The Guilt Surrounding Doll Collecting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
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I feel no guilt. I love my dolls. I love collecting them. If I had a partner that didn’t like my collecting he’d have to go.
I find people that try to shame you or guilt you about doll collecting collect other things themselves. My collection/obsession with my dolls has been lifelong.
The biggest challenge for me is worrying about people visiting my home and stumbling upon my room full of dolls and judging me. Especially, parents of my kids’ friends. I have two boys, so a room full of dolls doesn’t make sense. My kids aren’t into them. I worry about it affecting my reputation at their school…
That’s my biggest guilt. Then also money. But like others, I only spend money on dolls. I am super cheap about everything else. I also keep track of my doll budget. I find ways to save to justify a new purchase.
Loved this video! Everyone has their Achilles heel of dolly guilt…
I am a newer collector - just started a few years ago - and I've already learned not to talk about the money with non-dolly people. If you can get folks to see them as art pieces it's a little easier, but so many people think of them as toys or that they're creepy and don't see the value.
That is very frustrating
Yeah, it's much better not to chat about values of dolls...people are so judgemental and it's just not worth the hassle. A doll's value isn't intrinsic, it's just what you're prepared to pay and non-collectors don't understand that.
@@pooshkahnla6074 it's funny because all my dolls so far were purchased directly from the independent artists who created them (I don't have any big "company" dolls yet). If I'd spent the same money on say, a painting that was displayed in my home, or a static sculpture, folks would think little of it!
I've found that it really helps to emphasize the art aspect over the value. With BJDs, it's much easier to win people over by telling them about the handmade, hand painted quality and the difficulty and time it takes to get one. People usually figure out on their own that they aren't cheap :D
Only doll people can understand the interest and the real value of them, as well as all the work that goes into producing them along with their clothes, wigs, shoes and all. So I have learned with time to just keep that little world to myself as that secret garden where I feel happy.
I know many people who love model trains. They build model railway lines with mountains and trees and buildings. They join model train clubs and they watch the trains go round and round in circles for hours. For some reason, people don't seem to think the money and time they put into this hobby is wasted. There's absolutely no difference between people playing with trains or dolls. Enjoy your life because time is precious and short! Do whatever makes you happy.
Exactly 💯☺️
My partner is very supportive when it comes to my doll collecting. He often ask questions about my dolls and shows interest in them. I’m incredibly thankful for that 🙏🏻
Great topic. I feel most guilty about the amount of money I spend. It's strange..if we need something for the house, I compare prices and value to a much greater extent . I buy my own clothes on sale, but buy doll outfits and accessories for more than I pay for my own things..I feel funny about that. I am not impulsive or luxurious in any other regard..and this is my enjoyment..but still :/. I also feel guilty that my daughter, and to an extent, probably my husband, are embarrassed by my hobby. But..oh well..I need something for myself..so although there is guilt, I continue to buy (and sell) :)
I do the same, especially when it comes to things for the house. Makes absolutely no sense but I do 🤣
I feel very guilty about the money I spend on them also. I have only part time work because of poor health. I don't even have space to display them all. Their clothes often cost me more than my clothes do!
Same here. Hubby is both supportive on certain days as he will help to find or fabricate elements I need, but on other days, he's just exhausted with the space they are taking along with all the stuff needed to produce the clothing, the photos, etc. The kids are gone, neither my daughter or grand-daughter have any interest in the doll world, so it's my own little costly turf - I miss my grand-mother who was also a doll nut, made a whole wardrobe for each of my dolls when I was a kid. I started collecting and making clothes for them in 2000 when my grand-daughter was born, She stopped having any interest, I never did! At this point, I am planning to retire in about a year or so , gathering all that could be needed, and will spend my first months reorganizing all of it correctly.
OMG yes! Guilt and shame! I’ve been collecting playline dolls and I feel embarrassed and ashamed when people see my dolls and make a comment. My spouse is supportive because like yours, he collects vinyl. I don’t get collector envy usually though. It seems like if you truly want a doll you will get it eventually. I try to be happy for people who find grail dolls. I really enjoy your videos. I don’t collect most of the types of dolls you do so I enjoy being able to see your lovely collection.
All the best people collect vinyl 💜💜💜💜
That was a very heartfelt video, if there are no collectors artist would find it difficult to keep creating, so you should not feel guilty.
I've collected dolls since I was very young. Always liked them and still do. I always liked Barbies, all kinds of old and antique. Now I've kind of shifted to artist dolls, ooak, and bjds. I see a doll and say to myself, "I've got to have it." But with the artist dolls, I've tried to limit myself to 3 of each artist. I don't know if it's the face of the doll or the fashion of the doll but they appeal to me in so many ways. My taste has changed over the years but there are some dolls I would never sell. I try to display them in little displays and change these from time to time. I have been told by some of my relatives, that I over compensate for lack of children. But I look at it this way, I don't drink, I don't smoke, don't eat in fancy restaurants , have a fancy car or take expensive trips. Sometimes I do think about how much money I've spent. It's an addiction, a vice, but a good one. I don't hurt anyone and it gives me great pleasure and fun. Audie
I always say collecting dolls keeps me off drugs 🤣 But it's true, it doesn't hurt anyone and it actually helps support others in making their dreams come true 💜
I have always been doll lover/collector but for many years did nothing with it because life got complicated. A few years ago a doctor recommended a stress relieving hobby, something that brought me joy as a child, so the dolls came out of storage & will never go back. It's more than a hobby, it does bring me joy, it is good for health, it does help me unwind & relax after a stressful day. I do feel guilt about spending money on doll shoes when I don't spend that much for my own lol . I have started sharing my doll hobby with the elderly people I work with & it has been wonderful.
Yes all of the above!!! It's so stress relieving to have a doll by your side and just brush her hair or change or clothes, or just to look at. It's very therapeutic 💜💜💜
My therapist recommended the same during 2020 and that’s how I rediscovered my love! I feel the same as you ☺️
You have a very wise doctor!
