Why Do Some Collectors Keep Their Dolls In Box?

I asked you guys, as fellow doll collectors, what makes you want decide to keep the dolls you collect in box rather than taking them out?
*For adult doll collectors
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0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Aesthetics
3:20 - Time Capsule
4:47 - Value
6:43 - Protection
8:13 - Anxiety
9:53 - Storage
11:45 - Outro
#dollcollector

[@victoriascholl4607]

I am a senior, I lost my dolls, that I grew up with, when we had to move out of state. Lost my hubby in 2020 from heart failure after 48 year. Now I guess I am going though my second childhood, I first got Poppy because I love butterflies, and Skyler because I dressed in a lot of denim in high school. Now I have 12 random Rainbow and Shadow high dolls and I am torn about taking them out of their boxes, but I want to. 😜👍

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, I am glad though that you are able to find joy in buying dolls again ♥

[@c.w.2000]

I am sorry about the loss of your husband. Collecting and playing with dolls can be a nice distraction from some of the heaviness of life's circumstances. I started collecting dolls again in 2020 after stopping for more than 20 years. I know that adults used to be expected to keep their dolls in boxes or just on shelves rather than play with them, but I can say it is much more fun to interact with them. The first time I washed and styled a Rainbow High doll's hair and changed her outfit, I was surprised at how enjoyable it was and how much more I appreciated the doll. They are great to pose and photograph too. If you haven't opened any, I encourage you to at least try one. They are not very expensive or rare, so you really don't have much to lose.

[@victoriascholl4607]

@@c.w.2000 Thank you for the encouragement.

[@oddmnemosyne2869]

If you're nervous about unboxing, you could always try purchasing an already out-of-box rainbow high doll secondhand and see if you enjoy having the doll out to interact with first before opening the others.

[@Lars1996]

99 percent of my dolls are unboxed. Sometimes I wash the hair and spruce them up cause I hate box hair. I don’t swap outfits much or anything like that. I used to , but it causes damage to the clothes imo ( stretching out and stuff like that ) I have in box repeats of my very favorite ones in case something happens to the unboxed ones. To open them again 😂 I don’t care about value, my dolls are for me, I don’t have children that will inherit my collection anyway, and I don’t do business with my dolls.

[@dustinatwood2620]

I am a in box collector, I am disabled and in a wheel chair and walker and it is easier for me to keep the dolls clean. I feellike when a doll gets opened dust particles break down the hair and the plastic. I also being disabled am a clutz and it's safer for my doll , the box protects them from hitting the floor. I to vibe with the art factor. I see them as minature statues of characters or celebrities. My final reason is , the price of the doll I feel stays with the doll if I keep them as they were released.

[@twilite4321]

It might be a little silly, but I take a photo of my actual doll in their box (not stock photo) before I take them out, so if I ever want to remember what they looked like when I bought them, I have that picture. I did this when my son was younger with all the hundreds of craft projects he brought home from school - those gluey macaroni pictures do not last forever! But I could always look at the photos for the memories of when he made them. Digital photos take up waaaay less space, but you still get to enjoy the memories of when you bought a particular doll. 🌹🌹🌹

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Wait I love this idea! You could make a whole scrapbook (digital or physical) of all the photos 🥺

[@twilite4321]

@@FaeryTaleDolls I have a photo album of the physical photos, but I mostly save them to my computer now. I love just sitting there scrolling through all the pics of old and new dolls. Sometimes I take a video of the dolls I have on display, just in case I want to move them or move them back. Those are fun to look at too. Do you think you'd ever do a room tour of the dolls you have on display? We just see a small portion when you film. 🌻🌻🌻

[@c.w.2000]

This is a great idea. Stock photos and other people's pictures are online now for reference, but who knows what will be available 20 years from now? Hopefully, as long as you have backups and update to whatever medium exists in future, you will have your images available, and they are of your personal doll.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

