What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Doll Collector - Doll Collecting Advice - American Girl Dolls

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I’m Sophia, an adult doll collector who loves dolls and showing off my collection. I make videos for fellow collectors and I love sharing my opinions on new releases. Make sure to hit the Subscribe button so you know when I have a new upload!
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This Video's Tags:
what I wish I knew before doll collecting,doll collecting advice,my advice to new doll collectors,what no one tells you about being a doll collector,tips for doll collectors,advice for american girl collectors,doll collecting tips for beginners,answering questions about doll collecting,doll collector,doll collecting,american girl doll videos,monster high,rainbow high,rainbow high collector,maplelea,barbie collector,how to start doll collecting,ag doll,doll,toy

[@justdreamstudios]

QOTD: What do you wish you had known before you started doll collecting? Ebay Doll Collecting Tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6G4iqeCYspqna8 Don't Forget to Follow my Dolls' Instagram @just.dream.studios instagram.com/just.dream.studios And my Tiktok! www.tiktok.com/@just.dream.studios

[@AllycatlovesAG]

I wish I knew how to store dolls properly. I used to leave them sitting for a while which is not good long term. Also I wish I knew how to brush my first few doll’s hair properly because they have so many split ends

[@sharonthompson672]

I wish I'd known about UV light. I had my dolls in a sunny room for two years before I realized the red velvet on one had substantially faded. 😔 I wish I'd known back when my dolls were 9.99 opening bid, free shipping and I'd be the only bidder, that twenty years later they'd be listing for $40, $50, even $100 and $20/$30 shipping 😳 I wish I'd known to ask lots of questions that matter later: is it from a non-smoking household? Any cracks, breaks? Any water stains/damage? Original box? Certificate? Especially while considering how much to offer if the seller is considering offers. 👍

[@chloejones4799]

I'm 20 next month and have been obsessed with collecting American girl dolls for over half my life and I totally agree that life is too short to not do what you love and worry about what other people think💖I absolutely love your videos and personality, and your collection is beautiful. You're awesome!! This is such a great and informative video! New sub❣️

[@Annikacollects]

Happy almost birthday

[@chloejones4799]

@@Annikacollects thank you!!

[@chelseawatson7747]

@@chloejones4799 I agree with you . I am 30 and I am a doll collector and a build a bear collector. I buy my dolls at thrift stores. Dolls are cute and it's fun especially when shopping for their outfits and cute little dolls mini bags furniture.Do you have a whole room of doll collection?

[@CrownMooseCostumes]

I'm glad you mentioned the concept of telling other people about your collection. That was definitely something I wasn't prepared for when my friends discovered my collection, and it hurts even worse when you find out who your real friends are.

[@sharonthompson672]

Yes! I learned to ask them first "do you have any hobbies?" 😆

[@KawaiiCat2]

I collected Monster High for 6 years when I was in college and after I graduated I had a bit more money and started to collect American Girl dolls. I realized that ever since I was a child, AG has always been what I loved. I consider myself a minimalist collector where I only buy dolls I truly love. I don’t really see the value in completing a collection like some folks do where they buy all the historical dolls or Girl of the Years. I also collected action figures as well but have since sold my collection. At the end of the day, figure out what you love and collect what you love and narrow it down. For me that’s AG and boy dolls. Keep being yourself and don’t like people yuck your yam!

[@gingerandcloves]

These are good tips. I agree it's helpful to curate your collection. I used to collect EVERYTHING, and it got crazy so I decided I would focus on American Girl and Barbie. If I happen to find a great deal on another doll, then I might go ahead and get her. And the hype is real. It's so easy to get caught up in the commotion around a new doll release, and I've definitely regretted it a time or two.

[@aglemonlover7709]

Great tips!! I definitely feel the one about making sure you have enough space for your dolls. AG dolls can add up to taking quite some space and when I was at college buying dolls I didn’t realize how overwhelming it would be to fit all the dolls in my room back home😅. My advice to new collectors would be “collect for your likes/space NOW, not future you:))” PS - i prefer ebay as well, but i do know that purchases through FB marketplace directly that are shipped have protection! But NOT purchases outside of that like in dms. But these are find IF you use paypal goods & services, which has its own protection. I’ve gotten my money back before this way for something that was never sent to me! Ik this is an old vid lol but I have been loving your channel recently, so happy I found it!!💕

[@justdreamstudios]

I'm glad you enjoyed this video, thanks for watching!

[@c.w.2000]

Good advice! I am much older than you and started collecting again a couple of years ago after a long absence. I feel like I am a little wiser than a new, young collector, but I had to purposely do a lot of the things you said to keep myself in check. I would add that in Canada, we end up paying more and having a harder time selling dolls for a good return than US residents. So, it’s important to remember if you see someone with dozens of Rainbow High dolls, for example, their investment is not the same as yours would be.

