I Need to Talk About FOMO and Doll Collecting

I wanted to discuss my personal experience as a doll collector and doll content maker with FOMO (fear of missing out), and how it has affecting my buying habits and doll reviews.
*For adult doll collectors

[@arianafox365]

This took A LOT of bravery to make. I think about how all these doll influencers buy EVERY SINGLE new doll with nothing but praises. The entire world is entering a recession. It’s ridiculous to buy every new doll and act like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. But they are never transparent because they get sent free stuff and get flown to events. It’s very disingenuous. That’s why I tend to follow smaller creators, like you, Beauty inside a Box, ToyChat, and The Doll Daddy. I feel smaller creaters are MUCH more upfront and honest with their opinions, and that means way more to me then someone who gets sent PR. Thank you so much for making this video and being an honest, good human. 🖤🖤🖤

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I honestly don't know what to say? Reading this comment made me tear up, I can't thank you enough for such kind words ♥

[@em84c]

I am in Facebook doll collecting groups and you see people post hauls with like 20 dolls they got in one day. People got like a whole wall of dolls for Christmas. It makes me a bit uncomfortable. I feel guilty that I've bought 7 dolls the past few weeks. But I justify it because it's better to get them while on clearance. If I wait too long I'd have to buy off eBay seller and they are overpriced there. There are heaps more dolls I like but don't think I need to have in my collection. I don't need to buy every doll I like. Only ones I totally love and adore.

[@h_stefany88]

I'm from the same opinion. Not only about the doll collectors comunity, but also the art comunity lol I don't trust big accounts because I know they lie for views and sponsorship. These days I saw a collector posting on tiktok a bunch of the newer Barbie fashionistas, and well, maybe 20 of them, lot's of duplicates and ken dolls that basically were the same, but with different clothes. I was thinking "why would someone buy EVERY fashionista ever released"? No way there's someone in the world that really loves ALL the fashionistas released. Also, I see no reason to buy the same blonde millie faced Barbies over and over but with diferent clothes 🤣

[@marilynmcfall7637]

Yes some reviewers get every doll out there. Even ones from Japan and Korea. Not necessary. These reviews are not even interesting

[@lamiagunyuz5047]

guys ım a Turkish person and our money is compared to dollar rate is to low. Thats why ım able to buy once a mont two dolls. And thats happens ıf ı have extra money. So knowing other kind of fomos exist, made me feel relaxed. Like there can be so many anxiaty types beacuse of mass production . Also it is bad for environment too

[@mbuttah85]

Don’t feel bad. I can definitely relate. You should do a dolls I regret buying video!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I have a literal list of video ideas and this is going on it lol thank you!!

[@c.w.2000]

FOMO in collecting is very common. The first time I heard of it was when I started in the board game hobby around 5 years ago. Some games are only sold on Kickstarter, or have Kickstarter-only exclusive content. Some games only have small print runs and don't get reprinted. So, there are gamers (fortunately not me) with shelves full of games they haven't even played, and they keep buying more. I started collecting dolls again about two years ago (like many, restarted during the pandemic). The potential psychological downside I saw around the hobby is something that concerned me. I do have to work at keeping things in check so that I control my hobbies, rather than the other way around, especially since I watch a lot of board game and doll video content. Despite that effort, I am now going through my collection and have found around 20% of my dolls no longer "spark joy" for me. I have learned more about my tastes over time, and other dolls have come along in the past two years. So, the situation is not the same as it was when I bought those initial dolls. Each time you go through a downsizing and get rid of dolls, you learn something, and it informs your future decisions. I also appreciate that you make videos of dolls you don't plan to buy, with your reasons. There isn't much doll content like that. So, even if you are concerned you might have led someone to a doll that wasn't great for them, you might have also steered other people away. I also don't think you can be responsible for other people's decisions, as long as you are being genuine in the moment, which I believe you always are.

[@LeeDee5]

I have experienced fomo with every fandom and hobby that I’ve been a part of. Before I really got into collecting dolls I was really invested in anime and fomo in that hobby burned me to the ground. It’s mentally so draining. Like I rage quit because it was driving me insane. Which sounds dumb but I think it also depends on personality and I’m that person that gets obsessive. Naturally those feelings have bled into my doll hobby now. Scalpers don’t make it easier that’s for sure because there’s a legit aspect of “missing out” because suddenly that $30 doll is now $300 on eBay. I also understand liking something so much and then some time later you’re just like wtf was I thinking? Basically fomo will always be a work in progress. We will never be the exact same people we were a week ago or a month ago and that’s okay. As long as we work through it little by little I think we should all be fine.

[@mad4charms881]

I never pay crazy scalper prices. Its never worth it to me!