@@twilite4321 I do plan on doing a doll tour as soon as I can! To make a long story short, we have been trying to move for a while and keep getting delayed. About half my dolls are boxed up right now, so I plan on doing a tour once we are in a house and unpacked 😅

[@twilite4321]

@@FaeryTaleDolls Sounds great! 🙃😃

[@bronydolls]

I’m not an inbox collector because I like to see the dolls and dress them. Plus they can’t come to life unless they’re out of box 😂😂

[@aerynkyle7595]

There are two more reasons, I believe, that doll collectors keep their dolls sealed. The first is that the packaging is integral to the overall doll's aesthetic, part of the dolls identity. A series that comes to mind, as I have been a long time collector of, are the Living Dead Dolls which are dolls made for collectors for ages 15 and up. Living Dead dolls are packaged in coffins which sets them apart from other doll lines (they pre date Monster High) which many collectors feel they their enclosure is important to maintain or at least keep. The coffins do give them their distinct look and identity but they also have hidden details that one will never know if they don't open them which I have. The second reason is having to dispose all of that packaging which is a pain in the neck especially if you have accumulated many dolls waiting to be displayed which I have to deal with for my LDD collection.

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

I don’t keep my dolls in boxes, but that’s because I customize dolls, so I don’t have boxes, but if I had the money to start buying dolls I’d keep them in the boxes that way I wouldn’t have to deal with upkeep

[@wednesdaybratz]

I'm mostly an out of box collector, but a portion of my collection is boxed. My in box collection is primarily made up of harder to find stuff, so long as the box is in good condition. Particularly I like to collect Bratz box variants, like the Japanese CoolBratz (which are just the undetailed First Edition Bratz distributed by TOMY in Japan in 2001) or rarer things like Girls Really Rock Meygan with the RC Corvette, which is not easy to find in box. Like you, I prefer to have dolls in hand so I can experience them myself, but box variants and rare stuff in box is also really cool to find and add to my collection. Regarding keeping dolls in box due to anxiety, my first thought was the anxiety of regretting deboxing a doll. So you keep it boxed because you can't make a decision, and once it's deboxed you can't go back. As far as keeping dolls boxed to preserve them (condition wise), this isn't always going to work that well. If the box has been damaged due to improper storage, it would actually be better to debox the doll at that point. I've literally received dolls with dead bugs in the box! Also, rubber bands are notorious for rotting, and MH and EAH dolls have horrible issues with glue seepage (not all, but many), which makes the hair sticky and discolors the heads. I see where people are coming from with this reason for boxed collecting, but it's best to check older dolls to make sure they're actually in good condition in the box. TL;DR I collect both in and out of box and there are pros and cons to both.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I totally get keeping dolls that are actually rarer/harder to get in box...like it's one thing to unbox a Rainbow High doll that was super mass produced, but special variants or super limited run dolls would make me reconsider (at least for a second) as well

[@Phosdamoss]

All of my dolls are out of box because of box hair it triggers me severely when the hair look really bad and playing with hair is also very soothing for me and helps me from having meltdowns when over stimulated

[@Xexuxa]

I have 25 Ever After High dolls still in box, but my American Girl dolls are out in the open. I love the graphics on Ever After High packaging, and their accessories are so small it looks them safe. Keeping them clean is definitely easier in box.

[@faeriesnowqueen]

I can see many of these reasons and have kept most of my dolls in box for a few of these reasons. However, I’ve had to start deboxing them because of needing more space. I love your adorable look today 💗. I think you have a fairy soul 💗💗🌸😊

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I think the description of having a fairy soul is possibly the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, you just made my night 🥰

[@faeriesnowqueen]

@@FaeryTaleDolls 💜🧚‍♂🧚‍♀xoxoxoxo

[@iamsoverybored878]

If you have dolls that are at least 20 years old you should open them up and take the deteriorated plastic off the doll. I did this recently and they look so much better in the box. Plus you can see the detail close up.

[@anyazxr]

I only have a few Barbies in box, and it’s mostly because I don’t really find Barbies particularly fun to pose, hold, or play with. So, I’d rather keep the few Barbies I have, mostly playline collector ones, in box. Plus they were all gifts from family who intended for me to keep them boxed.