I have heard this one too, that many of us will feel guilty buying thrift store dolls when we can afford market price or even expensive collector dolls while for others, thrift store dolls may be all they can get. I think it was another TH-camr who said somebody yelled at her at thrift store for buying baby clothes for her dolls.
That is a really, really good one. I've been in that position when thrift store dolls were all I could afford, but would never have thought poorly of anyone buying them that could afford otherwise.
That is horrible someone treated her like that. That's terrible :(
I just don't discuss it with anyone who is not a doll collector. They simply don't understand. When I buy baby clothes, and people make a remark that my kids/grand-kids must be a joy, I just smile. No way am I going to step in to that trap! On another hand, one day when I purchased fabric and various house elements for the fabric at a thrift shop, the lady at the counter immediately told me: Oh, we have a person who sews for dolls here I see!" - it was nicely said with a smile, happy to have perceived my secret. That was OK.
I have many thrift store bjd dolls that I intend to rehab and sew for, then maybe give away at Christmas time. We'll see. in the new area that I live there are few dolls at the thrift stores. Probably a blessing.
I just love bjds and muencas poupees, you keep coming up with new dolls/artists that I must have (Novgorod)... Now these napalm dolls... Maybe..😆😳. I keep asking myself, "just how many do I need?".
I love to sew for them, but I also want to make shoes and furniture for them as well. And there is no one in my life who enjoys this hobby so here I am, on TH-cam watching people sew, collect, unwrap, and yak about their dolls. Cracks me up. Great video on guilt. But it makes me happy and if I'm not buying knockoffs, nobody gets hurt for my passion. Cheers chicas!
I would think buying from a thrift store instead of new would not be a guilt because of the environmental impact. You're taking something someone else used and making it your own. I can't believe someone actually got upset and yelled at someone for buying something. There was a time I saw a lady get gobs of purses from a thrift store and I wasn't happy because I didn't get a chance to look at them, but I didn't yell at her because it's first come first serve.
One of the things I feel really guilty about is the majority of my collection is in storage and my parent's house. I only have a handful of dolls with me in the tiny apartment. It makes me feel like I'm favoring my two ag dolls over the rest just because I don't have the space for them yet because I'm just starting out my life as an adult. It also makes me feel guilty about wanting dolls. I technically have the money in savings for some of the more expensive dolls I want but can't bring myself to buy any of them yet because It'd put us in a tight spot if an emergency happened. So I've been slowly putting aside a dollar here and a dollar there for a smart doll because I've been wanting one for so long. But boy does this hobby get expensive if you want new things. That's the main reason why I've developed skills like sewing and crafting. Even a bit of wood working here and there. I don't feel like I appreciate my dolls enough but they are gorgeous and if I never got another doll i know I'd be okay. Though that's never going to happen because thrift stores exist. There's a lot of guilt I find with the hobby but I'd never give it up. I'll always treasure the girls I do have if nothing else.
The trouble is dolls are supposed to be only for children. They are not. We’ve redefined them, and many adults take pleasure in their worlds. But I still feel a bit guilty for never growing out of them. Better get another doll to help me feel better!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 I like your prescription!! I think I'll get another to make me feel better too 🤣🤣🤣
Preach. This was a great topic.
Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it 💜
Another southern girl here! ✋Love your accent! 🤠 Just now coming across your video. I really appreciate this topic. Everything you said is spot on. Stuff I never even realized I was feeling. I have come out of the doll closet and I still feel SO exposed. Like I just told the world a huge secret. It’s seriously not that big of a deal in reality. My fiancé is so supportive and his only comments are doll numbers. Because we live in an apartment and he himself is a minimislist. When we move into a house I cannot WAIT to create a doll room/guest bedroom!
My husband is terrified of dolls and would never set foot in my doll room but he still lets me get dolls because he knows it makes me really happy
I'm so glad he's supportive 🥰
Most of the dolls I collect retain their value so I don’t feel guilty about buying them so much. Plus my husband is supportive because he has a musical instrument obsession 😂.
Awesome topic! The very best part of the vid was when you let your kitty into the room and gave him a big hug ❤ he's such a doll 😊.
My joy is collecting Barbie and other playline dolls ( particularly OMG), and porcelain dolls, but I am hoping to be able to branch out to bjd's eventually. I feel no guilt at all; my hubs is supportive, he collects WWII models and Legos, and besides believes in the old adage "happy wife, happy life". We have no children, we both have decent paying jobs,our bills are paid on time every month, and we're debt free. So bc of all this, we each have our (guilt -free) hobbies
I really appreciate this video. My main guilt is around the money for sure. I grew up pretty poor where we didn't have extra money for fun things all the time. I got into doll collecting by finding great bargains at thrift stores, yard sales, swap meets and doll shows. Things have turned around for my family in recent years and I now have more disposable income but it still feels weird to make a large purchase that would have been impossible before. The first time I bought a bjd for over $200 it felt insanely extravagant. I am currently waiting to buy a Smart Doll for the first time, which will be my most expensive doll to date, and the only reason I'm doing that is that I came into some unexpected money. So I shouldn't feel guilty but I still do.
The other thing I feel guilty about is not giving my dolls the attention they deserve. I still have 3 bjds that don't have faceups and I've had them that way for years. The main reason is that I haven't been able to settle on the look I want for them. It doesn't mean that I love my blank dolls any less than the ones that are painted, it's actually because I do love them that I want to get them done right the first time. I'm hoping to finally make that happen this year. *fingers crossed*
I feel you on the dolls being extravagant...I remember buying my first American Girl doll after I had become a teacher and it was so expensive and such a splurge for me that I had to budget very carefully for 3 months to even be able to do it. Like you, I now have more disposable income due to getting married and changing careers, but I'll never forget those days when thrift store dolls were all I collected, and I still love them as much today as I did then 💜
I can relate a lot to your comment. I too feel guilt for both the lack of attention I give to my dolls and Buying a doll over the $100 dollar mark feels odd. I'm saving slowly for a smart doll too. I hope you get your girl and find out what you want your bjd's face up to look like.
