It’s nearly February already. Where did January go? Just like we set personal goals around the New Year to be fitter, make more time for family, read more books, whatever the case may be, it may not be a bad idea to take some time and evaluate what goals you have for your collection in 2019.
2018 wasn’t a great year for doll collecting, in my opinion. Having lost popular lines Monster High and Ever After High in 2017, I can’t say there’s been many interesting doll lines released in their absence. The sad demise of the only big box toy store, Toys R Us, didn’t help matters, making it even harder to experience and see new dolls in person; not to mention harder for smaller companies to find a home for their new dolls and toys. It was also the year that we saw Madame Alexander go dark (they’re back now, thankfully) and the Tonner Doll Company slow down production and eventually close down completely.
My mom and I also said goodbye to one of our local doll shops, Shirley’s Dollhouse. All in all, I can’t say anything really exciting happened in the doll world at all in 2018 from any of the major players in the doll world.
My favorite collection additions from this past year came from unexpected sources. The Life Size Baby Groot from Hot Toys is one of my favorite purchases of the year. I’ll share him here on the blog soon. Finding a Tintair Honey Doll in minty fresh shape was also a highlight of 2018.
I also added a beautiful Arrenbee from the 1950’s to my composition/hard plastic collection, seen 14 minutes into the video above. I ended the year on a high note, receiving my newest BJD, the adorable Kikipop Kinoko Juice.
One of my goals in 2019 is to save money, so I need to be extra careful about what I add to my collection this year. I am also running out of space. (Well, a more accurate statement would be I ran out of space years ago and ignored that fact, but I really can’t ignore it anymore!) So, the question needs to be asked– what do I want to concentrate on for 2019 in terms of adding or enhancing my doll collection?
1: Composition and Hard Plastic dolls from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s
I’d love to add one really good large composition or hard plastic doll to my collection in 2019 from Arranbee or Madame Alexander. Both companies have such pretty vintage dolls. Most likely I’ll end up with Arranbee, assuming dealers bring them to the doll shows in our area, since 18″ or taller Madame Alexanders tend to be very pricey.
2: More Anime Eye Skippers and Teen Skippers
I think I’ll definitely be concentrating on finding more of the Skipper dolls I’m missing from the late 80’s to early 2000’s. I’m not missing too many of them, so it can’t be that hard to close the gap this year! I’m also going to work on finding more outfits for all generations of Skipper dolls.
3: A Friend for my Kikipop Kinoko Juice
For sure, I am going to add another Kikipop to my collection, specifically one with a smile. They’re just too cute. I adore them!
4: More Kurhns
Kurhn dolls have always been one of my favorite brands of dolls. I want to add more to my collection in 2019. To be honest, if it came down to adding a Barbie to my collection or a Kurhn, I’d choose Kurhn. I think they’re so pretty and unique looking. Plus, I know the quality is there, since I own about 10 of them now and none have disappointed me.
5: Another Little Miss No Name
This is probably a pipe dream, but you never know! I’d love to find another Little Miss No Name to re-root. They’re my favorite kind of doll to give hair to, along with Giggles, but they can be hard to find at good prices. Just finding one good Little Miss No Name that was clean, unbroken and just in need of hair would make my day!
Those are my broad goals for 2019. I’m sure I’ll expand on them as time goes on, but if I can hit these targets by this time next year, I’ll be a happy collector! The space problem is still something I’m working out, so hopefully that will have been sorted by then, too. (Likely not, though!)
What are your goals to grow, expand or enhance your doll collection in 2019? Was 2018’s doll selection as disappointing to you as it was to me? Share your thoughts in the comment area!