[@BobaBubu]

I relate to this so much. As an anime fan and figure collector I really burnt myself out. Trying to keep up with new anime releases and never having the time to watch everything, so you fall behind and now you’re less knowledge which is lowkey frowned upon in the community… then the figure releases. They never stop coming, and damn scale figures are pricey. I finally had to say enough is enough, and stop buying anime figures altogether. I’ve been collecting dolls for the past 7 or 8 years casually, but now that I’ve quit figure collecting it’s like I’ve started the obsessiveness with dolls instead. What was once a chill hobby where I would pick up a doll occasionally if I saw one I liked, has turned into me scavenging Walmarts nonstop for every new release and it’s just unhealthy. For my brain, body, and my wallet too. Didn’t mean to make such a long reply, just wanted to say YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Have a good evening friend 💕

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've never been a huge anime merch buyer, but I think I feel something similar just when it comes to watching...I feel like I can only really be a big fan of a couple of shows at a time, and I can't watch any more for a while after that because if I feel that much excitement for too many shows I'll explode 😅 Not quite the same feeling so sorry for the tangent I just think it's interesting. I do agree that scalpers make the FOMO so much worse. That's how I felt trying to get the Haunt Couture Cleo like...if I didn't get her, I would never own that doll because I couldn't justify secondhand scalper prices. I missed her anyway, but the fact that scalpers have made the thought of "maybe I'll change my mind and get her secondhand" so unattainable is very sad

[@valt8744]

I like your "little by little" approach to FOMO, Dee Ca. When I'm really bitten by the bug I watch as many videos as I can find, and then I'm usually sated. Then I can usually come back to the item "unhitched" from that FOMO driver.

[@BrittnyShrub]

I think this is something we can all relate to. Half of the fun is your unique perspective. If you review a doll a year after it comes out, I would still be interested in your POV. I think every collector goes through a reassessment of why the collect and what they collect so I can only imagine how that shows up in content creation. You didn't know and now you know. Now you will transition into greater authenticity. This whole process is very human and shows your integrity. ❤️

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I'm getting too emotional reading all of the nice things you and others have said 🥲 Thank you ♥

[@pamzeyhorror]

This happens to me all the time.. there's soo many dolls I want that I don't have the budget for. Seeing your Lalala loopsies for example .also I to said I wanted every Disney princesses even if I don't like them all and then Disney Comfy squad existed. I'm obsess with Wreck Ralph and comfy squad and now i have a collection of that. love you bye 😊

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Glad to hear I'm not the only person who's had that thought with Disney, it's just so easy to be like "I'll take one of each" haha

[@h_stefany88]

Yeah in the past I also thought "I'm gonna pick every Disney Princess doll I can!" but I only got my favorites which are Ariel and Belle, and it's enough for me. I'm glad I didn't buy the others when I had the chance. There's no reason to do this. If I want to appreciate all the disney princesses, I'm satisfied to look at other collectors beautiful photos in instagram.

[@ArkadyKirsanov]

I just love your transparency and vulnerability so much. I love watching you be you. The fact that that comes with dolls is just frosting on the cupcake. I'm old, and I've actually had the experience of feeling a pull toward a doll, but resisting buying it because of budget concerns (I started collecting when I had little kids to raise, and they always had to be a priority.) and then feeling that tug for literal YEARS, until 10 or 15 years later I finally get to welcome her home. It's still a great feeling to let the love percolate for a long time. It does make it clear in my own mind who I really connect with. I hope you don't labor under too much pressure to produce content. Enjoy your life and your collections. If you came on and just sat and discussed how much you love someone's hair for 10 minutes, I would still love to watch you.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've said this on a couple of other comments but genuinely, your kindness is making me tear up a bit. I was really nervous to post this video because I was afraid people would think I wasn't trustworthy anymore, so to hear this from you means a lot. Most of the pressure to create comes from a good place 😅When I started posting videos I never expected to fall in love with it like I have. Even in my worst days, filming something always brings a smile to my face. So the pressure is really just that I want to keep growing and be able to do even more!

[@kamenriderfurry9410]

I just recently started collecting. I am cis-male and I got a lot of crap for wanting to collect dolls when I was younger and I missed out on almost everything from Monster High. Im having to pay stupid high prices for them now but I'm slowly getting my faves (mostly the boys). It really does put into perspective buying them second hand vs in stores because I have to be REALLY sure I want one before I go through with the purchase where as in stores its so much more impulsive. I hope I can keep my composure when the G3 dolls hit stores near me. D:

[@MHmommy2009]

I have OCD and it’s very hard sometimes to differentiate between actually wanting something or feeling compulsive about having them all.

[@MarchPaynesMidlifeDollyCrisis]

You're not alone, I think collecting anything attracts a certain type of personality and one of those traits is the fear of missing out and specifically for doll collectors it's the fear of missing out on a doll. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about it, at least you recognise that you're doing it and it might make others realise that they are doing it too. I think adding the idea of running out of content is also something that I can relate to, I only release one video a week and I admit I have bought all sorts of dolls which I probably wouldn't have bought if I didn't feel like I needed them to unbox on my channel. That said there are very few which I regret getting - I have a ton of Barbie Fashionistas which I wish I had been more selective over but they were very cheap so it's only really a waste of money in a way, also I managed to stop myself from getting the second wave of Extra Minis just in time but it was a close call. Most of the dolls that I own I do genuinely enjoy, but I did make a decision when I started that I wasn't going to be a completist and that I would try and only get dolls which I liked the look of no matter which range they were in. What you were saying about the sheer magnitude of releases at the moment I completely get. There are currently way too many being churned out and it's hard to keep up-to-date, it is as you pointed out totally overwhelming. It's actually made me stop and think more about my purchases, which is probably why I end up unboxing older dolls on my channel rather than ones that are just out because they're the ones I buy fearing that I will miss out on them further down the line. I'd also say not to be so hard on yourself, but I'm very aware that that is easier said than done.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've said this to others, but I'm both happy and sorry you can relate to what I talked about 😅 Don't want anyone to have to feel that way but it's good to not be alone. I do agree that collectors often have similar personality traits, and so it makes sense a lot of us experience this. I guess FOMO is just a thing that very often goes hand in hand with collecting anything

[@Blake1720]

So true! I think a lot of collectors are addicted to the dopamine rush. I mean, every human is but I find for our crew it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s amazing we have found our passion and get such enjoyment from something, but it can be a slippery slope into addictive behavior.