[@f.nottingham5176]

I think most of what you said is on point. However, we all have to remember that when a certain type of doll or doll brand doesn't interest us, that doesn't mean the doll/brand isn't collectible or doesn't have value. For example, the first Holiday Barbie was released in 1988, and many Barbie fans still look forward to that doll's release each year. As far as value goes, the earlier dolls in the Holiday Barbie line are becoming harder to find in good condition with all accessories, etc. Collectors often like to get Holiday Barbie dolls in box, so the prices for the older dolls can be quite high because they're getting harder to find in "collector" condition. Holiday Barbie generally sells for about $40 retail. So, even if any of the more recent dolls are resold for $30-$45, they're essentially holding all or most of their original retail value, unlike some other dolls.

[@Tinytornado05]

Other thing I want to add with what you said about getting influenced by other collectors, if you collect the GOTY line you don’t need to have every single GOTY if you don’t want to, if there’s a few dolls you don’t like then don’t get them. You don’t have to have every doll in a line in order to collect that line. I hope this makes sense and I loved this video, thanks for the tips!

[@melissazhai146]

These are some great tips. I've definitely missed out on dolls because someone said it's not a good deal.

[@lillysummeroriginals1213]

Probably that it takes a lot of time to get a collection and that small collections are awesome and I feel like a lot more unique than larger collection as a collector with a smaller American girl collection truly gives so much thought and consideration into the doll they buy rather than just buying a doll the collectable or because it’s cute my American girl collecting channel is ag crafty life 😊

[@gabrieltupas7667]

Hi Sophia, I have to say this doll collector advice has been very helpful. I have been collecting dolls as an adult for 2 years, I wish knew all these tips before. Like, having a budget, limiters, not being influence by others, planning my collection, and deciding what is important to me and not important to other people.

[@agtakesover]

This might have already been said in the comments, but regarding "Do your research and don't get scammed", you can protect yourself when buying through Facebook Marketplace. If I'm asking someone to ship to me, I will ONLY pay with PayPal or Venmo and I always add purchase protection (I calculate what it will charge the seller and I add that to my payment so they still get their asking price). I've had to use Venmo's purchase protection twice due to scammers (not bad considering how many times I've bought this way) and both times they were fantastic and refunded my money. And in any FB Buy, Sell, Trade groups I only use PayPal Goods and Services for the same reason. Fantastic video, btw. I love that you led with "set a budget", since so many ppl really need to hear that unpalatable tip. :-)

[@AllycatlovesAG]

Though I call it “maple-lea”, I have heard it’s officially called “maple-lee” like maple leaf without the F

[@justdreamstudios]

That's what I thought. I've been saying that way for years but the internet makes me nervous.

[@lillysummeroriginals1213]

Well first so easy Internet shouldn’t make you nervous because we have to learn somewhere. Secondly I call it well I used to call it until I learn the right way maple like the name Maple and then Lea like the name Lea Maple Lea. I have learned better now. My American girl collecting channel is ag crafty life

[@nowandforeverag]

Love this videos! Sit down chat videos are my favorite. Great tips!

[@glendaroberts8463]

You are so smart, good advice and I am so impressed since I am old compared to you but you make so much sense. I have a doll collection, I have had 4 collections, gave all away when I was a teenager, started collecting again as young adult, gave away, collected again and gave away, ones I have at this time, will be my last hurrah on collecting, when they go I won't replace. I collected tiny bendable dolls, miniature size and lifelike baby dolls. I had small chairs, shelves, bassinet and with other furn, I had to let accessories go, house was only so big. Thanks for your savvy list, thanks for sharing.....you are truly very helpful. Thank you.

[@justdreamstudios]

I'm glad I could help! 🙂🙂🙂❤️❤️❤️

[@loving_all]

hey, thanks for your advices! as for me I don't like to collect specific line of dolls or few of them, I'm not a completionist and I don't need to have all the dolls of the line, series or something like that. I just love when I have a variety and only ones I really like. but I agree we need some limiters, I'm not a minimalist, but I'm really scared my home will look like a toy store one day, so I constantly reorganizing my collection and sell dolls I don't wanna keep

[@justdreamstudios]

I'm realizing that selling dolls you no longer like is a must or else or one's collection would be insane. I'm slowly working through my collection and downsizing!

[@banana.lollipop]

Great video! ❤

[@Katesaprincess]

I think I just one want American girl doll that looks like me and to buy the sets and clothing for her.😭😭 I wanted one as a kid and we couldn’t afford it

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

I think that’s a great idea!

[@monkeypainter]

great tips! Thank you!

