Happy Cinco de Mayo!

In celebration of this holiday, check out the following cuties, courtesy of Amazon:

• Barbie Peek-a-boo Petites: Girls of the World Collection - #48 Maria of Mexico Doll
• Dolls of the World Mexican Barbie Doll 1988
• Bratz Party Yasmin New in Box
• Dolls of the World Collection Mexican Barbie Doll
• Barbie "Teresa" - Quinceanera 15
• Festiva Barbie
• Barbie Collector - Dolls of the World - Princess of Ancient Mexico Barbie
• Nivica Dba Falcon Miniatures - Dollhouse - Nachos Grande sold at Miniatures
• Madame Alexander Dolls, 8" Mexico, International Collection

Enjoy the holiday!

Finding older Barbies at the price you want to pay.

Perhaps you're like me--an adult collector who has decided to remake her childhood collection, and add the dolls she always wished for as a girl. In my case, it's 1980s-era pink box Barbies, which were made in copious supply. But these days, it's rare to find a NRFB pink box Barbie, and those can be priced fairly high. So, what to do? What is the best way to find a doll like this? I'll share my tips with how I found Crystal Barbie.

• First, I had to decide what condition I would settle for in my collection. Crystal Barbie was a doll I never owned as a girl, and one I had always coveted. Ideally, I wanted a complete and mint doll. Non-smoking home was a must.
• Next, I started my search on Google. It helps a lot if you know the doll's year of issue. Crystal was originally released in 1983. It just helps because there may be other dolls with a similar name, and this will help narrow your search. I entered "crystal barbie 1983" in the search box.
• Amazon often has third party sellers that carry vintage dolls. They currently have two listed. One for $99.97 and one for $30. Be sure to always check the sellers' rating before purchasing from a third party seller. And because the price range differ so much (when I was looking, I only saw the $99.97 doll for sale), be sure to do some comparison shopping, too.
• Sure enough, on the first page of the Google listings, there are some Shopping Results. Again, pretty big price range, the lowest is $40 from Ruby Lane. Unfortunately, the doll listed there is missing her right drop earring (and her hair isn't exactly mint).
• Don't forget about the wonderful DollPage Show and Sell site. It's free to post your ads for dolls there, and all listings are only for dolls. Do your homework (on price and also on seller feedback!) before making an offer on a doll, however.
• Next, check out eBay. Make sure you ask relevant questions before you buy (for me, that question might be, "Does she come from a non-smoking home?") And also, be sure the seller has plenty of positive feedback. You may bid on more than one doll at a time, but you run the risk of winning all of them, or none of them. Also, you can do your own search on eBay as well. Here are the results of "crystal barbie -jubilee -rhapsody -splendor -elizabeth -holiday", which will show you mostly Crystal Barbie (and still some others you're not looking for, too). It's a good way to gauge going prices. Also look on Completed Listings as well, though you will have to log in to eBay to see the results.
• If you're looking specifically for a Barbie, be sure to stop by the Doll Lounge. They often have dolls here at reasonable prices. They also have a selection of celebrity dolls, Crissy, Glamour Gals, Jem, Tuesday Taylor, She-Ra, Rainbow Brite, Masters of the Universe, Smurfs and more.
• Also, don't forget to check Joe's List, Joe Blitman's website. His inventory is updated regularly and is worth checking out. He knows all there is to know about vintage dolls and collecting. I bet if you can't find a particular doll, he might be able to help you.
• Doll club meetings and doll shows. Sometimes, you'll find the doll you've always wanted in someone else's collection. So don't be shy--bring up the fact that you're on the lookout for a particular doll. Lots of people are looking for a specific doll. Who knows? Maybe someone has one of your favorites up for sale or trade!

Edit:

• Nancy, one of my regular readers, left a comment with three other terrific sources for hard-to-find dolls that I forgot to add: your local thrift stores are the first. I found a wonderful 1970s era PJ in excellent condition quite recently, and now, I'm bummed if I drive by and the stores aren't open.
• Her second suggestion: yard sales! Another wonderful resource. I have an aunt we sometimes call the yard sale queen. She finds wonderful deals without even looking. I need to put her to work for me. 
• Nancy's last suggestion: Craig's List. You can even post Want to Buy posts on there, I believe. It's all free. You can look at local listings or national listings (if you know someone in the area, it's ideal, just for references and so you can pay cash). And thanks, Nancy!

Finally, I'd like to invite you to post a comment on this article, if you're looking for a holy grail or hard-to-find doll.  I'd love to help you out. Maybe one of my other readers can help you, as well. And don't forget to subscribe to the comment thread, in case someone gets back to you. Good luck with your search!

