Why Do We Collect Dolls?

[@hibikuokudan]

When I was a teenager, I worked at a toy story my family owned, and there was one thing a customer told me that completely changed my view if adulthood. "Being an adult doesn't mean you have to stop drinking juice boxes and eating gummy snacks, it just means you have to buy them yourself." As adults, we get to decide what we spend our money on, and if that means we want to buy toys, no one gets to tell us we can't.

[@CordeliaWagner]

❣❣❣❣❣

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

Oh, they can tell us that we can't. They can even scream it at us. We just don't have to listen! 😆

[@kumachan9311]

Yeah I love "Being a adult" = not having to beg to my parents for stuff and give 1000 reasons why I wanted something

[@bernardrichards9247]

omg i love that

[@ketchupsauce84]

Yeeeeeeesss! I love my toys , and video games. 🩷🩵💜

[@phoenixrage1]

My doll collecting started because I wasn't allowed to play with "girl toys" as a kid. My dad was very very adamant and hated when I expressed anything feminine. So I'm reclaiming the childhood I wanted. And it brings me so much joy.

[@kumachan9311]

Yeah, my Dad would call any "Action figures"/Action man/GI Joes I had "Dollies" to try and shame me out of them, same if I watched any Gerry Anderson show [Thunderbirds etc] .... I used to make clothes for my 12" Gi joes and they'd do Fashion runways : P

[@ketchupsauce84]

Same here.

[@professorbutters]

That’s such a shame. I teach children’s literature and this is a story I hear fairly frequently; boys who have been forbidden to play with dolls, and even sometimes physically abused if they tried. I’m really glad that you have the opportunity to collect dolls, and to reclaim this part of your childhood. I honestly don’t know why boys playing with dolls would be harmful in any case. What’s wrong with making up stories?

[@CustardCream22]

Same for me.

[@CustardCream22]

@@professorbutters You know what's funny about it for me, I was only allowed male dolls. So Aladdin, GI Joe and Captain Scarlet would have relationships. In a way my parents helped me with being gay lol. If only they allowed me to have that damn Jasmine doll... which I now own 😆

[@Man-wolf-]

I like that you mentioned not everyone collects dolls due to trauma-like we dont say “oh adults just love playing sonic, mario, etc cause of trauma” like no some adults just think their neat..just like adults can just find dolls neat

[@AngiBelle1]

Yes! I didn't have a traumatic childhood- I had a wonderful childhood. So wonderful, in fact, that I was very reluctant to leave it. I did not want to grow up! So I still get joy now from the same things that brought me joy then.

[@Clawdeena9]

I agree 100%, the narrative that doll collecting is ‘being stuck in the past’ completely negates the nuance and reality of dolls doubling as creative vessels and decor. Regardless of age, doll collectors pick up skills like hair styling, sewing, painting etc. all through styling their dolls, and most adults use dolls as home decor, it’s no different than art in a museum, like you mentioned, they’re little pieces of art. For me, I don't think owning dolls 'heals' my inner child either, in my experience I think the 'healing' comes from the acceptance of the community, though I can definitely understand and appreciate that there's so many people in the community that havent had that experience who get to heal through collecting. It’s such an honor to be featured on your channel! Thank you so much for creating a video that normalizes doll collecting. You’re a gem to our community and need to be protected at all costs!

[@alandominicfong6907]

For me, doll collecting has always about having a 3-dimensional representation of the characters I love from films, TV shows, novels, stories, or my own creations. 2 dimensional photographs or drawings are great, but they are not the same as being able to hold and pose this character which lends to a new level of making them real in my life.

[@millies2788]

Me too! My favourite dolls are characters from media that I love.

[@bernardrichards9247]

thiiiiiiis

[@nfs7855]

FACTS OMG SAME ❤

[@aislynn001]

I think it's weird that dolls are singled out for "weirdness" factor. It's okay for someone to have model trains, or a painted warhammer army and that's totally normal and acceptable...but dolls are unacceptable? What's with the double standard? In all seriousness, why do I - or any other doll collectors or fans - have to justify their likes or dislikes to anyone? We're grown up, dammit, if we want to eat pie for breakfast and spend all our money on dolls - we can - I mean we'll probably develop some serious health issues and our bank account will hate us, but that's our choice.

[@saragreenfire4515]

True. When I was a kid, I mostly collected rocks. My interest shifted, and I started collecting african violets as a teen. Now I am an adult, and my current collecting interest are dolls. At first, my parents though it was weird, but thankfully they are very accepting people. It just shows: no problem with me collecting rocks, yet dolls get the double take.

[@Man-wolf-]

Dont forget the entire gamer community lol its okay to be into smash bros or splatoon and buy merch and amiboos for them but dolls is too much?? Make it make sense

[@thegirlleastlikelyto]

The mainstream media doesn't respect things aimed at women (obviously men like dolls too, but I mean traditionally feminine targeted).

[@DoIIyMama]

I think the conclusion being dolls are feminine. Trains and those stuff are more so "masculine" and I think we all know how much femininity is hated.

[@moonbunny24]

One part misogyny (note how typical childhood interests that are "okay" to keep are typically seen as more "masculine" i.e. trains, video games, etc.), one part "I was exposed to the haunted doll trope and have decided to make that part of my personality now." That's my theory at least.