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls that's one great thing is that in can still find a cheap thrift store doll and get really excited about it while also loving my pricier dolls. That's one reason I love your channel is that you show that you don't have to be snooty about price or give up loving old things or cheap things just because you can afford more.
@@lilasmith9679 thank you. 😊 Good luck on saving for your doll.
Must be 7-8years ago I bought a Dolphi doll, my first expensive bjd. Her eyes are not installed, no face up, but finally standing up next to the smart dolls. I want to do the face up myself...lol... Never even tried that on a thrift store doll. Ah, what could go wrong...? And she's nekkid because I want to sew her clothes.
I guess the good news is we're no alone in these dreams and ideas.
This was a great video. It really hit on all the guilt feelings! For me it’s the number of dolls I’ve collected in a short period of time and I have nowhere near what many collectors have. I know not to go into debt over dolls. So I make sure whatever I buy is paid for and not put on charge cards, but do feel guilty .
The money I spend on my dolls, the room they take up and my carbon footprint are my main reasons for feeling guilty. On the other hand, they do give me so much joy and for me it helps to balance when I'm having a hard time. Also, I love to try and restore dolls, give them new life, so that might partly offset my carbon footprint, and like you, I do try to do other small things in my life that hopefully alsomake a small difference with regards to that.
I also love restoring dolls and giving them new life, something that makes me very proud (and there's a preview of my next video 😆)
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls awesome!
Yep, your #1 is my #1 guilt factor too….I have a lot of guilt about my collection. I also feel guilty that my dolls are displayed throughout my house. I feel like when people walk in they probably think a 10 year old little girl decorated my house! My husband is very supportive, it is just my own self making me feel like that! When I think of selling a doll I feel guilty and usually don’t end up doing it….that’s gotta change! I really enjoyed finding out I am not alone in feeling this way.
It's funny because a lot of these guilty things are definitely self imposed 💜
I don't feel guilty about my collecting and you shouldn't either.
Most of the dolls I buy are second hand and I can't even afford the dolls made by artists.
I have to make many waivers and believe me it is not easy.
Perhaps the only thing that bothers me is the fact that I don't have enough space for my dolls which are all piled up and I am very sorry about that.
Anyway thanks for this video. ^-^
Oh, my goodness...thank you for this video! My number 1 guilt for collecting is, like other, of course, money, but I only buy them around the holidays when they are on sale. I rarely pay full price for them. I am single and don't have kids, so this is my hobby. I've collected off and on throughout my life, and my tastes have changed several times. The excitement of finding a new enchanting doll line is so fun! My number 2 guilt is: sometimes people think it's weird. My true friends get it because they collect things, too, such as model train sets, antiques, dishes, etc. It helps that they have a collector mindset. Thank you for sharing your doll knowledge with us. I learn so much from you!
I collect a lot of different dolls, almost only secondhand dolls, I very rarely buy new dolls. I understand by your video, that collecting artist doll can get very personal especially having a youtube channel, where you share them to other collectors. I don´t have any guilt collecting dolls and neither should you. Of course it´s easier not feeling guilty when you don´t have a personal relationship to the makers of the dolls you collect. I don´t care what people think about my doll collecting, its my life and as long as I´m not nasty and hurt other people, it´s only my opinion on that subject that matters. The artist should be thankfull that you want to buy their dolls and show them on your channel. Keep up the good work :-) Hugs from Denmark.
I feel guilty a lot about my dolls because I'm a college student who is graduating without debt because I lived at home and have been working since I was 16 (I'm 21 now). I also live in Canada so school is cheaper than the United States. I feel guilty because a lot of my peers are struggling financially and I'm able to buy retired American Girl dolls for $200 every few months. I have a doll budget of $50 each month and know that is a lot for a lot of people my age. I feel very fortunate and sometimes worry people don't see how grateful I am because it looks like I'm buying dolls all the time but a lot of thinking goes into what dolls I buy and I do budget and have never gone into debt for anything. I try to remind myself that people my age buy fancy clothes or go to fancy schools (I go to one of the cheapest) so everyone makes choices.
You did a remarkable job covering all the aspects of the subject! I recommend that you lay all that guilt to rest and continue to enjoy your hobby!
I worry about the money sometimes and I know I should sell more. I sometimes sell and then regret losing the doll.
But, over all, it's something that is fun and makes us happy. Try to tune out any negativity as it is totally your business and no one else's how you manage your collection!
I almost fall to the ground when you said "I have 3 more Hushes on the way" xD But I really think that's a good thing. Because you always make pictures of all of them and I, for example, know that I wouldn't make them justice if they were in my collection (I know, it's easier to say this while I already have an amazing Hush in my collection). I really think that watching other people's dolls is a valid way to enjoy them, without having to purchase each doll that I like. Let's face it, I wouldn't give them enough attention if they were here, and I like too many sculptures and face ups, so it's nice to be able to "delegate" and let others be the ones who give life to these amazing dolls for us all to enjoy at social networks ^^
Same happens with the changing taste. Although not all the dolls are for me, for my personal collection, I am still able to recognize and appreciate their beauty in other's collections. The fact that I prefer 1/4 dolls, for example, doesn't mean that I hate others' 1/3 dolls. I actually love 1/3 mature molds, I am just not comfortable about their size. So, it's very relieving being able to enjoy them in others' pictures!
🤣🤣🤣 changing taste is definitely a tough one because sometimes you end up with a doll that means so much to you, but for whatever reason, you don't feel the bond. I still, like you, enjoy looking at others people's pictures of them, but maybe I don't need them in my collection 💜
Ha! Now I feel guilty about things I didn't even know I felt guilty about!
🤣
I collect many many dolls, Vintage, Barbies, Reborn Dolls, All kinds of dolls! Love Them! I love being a doll collector! ♥️ Exactly if your bills & needs met then do your hobby.