[@Noahoahahh]

I have never experienced a doll youtuber taking accountability for influencing people to buy dolls they might regret buying in the future… wow you are so real. Thanks for sharing your perspective and for always trying to grow yourself as a human ❤

[@Mister_Dollz]

I’ve had an experience similar to this, but instead of buying a doll because I don’t want to miss out on it, I was buying dolls from thrift/charity shops just because I wanted a new doll in my collection, it’s something that I’ve stopped doing now, and even though I still have be feeling of wanting a new doll, if I don’t find a doll that I’m 1000% interested in I won’t buy it.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've definitely been there as well! Especially when it's such a good deal in a thrift store, it seems easier to justify (for me at least)

[@sharonthompson672]

I'm like this on eBay. When I first started collecting, (Jester/Pierrot dolls) they were in the malls, late 70's/early 80's, my sister & I shared an apartment. We were at the mall, I saw these dolls and just LOVED them, but didn't purchase because they were a little pricey. My sister took note and got me one for Christmas. Best gift she ever gave me. 🥰 Over the course of ten years, I'd aquired maybe eight dolls I arranged on an etegere. Then circa 2001: EBAY!!! 😳 That was more of a feeding frenzy. 😆 But I gradually got pickier and pickier as I studied the details of the dolls I purchased. Now I'm scary picky and really selective. I still screw up, but I know when I go to display them, (we're renovating & the dolls are all packed away) I'll be better able to pick and choose those I'll keep and those I'll let go. ❤️ There's definitely a process and a learning curve. 🤔

[@Ava_Leigh]

I totally get what you mean! I've always been very picky about the kinds of dolls I buy new, not so much secondhand, but the Monster High reboot is really hitting me hard with FOMO. I never managed to get my hands on a single one of the Boorigonal Creeproductions, and I was absolutely devastated when I found out they were limited edition. Not only did I miss out on the actual first wave of MH due to finding out about the brand later on, but I've also missed out on reproductions of the first dolls because Mattel decided to make a stupid shit decision. Not to be dramatic, but we are so at the mercy of companies that produce dolls and it sucks so bad. Doll releases happen insanely fast anymore, I wish they would just give us some damn time to catch up and catch our breath! I know I say this like every other week under your videos lmao, but I'm STILL waiting on the Rock Angelz dolls to go on sale because I cannot afford to pay $35 and up for them despite wanting them so bad :( I don't want you to feel bad about viewing dolls as content. At the end of the day, that's part of what they are for you and that's okay. As long as you're enjoying your collection, I'll watch anything you upload. Your chatty videos are my favorites, so don't feel like you need to upload reviews all the time! It's so much fun to just listen to you share your opinions on dolls, even if you don't plan on getting them 💕

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you so much 😭 It does really suck that we are at the mercy of doll companies who don't seem to care about making releases less stressful. More stress=more hype=more profit. Limited releases are silly to me unless it's a genuine collector doll--not like RH collector or even Haunt Couture, but things like the LE Disney dolls that were never intended to be for anyone other than adult collectors. Building a playline like MH and then turning around and making half the releases "exclusive" feels more scummy, especially considering they know demand is so high and so many scalpers are the ones to actually buy.

[@dianapdolls]

You should not feel bad about changing your mind on a doll. We all do that with all things in life. The joy wears off and we learn it was not really our taste from the beginning. You are sharing a true feeling at that moment. Please feel better and no need to apologize. Keep making doll videos and when you change your mind and don't care to keep a doll anymore that is perfectly normal. I collected many dolls over the past 20 they come and go all the time. I need to make room for new doll lines and the old ones move to new homes.

[@alyd2264]

Thank you for making this! I definitely have FOMO and felt like it was just me

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Definitely not just you!

[@heybug1091]

Oh hey listen, you aren't making us a promise to forever love each doll that you review! All doll collectors have experienced those surprising shifts in feelings about dolls once we have gotten them in hand. Huge shifts in our tastes too, over time. What we are drawn to in doll collecting is so so personal and sorta mysterious sometimes. Whatever directions you go in, and whatever you decide to share with us, to us, it is all good!! It is info and companionship we wouldn't otherwise have. Including, of course, this video. Because yeah, that fear of missing out is SO REAL. 'Shouldn't I get this now so I don't have to pay crazy prices later once it isn't on shelves anymore?!' Nobody makes perfect decisions. The great thing is we don't have to. It's dolls! It is all part of the fun. 💚 : ) Kudos for being brave and passionate enough to share your doll journey with us!

[@cryptidcreates9942]

As a beginner collector, I haven't had this yet but it definitely seems like something I'll be susceptible to in the future. Thank you for this video!