[@theresagerig6607]

Being a tactile person myself, I find it EXTREMELY difficult to leave dolls in the box. If I do, I careful take them out, touch/feel, then carefully attempt to put it back. Devalues it on eBay, but not in my heart 😂

[@Bratzismylife]

I’m the same haha

[@doll_dress_swap12]

I just straight up unbox them, redress them, make little set pieces and new outfits and hairstyles etc. I do have a very small collection of ones I keep in box specifically because what I love about them is how they look displayed in the packaging, but most come out of box. I’ve started a scrapbook for all the pretty box art on most of the other dolls so I have a place to admire it so I don’t have a giant pile of empty boxes cluttering my space. You know how our moms and grandmas used to get the holiday barbies convinced it would be worth soooo much some day? That was a myth. Doll markets fluctuate here and there, but it’s really only very specific expensive dolls that actually have a significant increase in value. If it’s just normal playline, I’d encourage you to just open them and do all and any of what you want with them. The joy from it is worth it.🥰

[@spyderthread]

As an artist making dolls for others to collect, I'm often asked this question. It's good to hear a collector's perspective. Thank you for making this video 💜

[@coreymunoz3098]

I collect dolls to do movies

[@iloveanime119]

I just saw ur channel and I really love what you do ❤

[@ronrondob8048]

When I reached my teenage years, dolls were actually already dead to me, but last year, I started looking for Disney store dolls because I felt that if I bought and owned them, something inside of me would be healed. That's my inner child. Barbie? I didn't mind them at first because my main goal was finishing the Disney princess dolls, but a friend of mine who is a doll collector inspired me to adore dolls even more and resurrect my inner Barbiecore. I started buying Barbie thrift dolls For almost a year, I am experiencing mental breakdowns, I find buying thrift dolls and restoring them so therapeutic! I find the restoration process as an outlet it's challenging especially doing their hair spa, identifying the dolls that I thrifted, and hunting for their original outfit and accessories. it gives me satisfaction as well. Healing the inner child is a plus

[@fabianastacia3350]

Oh yeah, restoring dolls is a soul healer. It helped my mental health so much.

[@nicole4c475]

I feel the same when I buy strawberry shortcake dolls, they are old, and so am I, a 48yrold mom, and I like cleaning them and making clothes for them, I usually hug them when I complete them, my family doesn't understand, but I feel like it's the love and care I give to them is the love I feel I didn't receive. Sending out hugs to you all.

[@tataakalulu9450]

Same here!!! Love it!!!

[@lilyt5855]

Oh, I love the idea of restoring thrift shop barbies! That's taking a collecting hobby up to a whole new level of creativity. Good for you for finding such a satisfying way to focus your mental energy.

[@e.d.t.]

I think a bigger question is why are dolls considered childish in the first place? Like who decided this is a thing only kids are allowed to enjoy? I feel like adult collecting has always been around. My dad collected toys through the 80s and 90s. People with doll collections and dollhouses have been a thing since forever. I'm sure adults have been enjoying toys since toys were first created. The "kidult" term is so silly. It shouldn't matter who's buying the toys as long as people are enjoying them.

[@MK_1Ultra]

Definitely the Victorian, Guilded Age and pre and post WW1 😢😢😢

[@michellejackson8259]

I just started collecting Disney exclusive Princess Tiana Dolls Last year, because they're so beautiful. I do not unbox my dolls. I also added Brandy's new cinderella doll to my collection. I first noticed doll collecting when my friend Who lived across the street would get dolls for Christmas and on her birthday and she would display they unboxed in her room on a shelf above her bed. And I just didn't understand why you would not wanna play with these beautiful Dolls. So now here I am at thirty-three collecting Princess Tiana dolls, and a new one just came out yesterday. 🎉

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

i find that my reasoning for collecting dolls changes. In the beginning, it was mostly about buying back my childhood after losing both parents. From there it turned into creating a community of imaginary friends. Then it became a simple creative outlet and sharing with the rest of the community. Now, it's all of the above. Buying back my childhood, gathering memories, creating new memories with a new imaginary world and sharing it with the rest of the doll community. .. but it's mainly about collecting and creating little imaginary friends and preserving my world of make-believe. It all really boils down to FUN. Pure, unadulterated FUN! Some people have fun with business, clothes, cars, food and technological gadgets. And others have an affinity for children's toys.

[@queenbeesbabiesnstuff312]

I am a writer. I have been writing stories and acting them out using my barbie dolls since I was 17 years old. I am 43 now and still do it. I have always loved dolls. I also collect reborn baby dolls for the realism aspect of it. I totally agree. Dolls are works of art.

[@terrysilva6430]

I started collecting around my late teenage years. I was a tomboy growing up and suddenly I fell in love with barbie. They are so glamorous and beautiful and can have any career they want. I'm 47 years old now and will never ignore my inner child or adult wants. Great video Joey and awesome topic

[@magsters1223]

I collect dolls because they are very nostalgic to me, and hold a lot of memories. I also view them as pieces of art and find them beautiful :)

[@kais.dollhouse]

i agree with not liking the question “why do you like those?” like, i dunno. why do you like your favourite colour? i just do. but i think a big part of the reason for me is just because they’re beautiful. i love collections and i love fashion, i love hair and makeup. it just makes sense. plus i love having interests in common with my preschool students lol

[@heatherthehylian627]

I feel the phrase "kidult" is just a category to put us in. I started doll collecting during the pandemic start I watched doll custom videos and a dream of a Merida Disney doll on my bed. I love them for the happiness they give me and I love them for their art, quality and design

[@somethingclever8916]

I feel kidult was a name coined by journalist and marketing but it was a fail. Until this video i forgot it was even a thing.