My collection took a huge turn recently and I struggled with some guilt over that. I started out collecting baby dolls, such as reborns and silicones and even some antique baby dolls and then I discovered smart dolls..... I definitely had a drastic change in taste lol
LOL!!! That is pretty drastic but also one I definitely approve of (said the lady with 8 smart dolls and counting) 🤣
#1 YASSSSSSS!!! This was an excellent video so relatable. Thank you for sharing🥰
Thank you so much for watching 💜💜
This was an amazing topic that truly hit a nerve for me. I tend to feel very guilty about my doll collecting. First when I was young it was not as a immature behavior to collect dolls and play with them. Secondly, my collection has become quite large in the past 3 years, due to the fact that I was taking care of my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That whole experience was quite traumatic to me. I found that the dolls had become friends, companions and comfort items. So, the more I had the better I felt. Although it did not cure my mothers cancer nor in the end did it save her from dying. Thirdly, the amount of space, money and time I devote to my dolls. We recently sold our house and I had to pack up my whole entire collection. The realization that it was over 20 large moving boxes, was quite overwhelming for me. Just seeing all of those boxes that had contained my collection made me think ,” why are you doing this”!! Now mind you, my family and I are financially set, we don’t have any debt. Our cars are paid off. We almost never go out to eat to restaurants or order fast food. I even have a small eBay business that I used to buy and sell items, so I can buy my dolls. However, I often feel I should be saving the money I make instead of buying the dolls. I guess guilt is just a part of being a collector of anything. I do love my dolls a lot, they mean the world to me.
I think it is just a part of collecting, but all of us choose to spend our money on different things. We just choose dolls instead of fancy cars or things like that 💜💜
5. Not bonding with a doll, whichever one you're not bonding with you can always donate them to me 💗 lol! *Yet I do know that feeling about not being enough time in a day to spend quality time with our dollys* :(
😆😆 I just did a huge giveaway of dolls - time is our greatest resource and I wish I had so much more of it 😢
You always have great content! And I always learn so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍👍
💜💜💜
Thank You for sharing your experience and problems,it is so cool and comfortable to has someone who is supporting your hobbies and meet your friends to share your doll experience💕
☺☺☺🤩🤩🤩❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
My biggest guilt is the money I have spent. I could have done a kitchen renovation but instead I have these beautiful items to look at. My partner doesn’t understand but he doesn’t say anything and helps build doll houses and display cases. We recently turned one room into a doll room for me separating my dolls from my daughter’s (she’s 15). My parents and my aunt don’t understand and they are the worst. I tend to avoid using the word doll near them. :)
No guilt here. I have 642 friends on Facebook. I post my dolls on my page and know that I may only get five likes but they are from one sister and one cousin who collect Barbie and perhaps three other people if I’m lucky. I’m 62 so not worried about what others think. Everyone has their hobby that they spend money on. I have a room dedicated to my dolls and a few scattered throughout the house. I have 4 grandchildren under the age of 4 and small nieces and nephews they are not allowed in my doll room. All of the dolls I own I have purchased. I am the bread earner in my family. My husband does not mind. I just retired and purchased 1500 worth of dolls. Luckily I was blessed with a great job. I’ve been collecting since 1991.
It's so awesome to have a supportive partner 💜
I feel guilty when I buy these common mass market dolls rather than artist or handmade dolls. I love Magic Attic, Madame Alexander, Effanbee, Tonner, Gene Marshal, AG, and Barbie etc...but then I also make crafts and things for the dolls and I buy artists items for those dolls. I feel so conflicted. I also feel you about the money. I buy used items and am learning to make and restore things so I spend $20-150 maximum on dolls a month. I'm living in a small apartment owned by relatives while I save for a home which adds to the guilt but at the height of the pandemic if a lot of a Magic Attic Doll from Ebay cheered me up verses feeling lonely and isolated I don't think it is bad, dolls are cheaper than therapy and at the time were less dangerous than socializing. I'm pausing my buying again for now, since I really want to move to a home. Oh, and I also feel guilty that some of my dolls live in storage since my space is limited. Literally my handmade dolls, Eden Toy Madelines, all my porcleain dolls, AGs and most of my barbies are in storage.
OMG!! Yes!! I thought I was just being so ridiculous... I wanted a Big Bailey Meadow Doll so badly, one came up and she was gorgeous.. my first really big doll purchase... and when she came, I just couldn't get into playing with her! I felt so bad that I spent that much money on a doll and then just nothing.... my husband is very supportive and just said to give it time, but not happening so I've sold her (which is another long story, because I had no idea when I sent her off that the person receiving her would be so angry that I sent her UPS. Is there a right way and wrong way to send dolls? The buyer never said anything one way or the other beforehand so I just sent her the way I received her. Maybe you could do a video on packing and sending dolls? I'm so anxious now for her to get the doll and it all be alright) Haven't told my husband yet... he's deployed so when she arrives safely at her destination I'll tell him!
I send dolls USPS if they are not too heavy. If they are 4 pounds or more, I would do UPS. Not sure why your buyer is upset! How strange.
Wow this was such an insightful video for me. My most expensive doll was $125, and funny I felt sooooo guilty for buying it. My husband made a comment about how, “aren’t you making dolls so that you don’t have to buy them?” LOL I’m like, oh wow, thanks babe. He didn’t mean to make me feel bad, but it kinda did. I still don’t own a BJD, but that’s only because I don’t want to be influenced while making mine. I wish I could own them ALL!!! However because of your channel, I get to see them up close and very personal. I am so grateful for that....you’ve no idea. Always my go to channel for doll information. You’re so informative for all doll lovers....so buy away!!! I love that you point out....don’t let your hobby put you in debt. Priorities in life matter. We love seeing your dolls and hearing your opinions....I have no doubt that artists are completely honored that you chose their doll to purchase....and completely understand when you sell and share the love. You rock girl!!!!!
LOL!! I can understand not wanting to have one at home to not be influenced by it. I often will not watch other people's unboxings or doll videos just to make sure when I do one my reaction is real and I don't inadvertently let theirs influence mine.
