e della Migliorati (che ideò bambole come lo spumone o cuore caldo)
💜💜💜
How do you feel about reborn dolls?
I can appreciate the artistry behind them but they are not for me.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
How and where can I purchase a Trixi doll
I too started doll collecting at 11, growing up being told that I’m “too old to play with dolls” was tough, especially when I came out as a trans man, it seemed like as soon as I became a man people expected me to hate dolls. I’m so glad I ignored them though, I have no idea what I would do without my dolls! And if you’re ever in Canada send me a message!!
I know loads of men collectors, it's a popular hobby for everyone 🥰
💜✨
💜💜💜
I was first to like 💜
💜💜💜