[@Siansonea]

For me, I have always been interested in beauty, fashion, and miniatures, and dolls are kind of the confluence of those three interests. I love that you can curate a collection of dolls and structures and create a perfect little miniature world. I think it's the same impulse that drives people into the creative arts in general, you want to create an experience. And I've always had a 'renovation' streak, so of course I applied that to dolls as well, and got really excited about restoring dolls and making custom dolls. I've always been interested in history, and even the history that I lived through as a child. Those childhood dolls that were once ordinary objects are now meaningful from the standpoint of what they represent from the time they were made and sold, as well as what they represent of my personal history. Those dolls are associated with my personal memories to a significant degree. And the more time that passes, the more they stand out as touchstones of those times. And in the larger context there is more than just a simple appraisal of fashion history to be gained, you can see a lot of reflection of social change by observing how dolls and toys change over time. These are objects that are given to children, so they highlight what society has deemed socially acceptable on a pretty much universal level. For instance, the way that inclusion and representation has been front and center with the Barbie line the past few years (and I would say for longer than many people realize) reflects how that initiative is front and center in society today. Dolls and toys always reflect the times, in a rather specific way, and it's a fascinating subject you can really drill down into quite a bit. Plus they're really pretty and they have long hair that you can comb. 😁

[@tiaan817]

Dolls make me happy! For me it’s a childhood nostalgia thing. They bring me the same happiness as an adult as they did as a child.

[@understitchYT]

I dont collect, have never collected, know literally nothing about collecting, but I just like hearing people talk about things that people are passionate about. Ive been commenting a lot on your videos as Ive been binging recently, and Im glad to know more about this world

[@parameswarar2]

Just get one and you will be hooked 🤣🤣🤣!

[@michaelmcgee8543]

When I was a kid I was obsessed with doll commercials too on Saturday morning.

[@Wizard608]

I collect dolls because I saw it as an opportunity to reclaim my childhood. I have played with dolls with my late mother when I was a toddler. She was one of the first people who gave me the stamp of approval to play with dolls. When she passed away, that approval was buried along with her. When I became a little older (maybe 5 or 6) I tried to play with dolls again to keep her memory alive, but during that time, society was also observing gender norms and stereotypes. With that said, a lot of people, both in my inner and outer circle, literally discouraged, even insisted me, not to play with dolls anymore, solely because I was a "boy". So I stopped playing with them for several years. Fast forward to when I turned 17, Hasbro was selling these new Disney Princess dolls and I keep on seeing them being displayed at Toy Store shelves. This was also the same time when I was slowly embracing my identity, as well as my love for Disney Princesses. That's when I realized that I actually wanted to own those dolls displayed at those shelves, and I wanted to seize this opportunity to finally own them after society back then basically gatekept me from owning them. I started collecting the Habsro dolls and after awhile, when the Disney Store announced that they were releasing dolls of Megara, Esmeralda, Wendy, Tinker Bell and Alice, that's when I also started collecing the ones at the Disney Store too.

[@EuSanMarina7469]

I collect dolls because they are beautiful. They add joy to my life.

[@Emmuzka]

I used to collect 80s My Litte Ponies. The collecting itself was the draw, first only at fleamarket. Finding a "holy grail" pony at a bargain price was such a high. And yes, I did wash, comb and braid their manes and gave them make-overs. Ponies beyond repair ended up as DIY art pieces.

[@kathleendavis1145]

When I was little me, and my sister would play with little figures and make stories out of them. I really enjoyed doing this and I continue to play with my sister until I was 17. Over the years, my sister got less and less interested. She was dragging to do it. So I stopped, and it broke my heart to fill that hole in my heart. I started buying dolls. It’s not the same as before, but it makes me happy and I enjoy the treasure hunt of finding new dolls.

[@Hollys_dollies]

I collect dolls because they are beautiful! They represent happiness and great memories from my childhood. They are like pieces of art. I find them aesthetically pleasing on my shelves. Plus their hair is super soft and relaxing to touch.

[@elinefrit]

I collect because, I love collecting. Why dolls has become my main collection-they bring me the most joy. I like making miniatures, making mini clothing, I like dress up games too. I like to design clothing and homes and in mini shape I can do it in bigger quantities. I like action figures and now dolls are articulated as well if not even better. I like the 1/6 scale. I love photography and they are great models. I love story telling and you can do it with dolls. I love how complicated the creation of a doll is and it excites me. I also love restoring old dolls. I love the rush of the hunt for something new, shiny and interesting! I love repainting and character creation. I never had a real Barbie as a child but I started collecting when I started having interest in repaints. I realized they are beautiful even without being repainted. And I love I can have a channel here and meet people like myself.

[@userofdoll101]

my reason for collecting dolls is because they bring me joy and they make me feel like myself

[@choconuts1608]

I like to collect dolls because I find them beautiful to admire. I see them as beautiful art and I always want to display them as pretty as possible in my bookshelves.

[@taracoe1453]

I started collecting dolls in 1996, I was 6. As a kid I was bullied for having freckles and wearing glasses and for being quite shy. I longed to be the “perfect” looking girl, and for me that was barbie, with her long blonde hair, tan skin and amazing fashion sense, I wanted to be just like her! Barbie taught me that it’s ok to be myself and that in my own unique way I am perfect. Today I’m 32 years old and never felt more comfortable in my own skin. And still love barbie as much as I did back then. 🥰

[@lyudmilasemenova8444]

Me too i love collecting dolls and i hate when non doll collectors ask this. I think everyone should be toy collectors it brings people joy

[@julieoverlande323]

Shortly said: For me its definitely nostalgia. But it's also about researching the doll, the company or whatever that's relevant - to get more information about what I have or want. It's so fun to learn things about the product and really know what I have.

[@pludestarklord3474]

I am interested in dolls because I love seeing all different forms of art and fashion. They are like little moving statues and that convey emotion and art while inspiring creativity. There should never be an age stamp on that.

[@staceybrazell7092]

I currently don’t collect dolls but I love watching your videos. Growing up in the 80s/90s, Barbie was such a huge part of my childhood. I get the greatest sense of nostalgia when I watch people show off their amazing collections. I’m now a mom and my daughter is now the one with all the dolls and your videos are something we both watch and watch together and it sparks some really good conversations.