Your video was very relatable and brought up many interesting points. I collect mostly play line dolls and the reason for my collection being smaller than most TH-cam collectors is that I am very picky and have strong preferences. These include extreme favoritism towards redhead, asisn, or goth dolls. One of my Aspie traits is also having comfort objects, so the dolls that end up at comfort object level get loved on and redressed a lot more while my least favorites are basically ignored and set aside in comparison. And my one experiance with being disallusioned after falling in love with a brand was when Our Generation started using the newer, current face mold on all their newer releases. I fell in love with the brand because I found the older, classic face mold to be so adorable and a nice relef from the American Girl imitation face molds on every other 18" doll line. They were doing their own thing and I found it very aesthetically pleasing. Now I can't go down the Our Generation isle without feeling disappoint and sadness because that hideous newer face mold is on the vast majority of the dolls on the shelves while I can only think about how much better the dolls would look if they stuck to the 'cuter' face mold and the two molds that got a lot of favor with AG collectors and are hard to find due to being so in demand (the Melina and Lake molds are exceptionally beautiful yet very rarely used. It's so sad to see those very in-demand face molds be ignored in favor of a less popular one). But yeah, that is one of the few times I fell out of love with a particular line. And always playing favorites and having to budget due to not having a full time job, I don't have a lot of dolls, but I plan and save up specifically for at most my top 1 favorites in a line if I even end up liking any of them. As a result, I have not had to downsize or sell off unwanted dolls, because I don't buy ones I don't completely love in the first place. I also worry about being perceived as childish for being an OOTB collector and liking several play line dolls (Rainbow High, Monster High, Our Generation, etc.). But so far, I have not had to deal with people judging me for it. I collect dolls that make me happy and that I find beautiful, and that is what matters to me.
If OOTB means out of the box I'm 💯 right there with you, I cannot bear to leave a doll in the box 💜
This was great video! I feel guilty when I post on Instagram or Facebook and some other collector says I wish they sold these dolls in my country or in my country they 3 times the price. This mainly Rainbow High dolls I collect. I collect mainly Barbie and Rainbow High dolls and sometimes Monster High. I agree, it's important to have your priorities straight having your bills paid and not be in debt. It's true that this luxury hobby. One should have a saving just in case if an emergency.
That's a good one, it's hard and I feel for the collectors that can't get the dolls they want because of location 😢
Wow, I'm @ #5 & almost in tears...it's like I'm hearing myself (guilt). I'm SO relieved to know that it's not just me. Thank you so much for making this video.
Aww you are definitely not alone thanks for watching 💜
Kind of off-topic, but I want you to know that you just really helped me straighten my head about being an artist. A friend of mine asked me, “are you going to just make one item at a time and just sell that one thing?” She thinks I should make more money. If art was production line it wouldn’t be art. Hearing you talk about artist dolls woke me up to that fact. You wouldn’t be excited about the artist dolls if they were pumped out in big identical batches.
Guilt is a pretty useless emotion. Thank you for addressing this. I especially liked what you said about bonding. I didn’t realize that I had guilt over my failure to bond with a few of my dolls. I’ll add another category for you... I’ve customized dolls in ways that completely devalues them, but pleases me. My husband has to remind me that they’re MY dolls and it’s okay!
That's exactly right, having low numbers of things generates a lot of excitement and makes the item more special 💜
Hi Allison! I just really love your channel! I can so relate to the guilt surrounding doll collecting. I've been a collector all my life. I can't remember a time I didn't collect. I guess my number one problem is partner guilt. You're SO lucky to have a husband who is supportive of your hobby. My husband is , shall we say, very careful with his money. I love to collect but he doesn't understand how my mind works. Ha. We're in a good place financially so I get quite upset when he poopoos my hobby. Our marriage is great except for this thing. Ha. We also have no children as well. Dolls are a way of making me happy and bringing joy to my life.
I love your dolls keep collecting and don’t feel guilt about it . I’m just starting and so far Barbie , monster high and More . Love you and your dolls
Thank you so much 💜💜💜
No guilt. You bring happiness to us all every time you share your dolls with us!
Aww thank you so much 🥰
I feel guilty for wanting another doll when I have so much to be thankful for. I have dolls that don't get the attention they deserve but I also would love a new one. Its a conundrum. Thank you Alison for your videos they make me happy and I enjoy watching you have fun with your dolls and sharing your passion for the hobby with everyone on TH-cam. :)
This was a really interesting topic that really needs to be addressed more. All except the partner one applies to me and is stuff I think about a lot.
I am always scared of people judging me but happy the 3 people I care the most about (my parents and my sister) are supportive (they even collect things themselves, my mom and sister collects kpop albums and my dad collects comics). I do collect kpop albums and merch as well in addition to dolls and not willing to drop either collection so I have to budget a lot to make it work. It really helps that I don't have any children or partner (and never will have either of them, for reasons I don't feel comfortable getting into online), no car, no loans, no pets, live cheap, never travel, and last but not least I do have an income. Dolls and kpop is what I am passionate about and collecting these thing makes me happy, and it doesn't hurt anyone, so why is it so hard for others to respect that and mind their own business? I sometimes feel like people think that I'm not "adult" enough compared to others my age. I usually don't care but sometimes it gets to me, that this is something I should be ashamed of. Truth be told my way of life isn't any less valid than theirs just cause I don't follow the stereotype. It's not "immature", it's living the way that makes me happy. Immature for me is beeing irresponsible, rude, disrespectful, overspending your limit, not paying all my bills etc and none of that is me.
Also wanted to add for context, I collect 1/6 playline dolls that I get customized so they become one of a kind. I do have two 1/6 integrity toys dolls as well, one of them beeing my grail doll. I do like BJDs, I just don't want one myself, it's not my thing, but I love seeing other people's pictures of them, they are really inspiring. I did go out of my comfort zone recently and got an 18" doll (DC Superhero Girls Batgirl) and I am super excited for her! Been eyeing her for years and finally decided to go for it. Have been looking at clothes on etsy in case I want to redress her sometime but unsure which size will fit her the best.