[@Iheartreviewingstuff]

I def didn’t collect RH series 2 (and even other series where I collected all but didn’t need to since I def have favs sometimes I def get excited for new dolls instead of really thinking will I still love this down the line but sometimes it’s hard to know that there’s gonna be ones you like more) keeping in my mind that I didn’t need them all cause now I look back and I’m like 🤦🏻‍♀️ price increases actually helped me learn to pick & chose more when new dolls come out 🤗

[@leo8812]

Fomo is so real. I especially feel it with the Monster High Mattel Creations drops. I have 3 dolls from the collector line, and I don’t regret getting them, but I think if I had purchased all of them I would. Now my biggest fear is not being able to get all the the Reel Drama dolls-and I’m not sure that I really want all of them. I missed out on the creeproductions, so I’m concerned the same thing will happen wit Reel Drama (but at least it isn’t Walmart exclusive/exclusive to only select Walmarts… I never saw a single creepro in person). I’m absolutely working through the fomo myself. It’s hard, but I’m trying to limit myself to only a few dolls per release/brand, and trying to focus more on one brand at a time (right now, it’s MH)

[@Meowzie5]

I think is a great video and one that help everyone! I definitely have had this same issue with dolls lately and you saying you started to ask yourself way more questions about it before you buy is so helpful! I also love that you are being honest and upfront about all this. Thanks for this video and brining update that we arnt alone with FOMO and that it’s ok not to get all of them.

[@SaraA92]

You don't have to feel guilty about anything. I have always found your videos to be very honest and genuine. 💕 I like your videos because you always say what you think, you are transparent and I wish there were more people like you. I think it happens a bit for everyone to change their minds, it's normal, it has happened to me too many times. Then there are new dolls all the time and it's normal to get lost every now and then.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it and I'm glad my videos come off that way. I feel like it can be hard to know if I'm wording things right so it's great to know the message comes across as intended 😅

[@maureenbright5432]

Thank you for your honesty. The dolls are all important of course but, to tell the truth, watching review after review of the same doll is sometimes a little dull. Collecting itself is interesting in it's own right, the experience of wanting things and why is indeed something we all experience. Interrogating motivation is a healthy practice. I would be interested to see revised doll reviews both positive and negative. Where you got a doll you thought you would love but just somehow didn't or conversely got a doll you didn't especially love but grew to really adore. Doll collectors are every bit as fascinating as the dolls themselves. I am grateful for the trouble you take to share your experiences with such integrity.

[@stephanieladeinde3224]

This is the most beautiful review thank you for being open

[@Chris-bj5ps]

Honestly your honesty is very refreshing. I’m not a doll collector myself, but I do enjoy watching doll collector videos. And while watching reviews i constantly only hear the positive things about the doll so I know it took some guts to openly admit that those feeling are not always genuine. I appreciate that. This is first video I’ve seen from you and I must say it left a positive impression on me lol I had to subscribe 👍

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you!! I always try to be as honest as I can ☺

[@retropockystick]

You are so definitely not alone. I am new to the (adult) doll collecting community and as such I do not presume to know anything about the culture yet- however I can imagine based on just what I have been through myself that after you start sharing your doll collection and talking about it online, that must make it so much more complicated and difficult to parse your true feelings vs FOMO. These things can also CHANGE with time, even short amounts of time. You are valid, thank you for sharing ^^

[@battybarbie]

I'm experiencing this extremely since I started collecting MH dolls as someone who missed out on the G1 dolls. MH dolls go so fast from other fans and resellers and it makes my fomo so intense that I impulse buy to get the best deal first. I've calmed down on impulse buying G1 but fomo and the general greediness around MH dolls has given me severe burn out and makes me not want to collect them anymore at times as much as I do love MH and all gens of their dolls :( I know G3 isn't well recieved by everyone but when they have them in stock in stores they are so much more affordable and accessible and if wasn't for that I don't think I could continue collecting MH anymore.

[@ssoupgirl]

I've only recently discovered your content so I realize how old this video is. I hope you're doing well with this now! But if not just remember that sure, you're a content creator but you're also a person. No one's perfect. All you can do is your best!

[@kawaiipeach8959]

Omg nooo pls don’t feel bad or something, just because u feel differently about a doll now, doesn’t invalidate what u did feel while filming 😅I actually didn’t even know about the term fomo, but now it actually makes sense why I feel that feeling of “missing out” 😭 With all these releases it’s easy to forget if one is actually still enjoying the dolls your buying, honestly I feel like I have doll burnout 😂 But pls Your ok, don’t be so harsh on yourself!💖💖🥺

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

No I know it's kind of a natural feeling with SO many things happening all at once in the doll world. It's hard to know if you love a doll or just don't want to fall behind. I'm just always a little too hard on myself I guess 😅

[@marilynmcfall7637]

I like this video very much. U are honest and it is refreshing to hear alll your thoughts

[@kristinaland]

I think the questions you asked about how you really feel about a new doll are really good questions and I’m definitely going to use them for me! I totally understand about the FOMO-I bought several dolls for my channel with the intention of reviewing them and then realized I didn’t actually love them like I thought I did and never did videos on them. It’s really easy to get caught up in new and shiny dolls and think that you’re excited for them-I completely understand!!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've definitely had a couple of those as well! I've sat down to film and started unboxing and just been like...no. This isn't it. Sorry you have to deal with that as well but glad I'm not alone haha

[@kristinaland]

@@FaeryTaleDolls You’re definitely not alone-I bet A LOT of people in the doll community actually feel the same way!