[@MsLanie]

I recognize that this one is a year old, but I still wanted to comment that I think you are right about curating the collection, but I find it hard 😅 I know there are many Barbies that I love looking at, but I don't know which ones I would want. I also don't know if I want to complete my Disney Princess collection or not. I'm missing two I know that I want, but there's one princess I don't particularly like and two whose dolls I often don't like (and collecting Disney is crazy anyway).

[@bethbacarella]

I looked up Maplelea and someone said it's pronounced "Maple-lee" like Maple Tree. :) I've never heard the word "limiters", even though I know a lot about minimalism. That was very interesting. I generally call those "boundaries", but I like the word "limiters". My main limiter has been that they fit in my childhood doll cradle, which comfortably holds 6 or 7. I've sold dolls before buying new ones to keep within that limit. Now that I have 7 dolls, and I could sell some to buy more, my new limiter is eye color. I've decided that they all need to have different eye colors, so that keeps me from buying more. I have medium blue, hazel, brown, green, amber, decal brown and grey. So, I would have to find a very unique doll with Saige's turquoise eyes, Marie-Grace's aquamarine, etc. Great video. Thanks for sharing your advice!

[@mariaw.4780]

I really, really, really liked this video. I absolutely love your energy and personality. As an adult collector, I needed to watch this. Definitely subscribing!

[@TammyPowley]

Nice video, totally agree with getting sucked into doll hype and end up buying dolls you later aren't real thrilled with.

[@firecracker3911]

All so true! Thanks

[@justdreamstudios]

I'm glad you found it useful! :)

[@notmypotato3730]

great video

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

Great video and advice - thank you! May I please ask what the doll is you are holding onto in your video? She is gorgeous!

[@justdreamstudios]

She is my custom Maplelea Girl Clara!

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

@@justdreamstudios thanks so much for responding!

[@Tinytornado05]

7:18 for me I care what people think and it’s kinda hard to just stop caring about what others think of you especially if they’re family members or friends. However even though I care what others think I’m not going to change my life because of it, the truth is if someone’s bullying you for having dolls and you get rid of your dolls they’ll find something else to bully you about. I’d rather at least get bullied for doing something I love that makes me happy than getting bullied for something I don’t even actually like. I hope this all makes sense.

[@blackroseknight77]

LOve ya vids. Am new here. An collect mo see mostly ken, male Rh, MH,and smart dolls

[@justdreamstudios]

That's a good variety of dolls! Monster High and Rainbow High are some of my favourites!

[@andreacowan798]

What do you think about collecting OMG boy teen dolls

[@danielletimmerman]

I got felicity and elizabeth 20 years ago, and had all of elizabeths outfits, but now i want to collect all of felicitys outfits. I also just bought my firdt JLY doll, and i want to collect clothes and accessories to make a story for her. So not just any willynilly clothing. I bought kiras wildlife outfit, wallaby, and koala, bc she works in a zoo. I want to buy the school election voting set bc she is also a political activist, etc

[@drevastclair831]

I wish i new that they had a pull string

[@justdreamstudios]

Yes! Very important. :) too many people cut them and ruin their doll :(

[@c.w.2000]

I am Canadian and new to AG and your videos. I have heard you mention a few times that you hope something is carried by Indigo. I did some price comparison, and I ordered Claudie and a few clothes from the AG website when there was a sale. Other than paying shipping, which is free over $150, and the slightly cheaper dolls at Indigo, I assumed the dolls and clothes (maybe not furniture) are all available and cost around the same. Am I missing something?

[@PinkBowEnthusiast]

Only thing we avoid when purchasing at Indigo is the currency conversion, which can be crazy depending on the value of the Canadian vs. US dollar. At least at Indigo the price is set in Canadian dollars and there are no conversion surprises. Edited to add: the AG website lists its prices in US dollars ONLY. The prices you see there are not Canadian. You will be charged the conversion based on what your bank thinks it is.

[@c.w.2000]

@@PinkBowEnthusiast Thanks. I have been comparing the prices with a currency converter by my side. I guess banks have their rate and sometimes charge a fee for the currency conversion. It’s interesting that because our dollar has dropped recently, some of the older Indigo stock that might have been sitting there awhile is cheaper (at least I think that’s the reason). There is also a much lower minimum order amount for free shipping. I am waiting to see if Indigo has 20% off before Christmas, since it looks like they did last year. They just had 15% off, and I bought one doll then.

[@michaelwood4661]

Hi from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺 girlfriend really good a budgeting she only buys the dolls she really likes and that is the barbie the movie dolls and bratz and the 80's rewind barbies

[@drevastclair831]

Sophie is a great doll collecterr and she’s so amazing 😻 😘🤩😜🙂😊😇😍😁

[@justdreamstudios]

Aww thank you! That means a lot. :)

[@ami7mina]

You look like a doll.

[@chelseawatson7747]

I am 30 years old and I collect dolls.

[@sharonthompson672]

Now it sounds like A.A. 🤣