[@stellamaris8845]

Dolls to me are beautiful works of art. Also a way to fantasize about a glamorous world. I collect mostly Barbies but have also started to collect Rainbow and Shadow High dolls. Your videos are always fun and interesting. It is good to know that there are so many other adult doll collectors. Happy doll collecting!

[@wheremylimpsat00]

as a girlie early into her transition, I started collecting Rainbow High because like my world said, looking at them and playing with them brings me a sense of safety and comfort that I haven’t felt in a long time. They’re also my way of reclaiming the feminine childhood I was not allowed to have, and finally being able to live vicariously through them brings me so much joy 🖤🖤🖤 All my love, and thank you for putting together such quality content, *chefs kiss*

[@novepipps]

I totally get you about the textures, it's why I don't like keeping them in the box.

[@nekoboygames7786]

I have always loved, played with and collect dolls. As a teen/young adult, I used them to make stories. When I discovered Monster High, I started collect "more seriously". The dolls gives me comfort, especially my 18" dolls, that I hug when I'm having an anxiety attack. I also love to play with the dolls hair and I sometimes repaint dolls but haven't felt motivated to do so for a long time now. I also used to make videos but my anxiety stops me. Love from Sweden.

[@missboozehound]

I collect Barbies, comics, action figures and Funko pops. I love Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and I love Wonder Woman as a character from the comics. She is strong and beautiful. I also enjoy the sounds the action figures make when I articulate them. There is a component of nostalgia that I like. I see some of my collection as art. I love my hobbie. I do repaints and customization. Great video.

[@nathanielniebuhrofficial]

You see my little cousin always asks me why do you collect dolls? I keep telling him why do you like tractors so much. I love collecting dolls cause that's what I love.

[@disneyqueen6319]

I collect Minnie Plushies. I've got over 30 now and they bring me joy and that's why I do it. That's what I tell people. Disney brings me joy and makes me happy. I'm a adult Minnie collector, my hyperfixation is all things Disney. It makes me happy. Growing up we couldn't afford plushies from the Disney Store or trips to Paris. So i made it my mission that when i got a job that id be going to the parks and shopping from the Disney Store. Dream came true! Like you i thought i was the only 20 something Disney obsessed person out there. That was until i discoveres the Disney community on Instagram and they welcomed me. Fast forward four years later and I'm not alone anymore.

[@YOUNANsDolls]

Well, my story is very long about my suffering since my childhood in collecting dolls, but in short, I was born in 1977, and I am from the Middle East, and my family is conservative, and a boy is not allowed to play with girls’ toys, and vice versa, but since I was born, I loved dolls very much, and dolls were everything to me They are my friends and my happiness, but my family did not understand me and thought that I was possessed by the devil 😅😂😂😂😂 But with the passage of time they got tired of me and finally convinced that it is impossible for me to give up the thing that I love the most, which is the dolls, and I am now 45 and I I am happy that I collect dolls and I do not feel ashamed. Rather, I am proud in front of people because I live in a different but happy society❤

[@RGSuperfan]

Oh my, your story is so sad 😮 But it has a happy ending 😊

[@YOUNANsDolls]

@@RGSuperfan Aww thanks 😊 ☺️ 😘 💕

[@StormyCat-uj2ij]

I can't even put my finger on why I got into collecting, but I just adore my dolls and love seeing a ton of different designs and concepts brought to life. I am admittedly a bit obsessed with vampires, so Draculaura was my 'gateway doll' XD Dolls have become a creative outlet as well: photography, restyling, and fixing up thrifted dolls are some of my favorite activities right now.

[@cutestuff0214]

For me, it's like having the characters in their physical form, not only watching them from the screen. The hair, the outfit. On top of all, they make me happy. 🥰 Thank you for bringing this up. Sometimes I feel embarrassed to be known I'm a doll collector because some people see it as weird or dolls are just for kids.

[@Mag1388]

Having dolls reminds and inspires me to look good and keep my beauty standard. Being alternative and creative, most of my dolls reflect that and are Monster and Ever After High, a BeGoth doll (should have got more!) and my Barbies have cultural themes, representing my thing for European culture, Batman and music. They bring my room to life, make my room look fun and I agree that being an adult shouldn't mean being boring, sitting in an empty room

[@its-samantha]

I love your comment!

[@batsnbratz4076]

Growing up, I alway had dolls as long as I could remember! I got my first Barbie when I was probably 3, and then it just grew from there! Me and my sisters played with our Barbie’s, myscene, or bratz all the time! Luckily my mom kept all our dolls from the 90’s-2000’s! In my early adulthood, I fell in love with monster high which is when my collecting reallt started. I love everything monster high stands for and of course the spooky aesthetic. I also collect with my younger brother, and am so happy we share that passion. Just this past year, we have pulled out all my old dolls, restored my bratz and now working on MyScene so we can display them proudly along side the MH! I’ve always loved dolls and probably always will.

[@somethingclever8916]

I totally forgot that media tried to make kidult a thing. I see it as a fail and if we ignore it will go away.

[@kimsturm9638]

For me reasons to collect toys is the nostalgic feeling and that I couldn’t have so much as a kid. So it gave me memories and the same excitement as years ago! It’s creating a own world for me - just for me!