I'm so glad this resonated with you and totally agree as long as we are responsible with our collecting why should anyone be bothered by it
I simply love your candor! You hit on subjects that are truly hard to discuss - and the feelings we have. I have to say you have hit the nail on the head for my list of doll guilt. We should allow ourselves some grace. You have given me so many things to think about with my collection.
Thank you so much for watching 💜
Great video! I agree with a few of these, but my #1 is that my daughters want what I have. I want to get them these nice dolls, but they are kids. I also worry about embarrassing my family when I’m out with a doll, but that’s mostly my own insecurity (fear of not being taken seriously) and am blessed with mostly family and friends who “get me.”
Really good video! My guilt is financial like if a family member needs something and I’m over buying more and more dolls, and also the fact that I could afford expensive dolls, when other collectors can’t.
Yes, I definitely feel that 💜
I'm mostly guilty about the money, I'm less guilty about a lot of stuff than you are 😊 Also the fact that I know a lot of people look at it and think for what you spent on your collection you could have bought a new car, paid more of your house, less debt, etc. so I think I feel guilty about the frivolity of it. I do recognize how much the hobby has done for me mentally, so I think frivolity is definitely perspective based, but that's probably the biggest one for me.
I agree, doll collecting is absolutely necessary for me mentally, so honestly that is priceless.
What a great answer - I now realize that dolls may have been a great part of why I got out of my depression without medication; hubby also did but relapsed a few times while taking medication. I'm on a roll with my dolls, feeling happy ... and a part of guilt I decided to live with.
I am very Leary about people coming into my studio because I am obsessed with omg dolls😂 I’m into repainting and making clothes for dolls, I pick up most of my repaints second hand so I have a supply waiting for me to make them over. I do need to start selling them though cuz I am running out of room to display them.
Such a good topic!
My guiltiest feeling is the change in my doll collection, I used to collect vinyl and recently I switched to resin.. so now I feel guilty about my vinyl girls .. so point number 4 is a big one for me 🤍🙏🏻
All so true. Glad I am not the only one.
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Thank you for sharing your guilty feelings with us… I identified the most with your last two… I think is because some people are always commenting on why I spend my money on such a frivolous things… and I always tell them “they make me happy” and that’s a good enough reason for me… thank goodness my husband is supportive🙌🏼
Exactly!! That's the best reason 💜💜
My guilty feelings are for how much money has been spent. I also feel bad about lack of display room and props to make a cute setting.
I feel guilty for spending money on props!
Love this video. I do feel a lot quilts. But also I feel a lot of joy collecting and customizing dolls. It helps me get through this pandemonium period and busy work/ home schedudele. So keep playing, loving collecting!
It definitely helped me get through this last year 💜💜
I feel guilty, though it's a very small collection. The dolls I wanted were stupidly overpriced since only scalpers were selling them.. I think it's especially hard for people that grew up disadvantaged, we tend to feel bad spending on any non-necessity.
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I thank God my hubby doesn’t mind my collecting dolls. But he collects things too. Also, my tastes change too. Like I still love my monster high and ever after high collection, but I’m just not into them at the moment. I’m into Barbie, LOL, Rainbow High and etc. Anywho great video an your dolls are very nice! I love to view peoples dolls to appreciate what they have, to also give me ideas of what I may want and inspiration.
I am also SO thankful for a supportive partner 💜💜
I have NO guilt with doll collecting. I show off my dolls with pride to everyone. No shame in my toy collecting game! ;) But I understand some people who might
That's great 💜💜
Great video Alison and I can identify with so many of them! I do think though that the fact that you do display all your artist dolls (albeit not in lit cabinets showcasing them as you would like) is so much better than keeping them stored away in boxes like I know many collectors end up doing who cite lack of space. An artist wants a collector to enjoy and appreciate their dolls and you do, so you should take that off your list 😉😀 Plus you support them and the hobby in such a big way!
I really love this perspective and honestly hadn't thought about that, as I do know many collectors who keep their dolls boxed up 💜💜
I don't feel guilty, but I don't have many dolls. I only felt overwhelmed when I had too many, so then I just paired down. Everyone has different comfort levels though.
Everyone is definitely comfortable with different levels 💜💜
This is an interesting concept - I don't think I've ever felt guilty about having dolls themselves. I don't have a huge collection but I wouldn't want someone else to feel guilty about having a bigger one. The only time I can think I'd feel guilty is if I spent a lot of money and then I'm thinking oh my goodness could I have used that money somewhere else! But I try hard to save up for my dolls, and it's more about reasurring myself I think. I don't think you should feel you are 'taking' a doll opportunity from someone else - these are luxury items. No one 'deserves' or 'needs' one over someone else. If you saved up, you earned it! The display guilt hits though haha, one day I hope I'll have a doll room! My one case is getting pretty cramped!
I like the way you think 💜💜
I collect barbies, and a lot of people think I’m childish and I can’t lie I kinda am 😂 but I don’t even play with them like kids do I consider playing with them as in brushing their hair and dressing them, when I purchased my first dollfie, a dollfie dream sister Ranka Lee I was scared people would think I’m crazy but I loved these dolls and now I have one and I’m so happy and thankful I was able to have a doll like a dollfie dream and my dream doll is Yuriko Nanao which I hope to get soon, I don’t want to have a large collection but I just want things to share with others. I’ve also always wanted the hatsune miku Sakura doll but sheesh is she expensive now even used >~< hopefully I can find her but she’s very popular, and the competition over those vocaloid dolls is intense they almost always sell out the second they come up. 😅
That's the same thing I consider "playing" ... Dressing them, brushing their hair, etc, it so calming 💜
This was an especially awesome video Allison. Great idea! SO FUN to see a picture of you and your husband and I love that he collects vinyl too! I am also very luck to have a partner who supports my doll collecting especially since I've spent a substantial amount during COVID on doll collecting. He collects cars and unfortunately since they take up so much space (he basically buys used cars, fixes them up and then keeps them) I'm NOT as supportive of that. I've been married to him for almost 30 years and he still has some vintage mustangs that have been in a storage unit and I've never seen come out from beneath the dust cover. I keep asking him to let me have the '65 Mustang but he says it has an alignment problem (as if I'd CARE!!) Always great videos and always fun to hear your words of wisdom. I've got an extensive AG/Pleasant Co. collection but so hoping to add a my first Smart doll to the collection by Christmas. Fun to see your girls behind you on display. All my best to you both.