[@ellenpugh7322]

I totally get this. I mainly have this with collectors dolls, especially mattel because theres such a small window to decide if i want it and actually buy it and i have to stop myself because i realised im not buying it because i love it, im buying because im scared of missing out on it and i cannot afford resale prices

[@Space_Cows]

it is only recent that I got interested in dolls. I looked up one of the dolls in the background to get to know more about it. The Viperine Gorgon doll caught my eyes and it is really pretty!! Thank you for the video about FOMO, I am thinking about buying my first doll (which is an expensive one also) so I am going to use your list with questions to yourself to make my decision.

[@oddmnemosyne2869]

Quality and candid video, Oliver. The added layer of content creation to doll fomo is really interesting. I do get this with dolls sometimes, it's definitely happened to me with RH in the past , but where it's worst for me is with records. I feel so anxious if I think I'm going to miss a preorder for a particular color limited pressing- I have to take little breaks from buying music sometimes if I feel like I'm sucking the joy out of my own collecting.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you! It is interesting to see how FOMO can creep into so many different facets of life, I can imagine with records there are are lots of exclusives that make it harder

[@oddmnemosyne2869]

@@FaeryTaleDolls yes so many exclusives! Special preorders where there's fewer than 200 pressings in a particular color or merch bundles that are limited quantity- definitely makes it hard to feel like you aren't missing out lol.

[@adbeelkarin]

Very interesting video indeed... thank you nyo!

[@wafflesorbacon]

i have this issue too, especially with monster high. i get more stressed collecting them sometimes because they always release at weird points, and they're raising the prices on them, and they're usually only on mattelcreations which is very difficult to do with all of the scalpers, and then it sells out after three mins, and then the scalpers sell them for $100+, and then me, and most collectors, don't have the luxury to put down $100 or more down on a doll. i feel the most flustered with this when it comes to creeproduction draculaura, she was my most anticipated doll and i was so excited to get her for regular price, and now i have to spend just as much on her as i would for her signature doll. you shouldn't feel guilty for any doll you've lost joy for, i don't see it as you lying at all. doll collecting is difficult, and its hard to narrow down with what actually sparks joy in you when there's so many new dolls. also, youtube is a job, and there's nothing wrong with needing content! thankfully dolls come out all the time, and there'll always be some you'll find to enjoy & talk about 🥹

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you for the reassurance! I do feel less alone with everyone in the comments relating, but I'm sorry you're having to experience it too. MH really does feel weird in how it's releases have been, given how hard it was to find the creeproductions I'm anxious about finding G3 in stores. Hoping they release enough to meet demand. RH on the other hand is getting so expensive I don't want to not get dolls I like, but I have to draw a line somewhere, so that's a different kind of anxiety.

[@ZeldasMask]

I love when people buy dolls they love and not just every single one that comes out

[@YukiDelValle]

Regarding running out of content, you could do reviews on older dolls you already own :)

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Not a bad idea, thank you!!

[@candilc]

I'm sorry you have these feelings... Personally, I'm here to vicariously enjoy your collection thru their videos... It's like visiting a museum at your fingertips!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I love that omg

[@slipperynoodle4046]

Good video with a relatable topic

[@Vinx8]

You are not alone before I made xcollectz back in 2014-2015 monsterhigh kept releasing so much that no one could keep up after getting OG ghouls 6 pack back then just to sell this year I talked to myself and that I’m only gonna collect dolls I really want yea I may not have that particular doll but I least I love the dolls that I have, anyway thank you for this video it really helped me!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you for sharing and understanding! I'm glad it resonated with you ♥

[@Blake1720]

I mainly collect Bratz form the 2001-2009 era and FOMO is so bad because the particular doll you want is literally the only one at the time and it’s not always possible to find again in the same condition/with the complete outfit/at a somewhat reasonable price (on EBay and Mercari). It rushes collectors into purchases, which some I have listed for sale again because I’m just not as satisfied and I lose money. Luckily lately I’ve found a better footing and know I’d rather save up money and wait for another one to come around. Just the name of the game of collecting dolls out of production I guess. 😮‍💨 Edit: also, love your channel! It was recommended from your newest vid!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Very true, the only way I can navigate FOMO with older dolls is to set a cap for how much I'm willing to spend on them. If I know, for example, I am not allowed to spend over $50, it helps me to not give into the what ifs. Also thank you!!

[@Blake1720]

@@FaeryTaleDolls that’s a good tip!

[@Hitori11]

i relate to some of the points you made. like, I have a loose rule with myself that I'll only buy mass produced dolls like RH and OMG if they're on sale/clearance. so I'll sometimes end up in the situation where a bunch of dolls are on sale and I have a tough time weighing out if I truly like a specific doll, or if it's just the price that makes me consider it. items out of my budget suddenly being plausible to buy gives a huge dopamine rush for sure. seeing dolls at 50% off or more (and comparing them to full priced dolls) makes them so tempting as i feel i'm getting more value for my money; it can blur the lines on whether i truly like the doll or if i'm just tempted by what i feel is a good deal. there's definitely a feeling of urgency to buy like you touched on, and so many choices, making it harder to be thoughtful before buying. it's overwhelming lol. it only makes sense to have a few regretful purchases when curating a collection. it's nice to hear another collector's self-reflection on their own buying habits and the things you're realizing along the way. videos like this are a good thing even though you said you felt embarrassed to film. i appreciate the deeper introspection on the hobby, as most videos out there tend to be more surface level. You've made a lot of great points on some of the factors that can go into buying a doll ...FOMO is def exacerbated by being online!! X__X

