5 Beginner-Level Tips for Collecting Vintage Dolls

If you think back to your childhood, there's a high chance you remember playing with dolls. Whether it was living out your dreams in one of Barbie's fictitious and fun careers, learning fascinating history alongside your American Girl Doll, or hosting a tea party for your favorite hand-me-down porcelain dolls, just about everyone has a childhood connection to dolls. Why should that end as a kid? Use our top tips and tricks to start your own vintage doll collection today. 

Why People Love Collectible Dolls

Whether you grew up playing with American Girl Dolls or have always admired the untouchable porcelain dolls kept on display in your grandmother's home, it’s common for people to have personal connections and history with dolls. That nostalgic feeling you get when you see delicately dressed collectible dolls is one of the driving forces for collectors.  

For others, especially those who rent a booth at an Indiana vendor mall or sell online, collecting vintage dolls is a way to make money. Certain porcelain dolls and collector's Barbies can fetch hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. If you could make a pretty penny selling something you love, why not?

What is the Difference Between Antique and Vintage Dolls?

Dolls are categorized differently than the standard antique and vintage ruling. Antique dolls are more than 100 years old, while vintage dolls are made between 1925 and 1979, and anything produced after that is defined as modern. Age is not the only factor that determines the value, but for certain brands, it can make a huge difference in price. 

What Makes a Collectible Doll Valuable?

From porcelain dolls to cloth dolls and everything in between, the value of a doll can depend on a myriad of things, such as:

Rarity: the rarer a vintage doll is, the more in-demand it becomes.

Age: age can contribute to a lot of specific value-affecting factors 

Condition: while mint condition is more likely to raise the value, used dolls can be equally valuable to certain collectors

5 Tips for Buying and Selling Collectible Dolls

Breaking into the dainty and fun world of doll collecting can feel overwhelming, especially as a beginner. But once you understand what determines the value of a collectible doll and how to find your niche in the community, it's easy! Follow these seven tips to start your doll collection ASAP:

Tip 1: Set a Budget

It doesn't matter whether you're collecting crystal figurines or rare porcelain dolls—the first step to becoming a collector is setting your budget. Everyone's resources are different! It doesn't matter if you only have a couple of bucks to spare each month or hundreds a week. If you're realistic with how much money you can afford to spend on this hobby, you will set yourself up for success.  

Tip 2: Read About the Most Popular Collectible Doll Brands

Before you shop, familiarize yourself with popular and sought-after vintage doll brands. Researching their history and what they look like can help you sort through any doll vendors as you browse. Take some time to learn about these brands:

• Raggedy Ann and Andy—1915 to present

• Mama Dolls—1915 to present

• Kewpie Dolls—1912 to present

• German Dolly Face Dolls—1890 to 1930s

• French BeBe Dolls—1870s to 1950s

• Betsy McCall Dolls—1952 to 1958

• Madame Alexandria Dolls—1923 to present

• Barbie—1959 to present

• Cabbage Patch Dolls—1982 to present 

• American Girl Dolls—1986 to present

Tip 3: Determine Your Desired Doll Niche

The best part of a collection is that it's completely personalized to you and your tastes! Do you adore the sight of one-of-a-kind porcelain dolls lined up on your bookshelf? Do you prefer soft, plushy Raggedy Ann vintage dolls that your grandchildren can play with when they visit? Before you start shopping, figure out what niche section of sought-after collectibles makes your heart sing. 

Tip 4: Learn How to Identify Antique and Vintage Dolls

Whether you've stumbled across a neighborhood yard sale full of porcelain dolls or you're strolling the aisles of an Illinois antique mall, it's helpful to learn what can clue you in on a doll's true age. This can help you determine if you've found a bargain or if you're being overcharged by the seller. 

Tell-Tale Signs for Identifying the Age of a Collectible Doll:

Eyes: the eyes of a doll are a dead giveaway. Almost every antique doll has immobile, painted glass eyes, while vintage doll eyes are plastic and tend to be able to rotate either side to side or up and down. 

Materials: the material a doll is made out of is a great starting point for determining both age and value. Wood, straw, and wax are among the oldest materials used in the 16th century, while the 17th century championed celluloid and porcelain dolls. Harder plastic became the preferable material as time went on, so anything plastic is likely vintage or modern. 

Tags: as with any collection, finding a maker's mark or brand tag is a great tool for identifying a doll's age. This could have the company name, manufacturing location, or even year of production, all of which will help you as you shop.

Tip 5: Find Likeminded Collectors

It doesn't matter whether you're 9 or 99. There's a place for everyone in the collectible doll community. One of the best parts of this hobby is connecting with like-minded people who understand your passion. Use online resources and attend vendor mall events to find your people and hunt down vintage dolls.

What's the Best Place to Sell Collectible Dolls in Person?

Get an in-person feel for a doll by stopping by your local antique mall! With hundreds of vendors all under one roof, there's always a wide array of vintage dolls just waiting to be discovered. At one location, someone may specialize in antique porcelain dolls; at another, '70s era Barbies! Who knows what treasured finds you may come across? 

Collectors of all ages can all admit that collectible dolls are endless fun! Whether you're searching for a unique, vintage gift for your children to play with or looking for priceless porcelain dolls to keep on display in your home, antique malls are filled to the brim with doll-collecting possibility. Stop by and see for yourself!