[@VeronicaStorm98]

I have been collecting dolls for years because they make me feel mysteriously happy. It also helps me deal with my anxiety, loneliness, and depression, and dolls are just so breathtakingly beautiful to me! I have collected Monster High dolls ever since MH Gen 1, and my current favorite doll line is Shadow High! I even have certain dolls in my collection, such as the Storm Twins (Veronica and Naomi) from SH, that are comfort dolls for me, and I just can't help but smile every time I look at them, hold them, or feel their clothes and hair. I also have Autism IRL, and have also recently started using my Veronica and Naomi dolls to express myself a bit more, since I grew up being very sheltered and hiding my emotions/limiting my self expression, and its genuinely fun for me to just express my artistic, creative side through them and make videos with them!🖤💜

[@Apostrafi]

I see you everywhere in different channels lol 👋🏻

[@rainesbobo]

I have severe depression and anxiety. My dolls bring me joy and help me to stay busy to avoid the downward spirals I used to get. If I concentrate on my dolls and collecting I don't have those bad days. If I feel a bad day coming I will go in my hobby room and work on my collection. Better than the self medicating I was doing with drinking.

[@ByronValo]

I love the creativity of dolls, making them up. Even nude dolls are cool because you can customize them into other figures or creatures you imagine up. I just think it's a creative outlet and it's fun ❤

[@TangledPie]

This Video was such an encouragement. I love collecting dolls and plushies. I love playing with their hair or touching the fabrics. I've always loved characters and stories. Dolls are a way to connect and exspress my love for a charcter.

[@jaythejollyclown]

I collect because I’m absolutely enamoured with Littlest Pet Shop - animals have always been one of my biggest interests, and when I discovered LPS as a kid, they were pretty much the best toy I’d ever known. As an autistic adult, LPS is one of my longest-running special interests, and is definitely the most prevalent. I’m not collecting to heal my inner child personally, I just adore them & couldn’t imagine being without them. I love them so dearly & I always will 💕

[@amyf79]

I’ve always loved dolls. Always! I grew up in the ‘80’s which was, I think, the super glam era and that really did something to my little sparkle-loving kid brain. My siblings and I grew up poor so we cherished our toys. Barbie and She-Ra were my dearest companions and were such happy memories. As I grew older there was this kind of unspoken rule that adults couldn’t have toys. It meant you were immature. And for awhile I didn’t have but maybe a few dolls I got as gifts. Then I had a daughter. And I leapt fully into dolls! Barbies and Monster High and LOL OMG and Rainbow High! Here was a new generation of dolls I got to experience by playing with my kid. And I LOVED it! Now, she’s twelve and not into dolls anymore but I still collect them because they make me happy. There’s still that pink-loving, sparkle happy girl inside this over 40 woman, and I’m okay with that! Recently I treated myself to a collector She-Ra that is Barbie sized. I love her so much! She’s a reminder that I’m still very much an imaginative kid but I’m able to have nicer things because I’m an adult.

[@RiotgrrrlPearl]

When I was about 12 I literally decided I was 'too old' and threw them away. Regretted it and probably wasnt ready, never was. Loved the little details on Barbies and setting up houses etc. Then about 10 years ago I bought a vintage barbie case with a barbie, Ken and Clothes. That was it! I became obsessed with Vintage Barbie from 59-73 and just fell in love with the quality and fashions. Lately, I have this strange nostalgia of wanting back the dolls and playsets I had as a child. Plus when you open a new boxed doll its just the plastic new smell. Its addictive!

[@amylm85]

I'm not a big collector, but I do have a few dolls. I loved my dolls as a child, especially Barbie and American Girl. Still like walking down the doll isle to see what's new. I just got my first Blythe dolls not too long ago. Watching videos of how people customize their Blythes is amazing. I really enjoy the artistry and fashion. I started learning how to sew and look forward to making clothes for them. I also like posing dolls and stuffed animals and taking pictures to tell a story. Doll photography is something I look forward to doing with my daughter.

[@akashassmuk]

The toy/doll Collecting community are some of the nicest people I have ever met ❤

[@AllycatlovesAG]

I was always a girly girl growing up, so I played with Barbie, LPS, Polly pocket etc. When I was 8 I was gifted a subscription to the American Girl magazine, and being from Canada I didn't know much about the dolls beforehand. When the first store opened in Canada in 2014, I got my first doll, and quickly discovered the social media collector community. As I got into American Girl at a slightly older age, the collector online community is really what kept me collecting as I took photos and videos with my dolls. I've been lucky to make several collector friends and grow my own audience to share my collection with. The day I'm finally getting around to watching this video is the day a few other collectors and I hosted a meetup, and it's so nice meeting collectors of all ages in person and just bonding over dolls. Even taking doll photos in Disney was nice since people already go there to re-live nostalgia, and the dolls added to that!

[@luvlyleo2836]

My dolls give me joy! I may not be able to wear a ball gown but my doll can 😉

[@lindanoreika893]

We collect dolls because we like to. That’s all that people need to know. No one should judge others,

[@hollys77077]

I love toys and dolls because they are a form of escapism from some of the normal stressors of daily life and a reminder of the epic 80s world I remember growing up. They bring a feeling of joy with them that nothing else really can. It’s like when you randomly smell play doh or crayons, you are instantly transported to grade school ( which may or may not be a good thing). But for me, dolls are nothing but a positive flashback.

[@AngiBelle1]

I love dolls and have always loved dolls- I still have the vast majority of my childhood toys, and looking at them brings me such sparks of joy! And now I'm an adult who can afford to buy the dolls I want. I love dolls for many of the same reasons you mentioned. I'm also a tactile person- I love to touch the fabrics and style hair, and there's something so satisfying about manipulating little plastic arms and legs into the perfect pose! For this reason, I am definitely a deboxer- I just can't fully enjoy a doll from behind cellophane! To me, dolls are a form of art and storytelling- I love to use my American Girl dolls to create scenes. I'm also lucky enough to have doll collecting run in my family- my mom loves dolls too which is probably why I was never pressured to give mine up! And my grandmother, when she was alive, always had lots of dolls in her house that she let me and my sister play with when we were little.