Great prices on 1990s era Barbies!

Check out these fantastic prices on the 35th Anniversary Barbie (both blonde and brunette), Hallmark Victorian Elegance from 1994 and 1995 (all 10% below retail) and also Avon exclusive Spring Blossoms Barbie from 1995, listed for only $12.

These dolls are all available from Let's Play Dolls. Better yet, you don't have to mess around with eBay and last-minute bidders coming in to swipe your auction.

Image courtesy of Let's Play Dolls.

Shopping at Target

This weekend, I did some shopping with the girls at Target. I was hoping to find some collector Barbies or even some of the new Barbie Basics, but I was stunned to find a half-empty Barbie aisle, with the Basics line marked on clearance, and not a single one left in stock. (I haven't yet been able to locate a single Barbie Basics in real life in any of my local Target stores!)

But I did spot some other items of interest. The girls found several fun Barbies and new dolls that captured their attention.

Of course, Babysitter Barbie was of interest to all the kids, including my four year-old son. The toilet flushes (with very realistic sounds, I might add), and it apparently changes from yellow water to blue. (Ick!) But hey--anything to capture the hearts of young collectors, I suppose. My husband was quite amazed, too, thinking it would be a great gift for my brother. I believe this one was $19.99 for the set.

I loved this new Barbie--I don't know her name, but she's wonderful. She was only $12.99. She was displayed with some of the new So In Style dolls, but she was a single doll. Just gorgeous.

Then, there was a new fairy with spinning, light up wings that captured my six year-old's attention. This is an in-action photo, with Lauren pressing the button.

Then, I discovered some Rainbow Brite dolls--both larger ones, and then these smaller ones--in the same aisle with the new Strawberry Shortcake dolls. I don't think they look like how I remember Rainbow Brite, but that was long ago. And these are quite cute. Honestly, I don't remember the characters very well. Wasn't she a cartoon?

Playline dolls at Target today...

I saw some dolls at Target today while I was shopping. I went to the Target in La Mesa, California (at Grossmont Center, for the curious), and I found several items of interest.

First, Kana, from the Juku Couture line, was listed at a clearance price of $6.98. If I'm not mistaken, I think these dolls originally retailed for around $10, since the signs listed everything as 30% off, but I think I've seen them maybe as high as $14.99 retail. So she seemed like a pretty good deal. They had several dolls, but I only saw Kana.

Next, for $10.99, I saw several Target exclusive dolls. They carried two versions of "Modern Princess," dolls, which were kind of pretty--particularly the brunette.

Then, I saw a caucasian only ballerina with her hair in a fancy curled up-do, which I thought was fun.

And finally, also for $10.99, I found a glamorous evening-wear Emmy awards Barbie. This girl was also only available as a caucasian blonde, unfortunately.

The last exclusive item was $12.99 for a set of two exclusive fairy dolls. One doll has pink hair and one has blue hair, and the set included a doll hair brush and a necklace as well. It was pretty cute, I have to admit.

40% off in-stock dolls at Angelic Dreamz

Great time to save on dolls from Angelic Dreamz! From now through January 4, you can take 40% off all in-stock dolls (except JamieShow). Here are a couple of great deals I found:

• Poppy Parker (Integrity Toys) Summer Magic is just $42 (plus she has some outfits, too)
• Boogie Beach Jasper or Reese just $23.99
• Other Dynamite Girls listed at just $27.00
• All ITBE dolls listed at just $15.00
• Sideshow Toys James Dean $68.99
• Sideshow Toys Sean Connery $89.99
• Sideshow Toys Luke Skywalker $41.99 or Han Solo $38.99
• Barbie as Heidi Klum $26.97
• Joe Tai dolls on sale--all 40% off

Specials at Susan's Dolls

When you purchase an Armani Barbie or Philipp Plein Barbie from Susan's Dolls during the month of December, you can get a free Jonathan Adler Room Pack, a free My Favorite Barbie Vintage Shoe Pack and $10 flat rate shipping!

All Barbie orders placed through December 31 receive flat rate $10 shipping, up to five Barbie dolls. You can add Randall Craig or Dressmaker Details fashions and Schilling Barbie accessories for no extra charge. Continental US only.

All Barbie orders of $100 or more receive a free My Favorite Barbie Vintage Shoe Pack, also, through December 20, 2009, or while supplies last.

Photos courtesy of Mattel.