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I definitely agree with sales making everything more tempting! I'll see dolls I never wanted on super sale and I have to remind myself I don't like them because the idea of getting a $30 doll for $10 is so alluring I'm glad this one resonated with you, thank you ♥

[@sinnamorolls]

This is a honest take, and I know this is a older video but I am so glad I found it. Thank you. I’m about a month into my doll obsession/starting collecting, and I was torn up between two American Girl dolls (I don’t collect AG; however I’ve been hyperfixated on a certain character). I was torn between I loved one character’s design and her doll is adorable, but the other I had a connection to story-wise and was afraid to lose her- she is a Girl of the Year. This video helped me realize that I should stick to the doll that I’m most excited for, not the one I’m scared to lose due to FOMO :)

[@sinnamorolls]

Lol this released under my old URL, thanks Google. Roasting me alive

[@Frankiepops23452]

Thanks babe cos what your saying is so relatable to me,I bought over 120 monster high dolls back in 2015 only to give them away three years later keeping only four which is I honestly loved. Now I'm currently collecting Barbies ( I've 7 one of everything colour ken being Asian) but I've had to think goal then stop . 💋💋

[@shelleydavis8350]

No worries...be happy!

[@queencleodenile9748]

I definitely struggle with this as well exspecially with dolls I have nastaga for and rainbow high

[@NakanoMiku-chan-z2m]

I relate to this. There have been a few rainbow high dolls I regret buying. Namely Robin & her sister. I brought both of them more for their clothes & not because I like the doll itself.

[@elizabethclarke4981]

Lol I'm the same way, I sometimes buy dolls just for their clothes to restyle

[@NakanoMiku-chan-z2m]

@@elizabethclarke4981 I gave most of robin's clothes to gabi. Her sister's clothes went to ruby & natsasha

[@ainevy]

Ironically got FOMO about not getting to this vid sooner, had to tell myself it wasn't going anywhere xD;; I hope you don't feel stupid or embarrassed for posting it anymore :< It's an important conversation to have and I appreciate your candor v_v Doll collecting is honestly where I feel FOMO the most (and doll companies seem to thrive off creating that FOMO 😒). I don't have much money to spend on things I don't need, so I'm always extra critical about my justifications for wanting dolls. All the questions you talked about are the kinds of questions I ruminate on too. I use Excel to keep track of what dolls I want and how much they cost, and wait until good sales to buy most of them, and sometimes that takes over a year. On the plus side, the fiscal hyperawareness pushes past _most_ of wanting a doll for the FOMO and novelty. But on the other hand, it feels like I miss out on the community hype around releases. Like showing up late to a party only to realize it's over and everyone already went home, except for maybe someone sweeping up after. Or like...a tumbleweed lol. And since you make content where getting new dolls sooner helps with engagement, I can only imagine how much FOMO that adds. Like that’s not just showing up to the party late, that’s showing up late when you brought food to share that you made yourself! 😫 On the opposite end of impulse FOMO buys, I've definitely missed out on dolls I really wanted because I hemmed and hawed _too much_ trying to rationalize a purchase. I prefer having one doll per character, and back at the tail end of Monster High G1, I couldn't decide which Catty Noir I wanted most: Boo York, or...another one (the way I can't remember which other doll is telling orz). But I saw Boo York Catty in store! I literally held the box in my hands and mulled it over all "I dunnooo…” But by the time I finally decided Boo York Catty was 100% my fave, months had passed and she was gone 😭 Now it's $50-60 minimum to get her complete, which I can't justify spending rn 🥴 It's not my only example, but I was a noob at collecting back then so it's absolutely the worst offender for me lmao. Sometimes you just gotta get a doll you like. And return policies are your best friend lol.

[@ainevy]

Also, less about the FOMO itself... Even if your love for a doll is fleeting and based in novelty, FOMO, or New Doll Hype, that's still real. That's your sincere reaction in the moment. Not misinformation, just information and emotions that changed over time, nothing to be sorry for 😟 It's refreshing and relatable to hear a content-creator especially talk so earnestly about FOMO and waning feelings for dolls. Your transparency is very thoughtful. But-and I hope it’s not overstepping to say-you also don't _owe_ it to us. Your feelings changing isn't something you've wronged us with or need to be held accountable for v_v You just gained new awareness and are making changes for yourself that you can feel better about. It's admirable how responsible and considerate you are with your audience. But that doesn't mean you need to be harder on yourself for your own feelings 😞 It's good to consider your influence on others, but ultimately you aren't responsible for anyone else's decisions. Especially since your videos are meant for adults, who should know how to come to their own conclusions. Other comments have said it, but I think most of us watch reviews like yours to gain someone else's perspective. Any given thing you say could convince one person to get a doll while turning another away 🤷🏽‍♀ Sure you can influence someone into buying it, but you’re not pulling an inception, y’know? xD As for running out of ideas, I think as long as you enjoy making videos, what you want to make them on will follow naturally. There’s always something new to talk about, and so many ways to explore familiar topics. That being said, I get still having that anxiety despite acknowledging all the ideas you already have. That feeling of knowing something, logically, but still not being able to _believe_ it? It's hard to shake off. Best I’ve found is countering it with facts whenever the feeling comes up, like adding a little disclaimer to yourself. I sound like my therapist so I’m gonna stop there, but hopefully you can shake that feeling too. I’m glad you’re finding good ways to work against the FOMO. All that matters is you feel better about your collecting, and it'll reflect in the vids you make. To echo what others have said, I’d be down for videos on dolls that no longer spark joy! TL;DR for both my too long comments: if you brought homemade cookies long after the party already ended, the scent of baked goods will still draw in me and plenty of other people and we will gladly partake in the fruits of your labor! (Especially when most of the big-ticket main dishes at the party were lacking real substance or authentic ingredients, but you didn’t hear that from me 🤫)