[@Dollily]

I’ve always loved dolls, especially now I am in my 30s! I collect a variety of dolls for different reasons. I love the 90s Barbies as she is so nostalgic to me, especially when I watch the golden era of old Barbie advertisements! Dolls are beautiful but also comforting to me. I now collect dolls that weren’t around in my childhood such as Pullip and I just love how cute and well designed they are. I’ve always adored miniatures and dollhouses too. This hobby allows us to be creative and to connect with many talented doll artists and designers! I hate the term kidult by the way! 🤣 Most of my closer relatives are fine with my doll hobby but a few older ones have said some quite awful things to my face. They’re older and quite frankly very boring people who just watch TV and have no other hobbies, but that still doesn’t excuse them from mocking me in front of other people 😅

[@Dollily]

@@Aurora-qn2dx me too! My mother and Grandmother gave ALL of my Barbies and other toys away to my younger cousin when I was almost a teen 😣. I had so many amazing Barbies and they seem to be the more expensive ones to buy online now 🥲.

[@jennybartolo4360]

I collect for nostalgia and because I admire and love the artistry that goes into these dolls.

[@mayramc7070]

I’ve been so busy I haven’t even looked at my dolls for 4 months and I really needed to watch a video like this one that reminds me why I collect

[@TheChocoDoll]

I collect dolls because I like character and fashion design as an artist myself. And I also collect dolls that make me nostalgic. And also because I love the feeling of collecting.

[@butilived]

I like collecting dolls cause its just so fun to see tiny people wearing cute dresses and accessories. It makes me happy cause i can see myself as the doll, living as the character i love

[@placeb0235]

I’ve always been into toys and dolls for as long as I can remember, my family have often made fun of me or told me not to waste my money on things that are as “useless” as a doll. When I was a teenager I felt embarrassed by it and only told my closest friends who i discovered loved that about me and took interest. I’m 21 now and I still get told by my family that they’re pointless but it bothers me less as I’ve realised that it’s just a part of me. I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving toys and dolls and I’m happy about that. They bring me a lot of comfort and joy and I agree it’s definitely a form of escapism for me, but also they’re just cute!? What’s not to love about them? Your channel always brings me joy and brings me a sense of calm. keep it up! 💕:)

[@mysteriousjudgement9128]

2001 when Bratz released is when i first got in to dolls, i had a couple of barbies but wasnt really in to them i was playing with hot wheels haha. i remember seeing the ad for Bratz on TV and i was so excited! i still have the majority of my Bratz Collection today and obviously been expanded a lot since then! 2021 i started collecting Rainbow High and Shadow High and been obsessed ever since! i still play with my dolls and im 28 years old i am still as creative at making stories as i was as a kid. When im going through mental health struggles or anything in life i dont feel alone with my collection on display and being able to appreciate seeing them all around me and being so proud of myself for not letting anybody tell me i cannot collect them or play with them anymore and pressure me in to getting rid of them, feeling down? i grab some dolls and play with them for hours! dolls are so wholesome.. its only people who dont collect are always the ones to comment and dont get it whatsoever. i think theres far too many reasons to name as to why i collect but i think its because it makes me happy, the excitement of opening a new doll is so euphoric and exciting just as much as when i was young, the fact that NOBODY can tell me i cannot buy them is great! and last but not least i just absolutely love dolls they have gotten me through some of the most difficult parts of my life and made me who i am today unapologetically. Loved the vid Joey! you are the best! xoxo

[@livliv2384]

As a 20 years old male, I still have the Barbie dolls that haven't played for the while, but even as a grown adult, I still want to keep them as the collection, not playing lol. I am fan of Barbie but not liking them much as I did. Their aesthetic had changed, the quality feel cheap, the face sculpt is not that pretty as the old one, but overall, the hair is still good and I love it! The Fashionistas line is my favorite!

[@Birenneta]

I agree with all the things that have been said, and in addition, dolls have been my best friends my entire life. They don’t judge me. They don’t care if I’m not looking or feeling good every day. They are here for me unconditionally. It’s like I’m always enough for them, the same way that they are for me. They are all about love. 💞

[@Ladybug.123]

I love dolls, particularly the pose-able ones. I enjoy dressing them in holiday/seasonal outfits. I then sit them or pose them on every day items on shelves around the home. They have become a part of my decor, and I just love looking at them!

[@Jeng4280]

Oh I can so relate! I too loved putting my dolls in the water as a child to see if they floated or not.😂 But I too loved the materials used, especially the 90s dolls. The Barbie with the pink dress and the long crimpy hair-she was a prized possession of mine for many years. I think I still have her in my collection in the attic-I have yet to get them down!😂 And IMO-there is nothing wrong with collecting dolls-it doesn’t hurt anyone at all. It makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something in life! I tried restoring one of the dolls I got yesterday and ended up burning the shit out of her hair and having to cut it into a blunt cut!😂 She actually looks more beautiful that way. I’m getting some stands for them soon and will have them standing posed a certain way soon. 😄 I am looking forward to do that-but I am a closeted collector.😁

[@braynroquero2918]

My fascination with dolls rekindled during the height of the pandemic. I felt that I needed to find a way to escape the mental barriers I faced that time and something for me to do. I am a nurse and it was a horrifying time for me. Dolls were something tangible I could control in contrast to the overwhelming things I faced at work. Your channel helped me rediscover my love for dolls in a good way. Thank you! I am an avid customer of Simon's collectables since I came to watch you featuring the online store. All my Integrity and JHD dolls are from there. Thanks

[@karenflieger7529]

My doll collection grew over several phases of my life. I still have most of the dolls I received during my childhood. When I worked at KMart while I was in college , my second phase started with Holiday Barbies. My third phase (that I’m in now) was really inspired by my niece’s love of dolls and finding doll photography and videos like yours on social media. When we got my niece an LOL doll for Christmas a couple of years ago, I got myself the one I’d been looking at. When she comes over to my house, we play with her dolls and when I go over to her house, we play with hers.