[@VeronicaStorm98]

Normally, I'm an out of box collector, but I do have a few older mint-in-box Barbies and a second set of Storm Twins dolls that I keep mint-in-box. I get a lot more enjoyment from my dolls when I unbox them, though, and I like to feel their clothes, do their hair, do doll photography, and just bond with the dolls more. Some of my dolls are comfort dolls for me even, and when a doll represents a comfort character or if they are a comfort doll for me, of course I am taking the first one that I get out of the box without question (as what I did with my first set of Storm Twins dolls, and yes, they are comfort dolls for me and I love to just have them with me, look at them, or just hold them and feel their clothes and hair sometimes.)!

[@NakanoMiku-chan-z2m]

Yesterday I went to a convention & brought a 25 year old lil bo peep Barbie. I opened her box and looking at her quality hurts because it used to be so good. Also saw a ton of Boku No Hero & Demon Slayer cosplays.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I feel the same way buying any Barbie made before 2010ish lol they used to be so beyond

[@NakanoMiku-chan-z2m]

@@FaeryTaleDolls I also brought my mum a mickey mouse barbie. She's cute.

[@pamzeyhorror]

My local toy store had that barbie too and I didn't pick her up 😢 hopefully she's still there 🐑

[@NakanoMiku-chan-z2m]

@@pamzeyhorror I hope you can get her

[@noahhutchins5164]

So, I've been taking my dolls out of their boxes since I started collecting a few years ago. I've never felt anxiety taking them out of the box until Haunt Couture Cleo. When I got her, I was taking my massive fabric scissors and going to town cutting away the ties and rubber bands. Thankfully, I stopped myself to get a better angle to cut, but I realized I was one snip away from cutting one of the wings off her bag. Now, I'm way more cautious, and a bit stressed, when I debox a doll

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

For me, I always feel like I am right on the verge of cutting the hair off when I debox 🥲 Glad you caught yourself with Cleo!

[@pineapple365]

I use cuticle scissors, it’s way easier.

[@loralu490]

I have gotten dolls from second hand markets that have never been removed from the box. I am mostly an out of box collector so when i remove them from a box that they have been in for over 20 years i notice some of the fabrics have disinigrated or the doll itself is molded. I dont think its good for the dolls to be left in sealed box for that long without exposure to the inside home environment. I keep mine behind glass doors so mine stay pretty pristine, but they also get exposed to air so its not airtight, but just keeps the dolls dust free.

[@SlushieCafe]

this is so interesting because i'm an out of the box collector, i don't fully connect with a doll until i take them out of a box and hold them in my hands! BUT i do have 5 dolls i've kept NIB for the same reasons you mentioned!! one of them is a g1 mh two pack i've kept for nostalgia, art, and history. the others are the 4 reel drama dolls that i cannot bring myself to open because of their aesthetics, value (not to resell, but in the event i'd need to replace them ig?), protection, and anxiety! i've never been able to articulate why so this was kind of eye opening for me? great video!

[@Lagrange9]

I was hoping this topic would come up, after the last one like this, but I kept forgetting to comment on it. 😅 It's cool hearing other collectors' perspectives. Would def be interested in more collector perspective videos, if you think of making more!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I'm definitely open to it, not sure exactly what "theme" I would tackle though 😅

[@joshuaross6403]

I kept a few in boxes like my animator dolls and all of my Barbie's collection because i live in a very small apartment and i have a huge collection and cannot have them all out😢..i have to pick and choose which of my dolls come out..now every 3 months i switch them out so i can see them all❤❤❤

[@cassielcruzchavolla809]

I'm an out of box collector because I like posing the dolls and playing with them. To me, part of collecting is a tactile thing, but I do think dolls look aesthetically better in the box.