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Okay I'm sorry but getting FOMO about this video is so funny 😅 Thank you though, for everything you said. I'm also terrible at buying stuff for myself (ironic with this channel lol, but that's why my husband buys so many of the dolls--I'm hesitant to spend money on myself, like to spend on others or focusing on needs vs wants). And your party analogy is really quite fitting. It's not overstepping at all in terms of my transparency! I really appreciate the kindness you have to offer me in that regard. I will say in the most positive way, I do feel like I owe everyone on this channel that. I can't express how much joy and how much positive change this channel has made in my life, and I wouldn't have that if people didn't want to watch. So to me, being as open and honest as possible feels like the least I can do in return if that makes sense? I do need to be easier on myself though 😅Work in progress! Knowing vs. believing is hard in every aspect of life for me, but I'm getting better! You're right, life will go on and therefore new ideas will spawn. The cycle continues and I don't have to be so afraid...just have to remember that. Thank you again for taking the time to write all your thoughts out, it genuinely does mean a lot to hear someone responding so earnestly ♥

[@ainevy]

@@FaeryTaleDolls You're good, I thought getting FOMO for the FOMO vid was funny too 🤣 It's easier to be generous to others, so it's wonderful you have such a supportive husband who can be generous to you in return. On the plus side, if it's usually harder to buy things for yourself, the things you do buy yourself anyway _must_ have enough appeal to push through that barrier! It does make sense you'd want to be as open as possible for something that's brought you so much joy. I was worried you meant you owed that transparency because you felt you'd done something wrong, but I'm glad it's actually something you feel strongly about wanting to do! It's very compassionate and humble. I think your sincerity is a net positive all your viewers can take away from your videos, even when you're discussing the negatives. Your work brings people joy in return, and that's something to be proud of yourself for! 😤 We're all just works in progress; whatever goals we reach, life just keeps going, and we make new ones. It's kinda intimidating, but at the same time, you're right, it does make it less scary to just...be and do you, whatever that is. Easier said than done of course, same as knowing vs believing 😅 But all we can do is keep trying, each day, so I tell myself trying is enough. I'm relieved you're so patient with my long responses, so thank you too 🥺 I tried to shorten them tbh but there was too much I wanted to say 😖💦Your openness comes across so well in your videos, it feels easy to engage. Thank you for cultivating such a welcoming space!

[@dollvee]

No shame !!! Thank you for sharing your story

[@valt8744]

I have most often felt FOMO in a kickstarter campaign, or a limited edition doll sale like Mattel Creations has been doing with the Monster High Collectors Editions. It's a feeling I associate with the term "blind panic", and these days I tread carefully whenever it rears its ugly head, thanks to past experience. But I can imagine the pressure on a KZbinr who needs content and has to purchase those hot new items. Good for you for digging in your mules' heels and streamlining your content to what you feel good about. I've often bought a doll I thought I really wanted, only to find out that it didn't resonate with me at all. (Neonlicious Fierce is a perfect example, because I searched long and hard for her, and when I finally got her it was a disappointing "no". But the fact that you love her and I don't doesn't change my estimation of the quality of your reviews. I don't look to reviewers to convince me, I look to them for information. Then I go forth to experience said doll for myself. What I find is my own adventure.) Then there are the dolls that I swore I hated and would NEVER buy, and now I have one on my desk next to me and she cracks me up with her jokes and snide comments (Blythe). I have found that my taste in dolls changes over time. Most of my dolls are in their boxes along a wall of my storeroom, and there they stay until one calls to me. It's interesting to pull out a doll I used to love, and find myself saying, "who are you and what are you doing here? It's time for you to move on." And then sometimes I pull out an old favorite and rekindle the love. I think dolls speak to us from where we are. Some days we're on the mountain, and some days we're not. Your channel name says it all: Faery Tale Dolls. Thanks for this vid, courageous youtuber!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you for the kind words! I actually kind of love the idea of having dolls in storage and bringing them out when it feels time. Like you can kind of focus on a few at a time and enjoy them even more while they're out!

[@valt8744]

@@FaeryTaleDolls Absolutely - they come out to play!

[@mad4charms881]

Awsome video/message! Try not to be so hard on yourself. We've all done it. ❣ Here is an idea. Why don't you purchase the dolls you know you love for reviews, but also have videos for the dolls that your not sure about. Maybe for the dolls you feel compelled to buy, or that are popular. Letting your viewers know your not sure what you think of the doll, it could be a keep, sell or donate type of thing, and people can say what they think as well. You could form your opinion with your viewers watching.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Honestly that's such a smart idea! Thank you for that, and the reassurance ♥

[@valt8744]

I like your idea here, Mad4Charms. When I'm thinking about buying a doll I like to watch a variety of videos on that particular doll. I'm not looking to be "convinced" by reviews, but I do like to see the doll from several perspectives.