[@morphinpink]

I'm not a collector but I am an adult (29 rip) and I recently ordered like 6 dolls that I'm planning to customize. I was talking to my mom about it and telling her about how I'm already drafting patterns to sew, which I've always loved, and learning how to reroot dolls and that maybe I'll pick up painting again which I haven't done since I was a kid. And my mom was so supportive and encouraging. She said as adults we need creative hobbies but instead we spend so much time in front of screens. I think that's a big part of it as well. Even if collectors don't venture into full blown customizing, there's an aspect of dolls being a creative outlet that it's very healthy for adults to have. Obviously it's important for kids too and we can see how kids being put in front of screens affects their development, it's only logical that adults replacing all hobbies and creative outlets with screens also affects us negatively! Humans need art, we need to create and play for our brains to be healthy and dolls are primed to incorporate creativity and play.

[@Craftgirly]

What Clawdeena9 said about being visual and dolls being beautiful art & homeware rings true for me about dolls. I particularly like the glam, sparkly ones!

[@aroacequeen]

I’ve always liked dolls. Ever since I was little I’ve always shown an interest in dolls. I’m autistic as well, so they’re a huge comfort for me whenever I’m feeling sad or overwhelmed. Not only am I invested in their little worlds, but I find peace in their little outfits or brushing their hair. Dolls mean a lot to me, and they always will.

[@MrKookiblue]

I collect dolls because of happy memories during childhood..

[@linphillips8331]

I recently got into Rainbow High after a years-long hiatus from doll collecting. I feel a sense of happiness and affection when I look at them and I love their pretty colors and long hair. Furthermore, they unlock my creativity as I make them outfits, dye and style their hair, and repaint their faces. They're a welcome distraction and respite from life. Also, like Melissa, I lost myself in dolls when I was a kid and needed to be somewhere else.

[@haylieamygoth3407]

I have always loved dolls and dreamed of having my own doll room as a child. Growing up with a single mother my twin sister and I didn’t always get to have all the fancy/expensive playsets/dolls. One example would be Bratz dolls, we only had one Bratz doll each but we did have numerous Lil Bratz, Fashion Polly Pockets and Barbie dolls as they were a bit cheaper. I remember always wanting certain doll lines but understanding that we could not afford them. I did play with my toys until I was 18. It was something that I would hide because as you get older you get told by others that it’s time to grow up or playing with dolls was only for kids so I admit I was embarrassed at first. Of course I kept my most played with dolls/toys but unfortunately had gotten rid of some of my dolls, playsets etc due to being embarrassed about still playing with toys. I knew I always wanted to buy dolls one day since before I got into doll collecting My husband and I were already collectors of many different things from Funko, Harry Potter, DC/Marvel, Disney, Hello Kitty and Star Wars etc. Just before the pandemic started around 2019-2020 I was able to finally buy a Barbie from my childhood. Ever since then I’ve been purchasing dolls and playsets I had as a child. What I enjoyed the most was searching and finding dolls I forgot I once had and unlocking my childhood memories. At first I was still hesitant about sharing my doll collecting but my husband, my family and best friends have been really supportive. They have even helped add to my growing collection. I am now open and comfortable with my collecting. I think that’s a big part of why I am So comfortable with being open about collecting not only having the support of the people around you but also the doll/toy community is very great and supportive. I am a strong believer that just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you have to leave your childhood behind. Especially growing up with not being able to afford things, as an adult you have “adult money” in which you can buy things you have always wanted but could never afford. I use this sentiment in everything from the clothes I wear to grocery shopping. Being that my husband and I are both “children at heart” we both value our hobbies and respect each other’s interests. Of course we do make sure before spending on our hobbies that we take care of our bills first.

[@myamericangirldoll2020]

I came to realize in 2020 I love dolls. Always have, I got into American Girl because my daughter wanted one and I went down the rabbit hole.I have also started collecting Monster High and Ever After High and Barbie. I love fashion and doing the dolls hair. It helps when I need to just relax

[@katestone7929]

When you come from an over controlling family and you can't go out until you're 14 you surround yourself with heroes of tv shows and movies, so dolls and figures I collect are the characters I grew up with, they're a part of my life more than real people sometimes. I collect them cause it's nice to have a physical representation of them even if in 1/6 scale. Role models if you like 😊

[@elaynegiahoover436]

When I was first learning to read, the first chapter book that really pulled me in was about dollhouse dolls coming to life and having adventures while all the humans were asleep. I loved the secret world. I spent the next several years begging my parents for a dollhouse until I was finally old enough to learn to use a saw and build my own dollhouse. Dolls, of course, were an important part of the package deal. So for me, it's storytelling, nostalgia, and having a miniature world (dollhouse) to escape to.

[@susanross-d2w]

i do also collect dolls as well. what i do is i refurb some of the copies of my collection and put them on ebay . i collect dolls from when i was a kid i collect anime dolls. dolls collecting and refurbing is one of my hobbies

[@moonflowerfaeriee]

I have many reasons for collecting dolls, some of which are hard to explain. My mother actually got me into dolls with Barbie, and she also bought me Breyer horses; both of which I still love today. I just immediately connected with dolls and would live in my play world where they were all real beings to me as a child. I continued to collect them until I lost all my dolls in a natural disaster and didn't collect again for many years. Now I am starting up again, and at this time, my reasons are nostalgia, the love for mainly historical fashions; but i love other fashion as well; the feeling that they are little pieces of art, enjoyment of just having them around; and it is possible, but I'm not sure, that they are a comfort due to childhood trauma. They do have a comforting feeling and living in the world where they are real & dreams can come true is something helpful in escaping all the negativity in the world today. I could say more, but I think this is a good stopping point. I enjoyed hearing from your and our other collector friends :)

[@charliwebb_]

It genuinely makes me inner child happy! ☀️ I find it all extremely intersting and love hearing about the design process of the making of them and people doing the custom OOAK dolls is fantastic. I used to soley collect toys from the 80s and 90s for nostalgia and now I have just heavily gotten into Modern Barbie Looks / Signature and sometimes the Extra dolls. Its just fun! 💜

[@jenneyblade864]

I collect dolls because they bring me so much joy!They are wonderful to look at and inspire my crafty side. Dolls don't judge me.