[@Ken-vk8pb]

Sometimes keeping doll's new in sealed boxes can sometimes deteriorate them faster especially when storing them in hot and humid environments like attics or garages or near a window with direct sunlight. The plastic and vinyl and possibly rubber materials will age and breakdown over time and their joints can either have melting issues or their joints can seize and lock up from never being used then If you remove them from their boxes you won't be able to pose or move their joints without possibly breaking them. Most doll's should be taken out of their boxes and used or else they may get ruined from age wear and lack of use. But some kept in box for many years are still fine so it depends on the storage conditions and the materials used in manufacturing the doll and how quickly they break down.

[@battyfang6066]

I really appreciate the way you approach subjects with kindness and curiosity. Ive been collecting for over 20 years and I kept all my dolls in box until about a couple of years ago when I started collecting monster high dolls and rainbow high dolls. I was very lonely during the pandemic and turned to online doll communities for company. I was really demoralized by catty and straight up mean so many collectors were particularly on the subject of inbox collectors. So many seemed to have the opinion that if you were an inbox collector you did not love dolls (my wallet begs to differ on that lol). Its nice to see someone be welcoming and recognize that no matter how you collect we all love dolls.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Sorry to hear you've had those bad experiences...when it comes to dolls, to me it doesn't matter how/what you collect or what you do with them. The whole point is to have fun! Here's to hoping you get to have more positive doll community interactions in the future ♥

[@battyfang6066]

@@FaeryTaleDolls thank you! This message is a good start to more positive experiences ❤️❤️

[@marilynmcfall7637]

It shouldn't matter if the dolls u love are in or out of box. When I first collected RH I really liked the pretty boxes so I have many both in and out of box.

[@marilynmcfall7637]

I also do that. Buy a second doll to dress in the second outfit.

[@aprilcanales2099]

I am an in box collector of Monster High. Something about an unopened doll is so satisfying to look at when they’re all organized. Maybe it’s my OCD 😅 Although I have had moments where I want to take them out but I’m too scared to ruin them. It’s also getting harder as an in box collector to find dolls and it’s a lot more expensive 😩 sometimes when I see collectors opening older dolls it really triggers me 🤣

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I can definitely appreciate the aesthetic of an in box collection, they really do look so organized and satisfying!

[@jfrancis6191]

I couldn’t bring myself to remove the new Howliday Draculaura out of her box because she just looked too perfect and the box is so beautiful! For my shadow high Costume Ball I took the dolls out but kept the boxes anyway because they’re so nice!

[@princessheart9229]

I'm out of the box doll RH SH, LOL OMG collector because, It's more observe on their small & Tinest details & See more closely but, I also love to dress them up, Wash their hair (With their clothes on but, I'm really careful about to not getting their clothes wet) After that, I kinda love to style their hair (Not all of the RH or any other dolls) & Display them but, Not on their stands that they usually come with And I just keep their boxes that I like or make it craftable for my other crafts that I'm working on (Barely) 😂

[@serenasilvercrest3154]

I love your butterfly hair pins!!

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you!

[@serenasilvercrest3154]

@@FaeryTaleDolls Your welcome:)

[@immaaaterial]

it’s funny i used to be more in box collecting but i find that i like having them and staring at them ultimately knowing that one day im going to release them from their plastic prison on a rainy day or when it feels right and sometimes i truly keep the dolls in the box only bc they are sentimental from someone i love and i don’t ever want to remove them jusr bc they mean something different to me in that case if it makes any sense????? most of the time i feel like in box collectors are the more showy ioffy types where they just want the status of having said doll bc it’s coveted or expensive but idk that’s not why i collect dolls i literally love them sm like they’re apart of me and i’m very beyond selective with the dolls i do collect tbh i can only say i have 50 at most rn all together

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

That's honestly such a sweet way of looking at it!