[@sharonthompson672]

Can you do an updated review? Go over the original review explaining why you were excited to purchase it in the first place, what details you were just bowled over about. Then edit in remarks about what's changed in the weeks or months since you purchased the doll. Point out the things that no longer excite you, or the details you missed at the time you wished you'd noticed. To me, that's what I went through, I think all collectors go through as your eye becomes more discerning and your expertise develops. After gosh, over forty years of collecting? You'd better believe I'm not the same collector I was. 😆 Once I catalog my collection, I might write a book. ❤️🧐🙂

[@stormvirvel]

It's so inspiring and brave of you to make this video, I love that you are so honest it's so refreshing. I don't know if it's just me being good at reading others, or just that they are super obvious (with all their praise and little to no criticism), but I think it's so so easy to spot which ones are genuinely honest when doing reviews. Never in any of your videos I have felt you being dishonest. Hence you being one of the few doll channels I'm still subscribed to. I can really relate to the feeling all too well, it has happened to me so many times. Back with G1 Monster High, I bought so so many dolls cause of this exact feeling. I ended up selling like all of them just kept 3 or 4 for ooak projects. I do regret selling some (5-6 dolls maybe) but considering how many I had in total (around 70-80) that's not a lot. Like I want to collect dolls that continue to make me happy even after I bought them. I weren't happy being a completionist cause I felt like I bought dolls just to complete collections/sets and/or fomo, and not because I truly wanted them. It's so easy to fall into the same patterns again though cause when I started collecting kpop albums and merch a couple of years later, I made the exact same mistakes. So had to learn it all over again. I feel like I am in a good place now though with both collections, I can control my fomo more or less :) Want to finish with that I love your videos, they're awesome. Especially nice that you doing videos like this in addition to reviews, people like you are much needed in the doll community :)

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you so much for all the kind words! I'm very happy to know that my feelings translate well on camera. For someone who makes videos as a hobby, I feel I'm not always the best at expressing myself, so it's nice to hear I'm making it work ♥ I think different regrets go hand in hand with collecting things. It's a tough thing to find balance, but I'm glad to hear you're in a good place with your collecting so it can bring you the most joy possible!

[@bouncyclouds276]

💕

[@lamiagunyuz5047]

my couıntrys economic situation isnt that good first of all dollar rate is too high. Im a Turkish person. When ı like watch these youtubers videos ı feel like ım missing out but it healed me to hear people with more suitable economic situation can go through bad things beacuse of having and being able to buy so many options. Like ım not the only person who has fear of missing out beacuse there are other types of fear of missing out too. Thanks for making this video :)

[@moniekhuizinga3474]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@luxerion1620]

i was doing the same with disney princess dolls. i just thought it would be cool to own one of every princess but i dont even like all the princess movies.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

It seems to be a weirdly common experience 🤔

[@luxerion1620]

@@FaeryTaleDolls sad thing is they dont even have a kida classic doll.

[@darkfantasybrun5381]

are you going to put the subtitles in any other languages besides english, you can use google translate for that, it is helpfull for that. by the way i like your youtube channel, i myself am a doll collectior, i collect rainbow high, shadow high, monster high, equestria girls, bratzilias, bratz, ever after high, my little pony, pacific coast high, bjd dolls,

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've actually thought about this before so I'd love to get your opinion! I guess I don't speak very clearly because I have to go in and edit the English subtitles because they're not always correct. I would LOVE to have other languages have subtitles but since I can't speak any other languages, I'm afraid it would be very inaccurate if I were to use Google translate, so that's why I haven't done it yet. But if messy subtitles is better than none I'm more than happy to do so, I just wasn't sure what would be the best course of action

[@darkfantasybrun5381]

@@FaeryTaleDolls ok

[@MinaF99]

Just my two cents, maybe you should scale down to one video a week just based on everything you yourself brought up. Maybe you’d feel less pressured. I experience a lot of doll fomo too but I just have to deal, if you don’t have the money you just don’t. I think the fomo is probably a lot worse if you’re a doll content creator though. I remember all of this from beauty KZbin from a few years back and the crazy makeup hoarding of half that community and the intense fomo of the other half.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I definitely think the content creation makes it harder, and you're right that it's very similar to beauty YT in that way. The pressure I feel though I would say is overall coming from a positive place? I posted my first couple of videos for kicks and fell in love with the whole creation process in a way I never expected. I really want to be able to grow and do more with this thing I love so much, so that's where the pressure comes from 😅

[@elizabethclarke4981]

Don't feel too bad, I've bought a few dolls that I thought I was gonna love in person but I didn't an example being the Storm twins and mila, and a few others specifically I loved their clothes but not so much the dolls themselves and vice versa

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I do think buying online can make it extra hard to know how you'll feel about a doll. I'm just extra good at being hard on myself 😅

[@sharonthompson672]

Yes! There's a very very talented Ukrainian artist, I missed out on getting one of her dolls because they have one feature I hesitated on. (Didn't like) but was bowled over by the details on the costuming and the face paint. Very endearing. So I waited on the one I really really wanted & lost out and I'm STILL pining for her! So I watched, and the same seller listed several more over the next few weeks. And when one of these connected with me, I snapped her up. But you know, I won't say "buyer's remorse" I don't regret buying her, but I'd sell her in a heartbeat, and most assuredly would trade her for the one I missed out on, if that makes sense. The good thing is, the artist is also on Etsy and would probably do a custom doll very very similar to the one I missed out on, so there's that comfort. So, yes, I do very much relate with you both. 👍