Thank you so much for watching 💜
Definitely get the guilt with how many dolls i have/the cost. I have 9 bjds with 2 on preorder, 2 vinyls, and a few barbies. Sometimes i feel guilty about how much space it takes up and how much it cost, but I keep up with my grad school payments, and my student loans are manageable and paid monthly, and I have a good paying job. Sometimes I think it's just because it makes me feels selfish, you know?
That makes sense to me too - but we work hard to buy the things we enjoy. A friend of mine told me recently that I've worked hard my whole life I don't need to feel guilty for buying anything - that was something I really needed to hear.
Love your videos! Suggestion: Get a really nice case and change them periodically so that each of your museum quality pieces get some time. 😊
You know I have actually really considered this before, I might have to do it 🤔
I just finished watching this and can relate to some but don't have the same guilt factor. My spouse is very supportive because he collects things too.
I used to buy the newest eye shadow palettes from my favorite cosmetic companies and never use them. They would just sit on my shelf collecting dust. Unlike dolls where you can resell or even give away, makeup expires so into the trash it goes.
Because of my previous cosmetic and makeup obsession, I don't have too much guilt with the doll collecting. I am new to the doll collecting world and just getting started. I do feel the environmental guilt and made in China guilt. Like you I try to change other things to help lessen the impact and buy items that are not made by slave wages when possible.
I also have the financial guilt and space guilt too.
Great video!
Having a supportive spouse is something I'm really grateful for...I know many collectors who don't have that support but I just makes life so much better when the person you love can allow you to be yourself 💜
Fantastic video. My biggest guilt is spending the money because I should be saving more for my old age years.
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About 25 years ago, one of the big bosses at my job said, 'Pay yourself first.' in passing. How I wish I'd done that.
So I say to you now, with love, open a Roth IRA, determine the maximum you can put in it annually, divide that by 12, and then put that amount into the Roth every month, or as much of it as you can afford. Set it to be deposited automatically by your bank so that it happens without your thinking about it. And enjoy your dolls!
Great video, Alison. Like you, I'm careful not to go into debt to buy dolls, but it's a very expensive hobby, as you say. The majority of my dolls were Barbies and thrifted vinyl playdolls (once I found 4 Sasha Morgenthaler dolls at the Salvation Army!!). But the Smart Doll addiction is a very costly and guilty pleasure kind of situation. Anyway, you made excellent points in your video, thank you!
I admire you. You seem so balanced. Your collection is beautiful.
#3... HOLY COW, I feel ya! 💜
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I relate to the not bonding guilt. I have two dolls in my relatively small collection that I just don't like. I kind of got caught up in other peoples excitement and it turns out I just don't like them. My guilt it a little silly, it has to do with feeling like I'm hurting the dolls feelings more than anything. I know it's silly, but I really love some of my others.
I feel the same way when I don't bond! I have a newish doll here that is so beautiful, I love other people's pictures and videos of her, but now that she's here, I just haven't bonded. It feels totally guilty!
I at one point had 2 Minifee Juri 2008's. I actually got a bit of hate because of having twins of a rare doll. Alls fair in love and dolls like you said. I actually moved on from Minifees and very recently got a new one again. Not sure why people cared so much. I legit just love the sculpt. Thanks for the video. I definitely spend way too much money on doll stuff. Trying to scale back for the rest of the year. It can be hard because man the new releases and new artists up and coming. It's exciting. lol
I've seen other people get hate for having multiples of rare dolls and I've never understood. A friend of mine once had every rare Nikki Britt doll that was ever made and people could be quite nasty with her. I do think all's fair in love and dolls 💜💜
Thank god for people like Rachel Hoffman too.
I think about the cost guilt like this: I stopped drinking and I would frequently think nothing of spending 45 or more dollars at the liquor store every week. And dolls hopefully aren't going to kill me lol
That's a great way to think about it 💜💜
Thank you for validating these feelings. 💕
Thank god all of my partners have been supportive. My current one and my ex both buy me dolls too. They see it as a hobby and an innocent one at that.
I can't even imagine trying to collect without a supportive partner it would be so difficult 😢
So, I'm a doll collector. I have a ton of dolls, but specifically over fifty American Girl dolls.
I'm in a few groups with some newer collectors and I'm embarrassed and feel guilty frequently when people ask to see collection pics and it takes me four pics to get my whole collection in and then people comment on how many dolls I have and I'm sort of like...swear I'm not trying to make anyone jealous or make them feel bad about their smaller collections, this just is how I collect. I like to photograph my dolls and make up stories for them, so I like a variety to choose from. Yet I always feel weird doing collection pics and videos.
My doll guilt started at like age 8 when my grandmother (who was otherwise lovely) would constantly say "are you still playing with dolls? You're too old for that" - and here I am at 39, waiting on edge for my two new dolls to arrive 🤣
Also 39 here and never growing out of dolls 😍
This is such a great topic to discuss _< I sold her cuz I found out that I can't really afford to have her, cuz she's new in my collection and I only have 1 outfit for her and because of that I don't play with her as often as my Minifeee doll, plus I really need the money so I have no choice but to sell her :( but Im really happy that at least she's heading over to Popovyprince and ik he'll give her a good home
I do sometimes feel guilty about buying dolls too, but I should not. I have many ways of justifying buying dolls, but mostly cuz I love them.
I do feel guilty about the amount of money I have spent, even though I am responsible with my money. I just can't help feeling guilty sometimes.
It's really hard for me to help that aspect too. I think it's because I truly used to be broke, and so there will always be those pangs of guilt when I spend $$$ on dolls.