A couple of one-day sales at Angelic Dreamz

Check out these great deals one-day sales from Angelic Dreamz, valid Thursday, December 17, 2009 only:

• Barbie Dolls of the World France - Only $9.99 (retail price is $34.95)
• Barbie Lucy and Ethel at the Chocolate Factory (two-doll set) $19.95 (retail $64.95)
• Horsman Urban Vita Edge (I know, she's 16" and should go on the Fashion Doll Review, but she's such a good price!) $69.99 (retail $120)

In addition, all orders have a flat-reat shipping of $7.00 for FedEx ground (home delivery, continental US).

Also, if you spend $200-$300, you can take an additional 15% off your entire order. Spend $301-$700, and take 20%. When you spend $701 or more, you can save 25%. This offer includes sale items, but not JAMIEshow.
Photo courtesy of Mattel.

Smidge House Furniture and Accessories

So, I noticed a new follower of mine recently, and I was browsing through her links, and I came across some absolutely adorable accessories that I just have to share with you all.

First, you should check out the Smidge House blog. Go there, soon, and become a follower. This blog is lots of fun to read, and it's quite funny.

Next, and this is the most fun part, go to her Etsy store. Right now she has the absolute cutest Christmas stuff listed on there I've ever seen, perfectly scaled for Barbies, Fashion Royalty dolls, and other 1/6 scale dolls. I adore those Christmas ornaments! I think I need to buy some! And I really should be doing other Christmas shopping, like for my husband, and I don't think he'd appreciated these. But really--they are so cute, and totally reasonably priced.

I just love this place. Go check them out. And enjoy. Shop extra on my behalf. I'm sitting on my hands! (We'll see how long this lasts, LOL!)

Interesting places to find Collector Barbies

My daughter and I did some Christmas shopping yesterday, and we found a couple of great deals on Barbie dolls while we were out:

• Pink Label Harley Davidson Barbie (2009) retail price $44.95 was just $15.00 at Ross Dress for Less. 
• Birthstone Barbie (2007) $32.99 retail were listed for just $12.99. We found Miss Garnet, Miss Amethyst, Miss Aquamarine, Miss Ruby, Miss Peridot, Miss Sapphire, Miss Opal, Miss Topaz and Miss Turquoise.

We also found a couple of great deals on Grease and I Love Lucy collector Barbies, as well. If you're willing to root through some piles of toys and make extra trips, there are good deals and a few gems to be had out there! Hope you can find some, too.

Photo courtesy of Mattel.

Thanksgiving sale at Angelic Dreamz

Beginning today through December 1, you can take 15% off any purchase of Barbie and Integrity Toys! Additionally, save 20% off all Sideshow Toys action firgures. Special orders, items already on sale, and pre-orders are not included in this sale, however. (The discount is applied after you add items to your shopping cart.)

Plus, all orders over $75 qualify for free shipping within the continental US (via FedEx or UPS).

And from November 27-30 only, you can get a free gift with purchase on all Barbie purchases over $100: a free Barbie Vintage Shoe Pack! Plus, check out the daily sale items, as well.

Lots of other items are on sale at the site as well, including Tonner Dolls, Goodreau Dolls, Madame Alexander, Effanbee, Franklin Mint and more!

Photo courtesy of Angelic Dreamz.

Barbie Loves Mimco accessories - more gift ideas

I found this link from one of Barbie's Tweets. (Yes--Barbie has a Twitter account. Are you in the know?) This site, Mimco (in Australia), has a fantastic (and pricey) selection of wonderful and exclusive accessories for the Barbie fan (or drama queen or princess) in your life. A few of my personal favorites:

• The Glamour Barbie Traveller Tote: This is available in several designs: Bedside Barbie (white with baby pink dots), High Flyin' Barbie (yellow with white dots), Sunshine Barbie (hot pink and black stripe) and Glamour Barbie (classic black with gray stripes). Choose your favorite! Retail is $120.45 USD.
• The Cambridge Ballet Flats feature an exclusive polyester satin print with faceted zebra buttons on the toes. Retail is $215.77 USD. Dress up your feet like Barbie would, if she didn't have to walk in heels.
• The Barbie Wish Upon A Star Charm is another must-have for the girl who has everything. One side is fuchsia, the other black. Both are decorated with Swarovski crystals, so you can sparkle like Barbie herself. Retail $129.12.

Images courtesy Mimco.

Barbie Blowdryer from Bloomingdales

Looking for that perfect gift for the woman who has everything? Look no further. I have the perfect gift idea! A Barbie edition T3 Featherweight blowdryer. For a mere $200, your special lady can style her hair with a tool just like the one pro stylist Orlando Pita used at the Barbie fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Available at Bloomingdales, of course.

Barbie items from New Look

Check out these great Barbie items from New Look in the UK. My favorites:

• Barbie socks (two pairs)
• Barbie rhinestone trim watch
• Barbie trolley (rolling bag)
• Barbie make-up bag and compact