[@amyhays1435]

I am an in and out of box doll collector. For the half of my dolls that are in the box. 1. I just really love the box doll art, and design. Plus the way the dolls, are presented in the Box. 2. There are some doll boxes that if you take the doll out. It will ruin the art piece on the box 3. Also if the doll doesn't have extra accessories/or second outfits, and the box is cute. I usually leave them in box 4. Even for the the dolls that have second outfits, and accessories but the box is really pretty. I'll just buy a second one and have them in a second outfit out of box 5. Some accessory design pieces might get lost when you have them out of box. So I always like to have a backup inbox. That way I can see all the original pieces especially when I have to move. As an in and out of doll box collector I understand the charm and having an inbox doll; that's new, never been open, clean, not subject to the air, dirt or dust complete with all its pieces, thats never lost. All original and if I wanted to sell it was sell quicker than a doll out of box doll. I also understand how lovely it feels to have a doll out of box you can see them in their second outfits and all their accessories that you can feel their clothes, hair and design different Fabrics. Different poses that you could put them in.

[@c.w.2000]

I am short on space and like to interact with my dolls, so I unbox quite a few of them. However, for most of the reasons, you mentioned, I still like to keep some in boxes. I almost wish the boxes weren't so nice these days because they make the decision harder. If I have duplicates or several dolls in a series, I also struggle with which one to unbox. If I open the one I like more, then she might get damaged or deteriorate, but that's the one I want to interact with and am least likely to want to sell. For example, I have Shanelle, Nicole, Heather, and Glitch from SH in box. I want to keep one in box, but which should it be if I like Glitch and Shanelle best? Disney limited edition dolls are also a headache because the boxes are so big, but what if one goes up and I'd rather have the money?

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I've definitely had that thought before, of wishing the boxes weren't quite so nice so I didn't feel compelled to keep them 😅

[@pineapple365]

While watching this I just got an idea for a future video that you could do if you want. Like yours or other people you know favorite in box dolls such as the art on it, how it’s packaged. My all time favorite is Gooliope Jellington.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

Thank you for the idea! That would be a cool one 😊

[@pineapple365]

@@FaeryTaleDolls 😇👍🏽

[@sainttan]

Not for me, I buy both new and second hand toys and boy dolls. I can just sew and craft outfits. Is it even good? Well it's good enough for me. Mostly cyberpunk, Mad Max, fantasy, and recently Persona 5 Phantom Thieves clothes and mask.

[@LeeDee5]

A reason to keep dolls in box that I agree with: the freaking dust! So annoying. I do dust my dolls but it takes ages so I don’t do it as often as I’d like to.

[@unseasoned_soap5123]

What shelf’s do you use for your monster high dolls? Trying to get a new shelf but there are too many options.

[@FaeryTaleDolls]

I'm super basic lol the ones I have are just cheap, generic shelves from Walmart that have the adjustable shelf heights

[@Baldibasicshot]

Hihi

[@daqiamer]

At first I was an outboxed collector, but the big change was knowing a woman that keep her barbie dolls in box since her childhood... seen dolls having about 35-40 years old still "as new" felt so nice in my eyes. I am perfectionist and I love having everything in perfect condition, not only the doll but the box too. I think I really see more my collection as a mini museum for my own pleasure. It did give me anxiety to choose the perfect one in store or even make more then one store to find one in acceptable quality for my taste and just take it home without damaging it. The dolls I really wanna keep for a long time stay in box, but if I just like it not love it or cannot see the doll inside the packaging (by exemple the skulltimate secret) I do open them. Also I hope nobody gonna take it personnel, I buy dolls because they are art for me, I dont buy them to play. So having a lot of unboxed doll on a display feel childish to me. I do have some unboxed, some thrifted, some in double to have one in box and one out of box, but I dont want to oversaturate myself with dolls. I do think having a too big collection remove the value of it, because when you are having too me things the beautiful pieces of your collection just became thing among the others. So, having them in box also make me more picky on which ones I wanna possessed because they do take more space in box. So there have sooo many reason to keep them in box, but to me the more important point is more the time capsule one (mixed with anxiety lol).

[@elizabethclarke4981]

I only keep my bratz in box because I love their box designs, one of the reason I love bratz as a whole, so for me, it's aesthetic reasons