I have one thing that makes me feel guilty. I'm pretty much dolled out, I ran out of space. So with that said, what makes me feel guilty is this. I have 1 holy grail doll left on my list and it's expensive. It's absurdly expensive. It's an antique French Bru doll. The expense of that makes me feel guilty. I might have to sell a few of my better dolls to buy it. Which also makes me feel guilty. Selling off my Jumeau's would make me sad.
Space is such an issue for me too 😩
As a new doll collector I do get a bit frustrated at more seasoned doll collectors who snap up dolls so quickly especially full sets. But that's the way it is, I still managed to get my first doll though which is a PashaPasha! So don't feel bad if you can't secure what you want yet, it will happen. But honestly doesn't the competitiveness of it make it more fun and thrilling? And even more rewarding? But then you also have the other side of the coin where you get super sad because you missed out on a doll you want. But what can you do it's a balance 🤷♀️
Congratulations on your PashaPasha!! What a great first doll 🥳 And honestly if the competition wasn't so tough, the dolls wouldn't retain their value or be worth what they are, if that makes sense.
This was a great video! I feel like you've never expected anyone to keep up with you, you've always said that anyone can be a doll collector even if they have one doll. You are buying lots of dolls and showing us so that we can see them without buying them!
The guilt is real though. I have one Ob11 doll and my 1st bjd on pre order and I already feel bad for money spent!
It's so true even with one doll, anyone can be a collector 💜💜
I've just spent about $230 on a doll that was originally priced at $30 on Mattel around 2019. I don't feel so good about it, but I am trying to fight the guilty feeling. She was hard to find and other sellers had her for more.
I know that feeling but it sounds like you got a deal in comparison, congratulations 💜
Great video. Thank you for sharing. I tend to have personal guilt for buying multiples of something. Same mold. Twin sets lack understanding. Another guilt is making time to learn more about the doll. Something may catch my attention. I get it and wish i either saved all the artist info. Dates , names , series info. Etc. it’s time consuming. This next guilt I will say falls into the category of greed. Like a piece of chocolate , sometimes I just want to enjoy a doll by myself. Not photograph to share more or tell anyone what I have. Then I’d feel bad having to tell a dozen ppl sorry I’m not selling. It’s bonding that stirs hoarding so I can obsess alone. Last guilt many collectors do but don’t admit is bragging! To be the FIRST to post you got something exclusive, limited or one of a kind. This isn’t a personal guilt of mine because I’m just too slow to cart new & limited friends to help me. I’m a slow hunter. But I understand & can appreciate the trend setters that make us want to run with the new. 💞Hugs kisses & dolly wishes !
This is a great video for a tag!! I Enjoyed it!
Thank you 💜
Thank you for opening up about this topic. sometimes I feel guilt and some time not , I am older and it feel kinda of crazy to want dolls and many dolls like anything that comes out on the market . I have two boys and one said what will we do with them when you die . so I have to plan for that . my doll bring me joy . and for right now that's what matters .not hurting anyone and not spending more then what I have . for now I keep it simple Barbie and rainbow high dolls
Thank you for sharing your story with me 💜
Oh, so much guilt for so many reasons. For a long time I thought it was just me. Nice to know I'm not alone.
Always feeling guilty about enjoying my hobbies for some reason.
I guess knowing many can’t afford these items, makes me feel guilty.
Thank you for this post!🤦🏽♀️
My partner collects vinyl and trains, so I do have his support...but everyone else!🤦🏽♀️
Thank you so much for this video
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What makes me feel guilty is buying another one after I've told myself no more for this amount of time.
I went into debt the other day, but it was a different thing than when people who collect high end artist dolls do. It kind of went like this:
Tam: These guys only take paypal, but I really like that crochet pattern.
friend: **buys that pattern for Tam**
Tam: **much squeal, and then later buys a blog subscription for the friend.**
I watched this video a couple of times so could really form what I wanted to say without it sounding strange! I've collected BJDs for about 15 years and Barbie since I was a child. I LOVE dolls. My family always encouraged and enabled my habit. I've never been ashamed of my dolls, felt that I was criticized or ridiculed, at least to my face, for having them, or felt that I needed to justify the expense. I do feel a little twitchy when I spend money on them. Not so much on the dolls themselves, but on the things they need, like clothes and wigs. In the last six months, I've purchased four and paid cash for all of them without taking funds away from necessities. So, no guilt. I moved cities after caring for my terminally ill father, so I had put my dolls in storage. I intended to unpack them and display them when I moved, but I've been here for almost six years and I'm only now getting them out. As I uncover every loved face, I feel horrible that I didn't do it sooner. Even though I packed them with the utmost care, I see crushed eyelashes and yellowing resin, wrinkled clothing and shedding wigs. I'm gradually replacing what I can with pretty new clothes and updated wigs, but the guilt is still there. I love my dolls and I have no intention of selling them (and every intention of buying more!), but I feel like I'm torturing myself every time I look at Instagram and all of the gorgeous dolls there. I'm not ashamed, but I feel like I shouldn't share mine because I don't have what it takes to compare. I'm really not whining, but I just want you to know that I understand and feel everything you said in this vid... thank you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story! I, like you, have never once been ashamed to be a doll collector. Only one "friend" ever gave me any crap about it, and the other friends put him in his place pretty quickly. It's such an amazing and fulfilling hobby 💜💜
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls Thank YOU for providing such thoughtful, enjoyable content. I don't share a lot about my dolls outside of my close friends (and even then, it's limited), so it's nice to be able to talk about it with other collectors who can understand exactly how I feel!
A really Great video ❤
Funny that my 3 favorite doll artists, you don't have any of their dolls! lol! ;) Maybe some day...
You can't make a comment like that and then not say who they are 🤔
I am very lucky that I've got a very supportive husband. Our ( my sister and I) love for dolls come from my mom, she made it special. I have had it before that people made remarks like aren't you too old to play with dolls but I don't care because it makes me happy. I have a limit on the amount of money I spend on dolls and dolls I have because I struggle to sell them, I grow too sentimental.