I have been on a dolly diet, my friends. In this case, it’s a temporary condition, brought about by saving up for a family vacation this spring. I tell you this to explain the shortage of BJD related blog posts as of late. I’ve been avoiding temptation by steering clear of manufacturer sites and “new release” threads on doll boards. Vacation or not, it’s something that most BJD fanciers have to consider. How do you reconcile this pricey hobby with financial responsibility?

BJDs don’t own the market on costliness. Vintage Barbies, Blythes, you name it, they all have a knack for reaching their little plastic fingers into our wallets. Specific to BJDs however is that they are almost unilaterally expensive. It’s just a question of degree. This can become a problem in itself. If you’ve been drooling over a doll that costs as much as your first car, and then you see one for $150, doesn’t that $150 seem like a wonderfully thrifty choice? Why, you could even buy two! In fact, you SHOULD buy two, right???  No, wait…

One of the most common questions new BJD fans ask is “What’s the cheapest doll?” The short answer is that there isn’t a “cheapest doll”. Besides variables like face-ups, or whether eyes and a wig are included, there’s the fact that none of them are truly “cheap”. Yes, a couple of hundred dollars is more accessible than paying over a thousand, but it’s still a lot of money! Buyer’s remorse isn’t uncommon in a world of unexpected vet bills and overdue rent payments. Here are some things to consider when trying to decide whether or not to splurge.

A common topic of conversation at doll meets relates to a blog entry I made a while back on limited dolls. After the wildfire success of Soom’s monthly dolls, BJD companies have learned that limiteds are a safe bet for sales. Great for manufacturers, but maddening for doll buyers. A new doll shows up online. She (or he) is absolutely gorgeous, crazy expensive, and you have approximately two weeks before the ordering window closes and your chance to own one for yourself is gone. Now is it any wonder so many BJD fans have maxed out credit cards and pantries full of ramen noodles? I’ve had my heart broken a couple of times, but over the years I’ve learned some truths about deciding when to go for it, and when to step back. I’ve surprised myself at how often stepping back leads to realizing that I didn’t want that doll nearly as bad as I thought I did. Short ordering windows depend on the frenzy of the moment. In doll collecting, as in other things, cooler heads prevail

When do you go for it? Well, first and foremost, if you can’t afford the doll, you simply can’t afford the doll. If you know your funds are tight, don’t torture yourself by perusing sale sites and new releases. Yes, you might miss something, but you’ll live. I have, and you will too. You’ll probably find even better dolls later, when you won’t have to stress over how to pay for them. Apart from that, your decision often comes down to buying now for the manufacturer’s price, or waiting for the secondary market. If you’re on the fence considering an expensive limited, one thing to determine is how popular does it seem to be? Read the online forums and message boards. Does the buzz sound like everyone and their cat wants this doll, or do you see a lot of negative or lukewarm comments? Contrary to what you might think, very popular dolls will be easier to get second hand. Tons of people will buy them immediately, giving a high likelihood that many will be resold with the following months or year. If however a doll does not sell well in its initial run – odds are that the only people who buy it are those who truly want that doll. You’ll rarely see these dolls for sale after the manufacturer closes orders. In other words, if you’re like me and tend to fall for the “ugly ducklings”, it’s better to pick them up when you have the chance.

The culture of doll collecting, and BJDs in particular, can lead to some less than wise expenditures. We’ve probably all had a sheepish moment or two (…or three) after sending that payment. A few deep breaths and a realistic budget can go a long way to keeping dolls fun, rather than stressful.

Mattel’s new version of the 1970s “Magic Sounds Townhouse”, now called “The Barbie Dream Townhouse) is part of their current “Barbie: Now and Then” line of toys. The idea is to recreate classic playsets, with modern face-lifts and new features.

Mattel’s new version of the 1970s “Magic Sounds Townhouse”, now called “The Barbie Dream Townhouse) is part of their current “Barbie: Now and Then” line of toys. The idea is to recreate classic playsets, with modern face-lifts and new features. (more…)

I was never a big Barbie fan before I saw Silkstones. The modern Barbie is just so available, flashing those overtanned legs, sticking out her chest and grinning like a loon.

Silkstone Barbies are a different kettle of fish, however. The Silkstone Barbie is so unavailable she’s verging on out-and-out snooty. She’s a grown woman and one who would not suffer fools gladly, I’m sure. In short, she’s a doll I can get on board with, a doll who is perfect to play Mad Men’s Joan Holloway.

Imagine my excitement, then, to see that Mattel have collaborated with the makers of Mad Men to create a Silkstone set: Ken as both Roger Sterling and Don Draper and Barbie as Joan Holloway and Betty Draper. The outfits and accessories are sure to be perfect (although miniature cigarettes and cocktails are definitely not on the agenda). The wait until their release in July is sure to feel long.