[@nikkib3117]

I actually do a lot of repairs and customization. Plus I make clothes and wigs. For me it's great seeing something that is broken come back to life, to challenge my skills, and to just make more art pieces for myself to enjoy. For me it's closer to any of my other crafting or restoration (I also work on antique sewing machines, typewriters, and am slowly learning clocks/watches) hobby than just a collection hobby, although it is a bit to collect them too.

[@dolls_onthego]

I have always loved dolls, when I was young it was all about Barbie! Then I “grew up” got married and had kids and toys were suddenly for them. And as they grew up and out of toys it CRUSHED ME, I guess I was always collecting still just through them and when I couldn’t do that anymore I felt so empty. HOWEVER my husband told me one day we should never give up something that brings us happiness and peace. So I decided to be an adult doll collector. I took over my youngest then 13 American girl doll collection and I just loved it. But then the world stopped in 2020 and I found myself going back to my childhood memories more and wanting my Barbies back that’s when I found YOU the literal best doll Videos on You tube and you opened the door to sooooo many doll words for me. I started Rainbow high from day one which is probably why they are now my most favorite doll line followed closely by Barbie and Monster High. In just 3 short years my doll room has grown into what my friends call a true doll museum. I love my dolls and I will continue to collect until the day I die…. Thanks for letting me share my story. LOVE YOU JOEY ❤

[@r1a8y]

I love how you can appreciate dolls so much more when you’re older. Like you said they seem like little pieces of art, you don’t realise that when you’re a kid. You take off and switch their clothes, lose all the pieces, especially the shoes! Some of the dolls you have shown, I had as a child and didn’t even realise they came with certain pieces because I’d lost them really early on.

[@LilDollFangs]

loved looking at BJDs back in high school. Fast forward to September 2021 where I found an old Skipper at an estate sale and I finally started to collect. My art has improved 10x. That little wooden guy you get to model with never helped at all. Dolls help me understand form movement lighting etc. Ive taught myself how to sew embroider and photograph things (not to mention all of the crazy crafters in the doll community some people think of the best ways to recycle packaging or make ooak dolls out of things just around the house!) They are art they are escapism theyre a therapy tool when I play with their hair. They are a fun way to make memes with my friends. Ive only grown since I started collecting. :D

[@alcoholicwh0re737]

I feel this so much towards my stuffed animal collection and my monster high dolls

[@toykeyper8914]

As a kid I always loved my toys and dolls, probably even more than the average kid. I stopped playing with my toys and Barbies at around 12 and basically forgot about them for 20 years or so. I started drinking in college and became an alcoholic for over a decade. When I finally became sober I needed to do something to fill the empty void leftover from drinking and got into collecting toys. The first time I bought a toy from my childhood it just brought back such a nice comforting feeling and nostalgia. Eventually that led to Barbies and although I've slowed down a lot due to lack of space I still love them.

[@ritchiewong16]

Hi Joey 👋, I may not be a doll collector myself, but the reason I follow doll collectors like yourself is they remind me of not only my younger self, but also the positive side of my childhood, thanks to my Disney Princess (and non-Disney Princess) toys. Just like what you said at 2:05, I also revisited my own childhood interests and reconnected with my inner child when I rediscovered my toy boxes and took out many of the Disney Princess (and non-Disney Princess) toys I used to play with growing up. I remember feeling so alive and fulfilled reliving the nostalgia from my toys that I decided to put them in certain areas of my house so that I not only remember the little boy I used to be, but also celebrate that part of me. Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

Because they make me happy. I keep telling my son the only inheritance he's getting is dolls and he'll have to sell them😅

[@evijapakalnina4373]

For me it's the happy memories of childhood and the memories of dreaming of owning a "real Barbie" because I grew up playing with clone Barbie dolls. So did my friends because in postsoviet Latvia Barbie was simply unaffordable to most people. Yet her face was at the back of every kid's magazine and commercials were on TV. I remember all the actual Barbies some of my friends had. Of course I own them now. I never thought of collecting I just got on and one more and more. It has helped me to forget of all the sad and bad things that are happening in the world. And these dolls ARE so beautiful, the hair the costumes. My favourite Barbie era is 1996, 1997 Barbie.

[@nubs9895]

Thank you for this video. My love of dolls is so multi-faceted and it's great to hear that other collectors feel similarly. From childhood trauma and seeking comfort, to nostalgia, and feeling connected to my grandma who also loved dolls while she was alive, I've got several bases covered as to my reasons. I also loved taking my barbies into the bath and watching their hair sway in the water. And the texture/textiles. I love the colors, the sparkle and shine, you name it. I feel like dolls have always been part of me and I collect such a wide range. I've got Barbie, Madame Alexander, porcelain jesters, vintage wooden dolls, etc. and even though I'm kind of embarrassed around other adults, I love being at home with my collection.

[@SusiHexeFlohFipsOdin]

Im collecting plushies. have the same thing with the "feeling" like you. it makes me happy to look into their faces and pet their fur. 😊😊😊😊

[@whowantswaffles]

Great vid! I collect dolls because well, I like them. Thats it! And I love creative expression. I think newer generations are also less prone to stigmatising hobbies and nostalgia, and embrace childhood joys.