Give Your Doll Collection a Makeover With Fun New Accessories and Clothing

Posted by | Posted on 2:06 AM

By Stephen Daniels

For many of us who are still in touch with our inner child, doll collecting is an absorbing hobby. No matter if you like baby dolls with frilly clothes, porcelain dolls with lovely period costumes, or popular 18 inch brands like American Girl, there are dolls out there to suit nearly every taste. The doll enthusiasts among us enjoy our collections every time we see them.

While it's great to get new dolls, finding new outfits and costumes can be a lot of fun. Dressing your favorite dolls in clothes to match the season or the holiday is a fun way to update your collection. Formal gowns in holiday colors, Halloween costumes, ethnic clothing for international flair, swimsuits and sleepwear are just a few of the options for doll attire. Bridal gowns complete with tiny pearls, evening gowns and accurate period clothing are favored among many collectors. Hunting for adorable shoes, frilly undergarments, and other accessories to perfectly complement outfits can be quite absorbing.

Displaying and arranging your collection can be especially interesting and unique when you include doll-sized furniture. Specialty shops and online stores offer many delightful selections. Period pieces are particularly suited to 18 inch dolls like American Girl as well as many other types. Contemporary pieces may match your own tastes. Doll beds come in many sizes and styles, including cradles that can actually be rocked, bassinettes, bunk beds, four posters and canopy beds. Pillows and bedding can be added as well.

Kitchen or bistro tables, dishes, high chairs, wooden hutches and play food are also available in doll sizes. Many people like to arrange doll tea party scenes for holidays or Mother's Day. Night stands, coffee tables, living room chairs, and lamps of all kinds are the perfect touches to make a room look finished.

Including chests of drawers, armoires, and steamer trunks in your vignette is a great way to keep track of all the small pieces. By storing each doll's clothing together, it's simple to locate the desired outfit. Underclothes, socks and shoes are so tiny, and easily lost. Fortunately, bloomers, pantaloons, slips, chemises, and panties are easily replaceable at many companies. Tights and socks come in colors to match any outfit. Undershorts for boy dolls are also easy to find.

If you like to sew, knit or crochet, patterns for doll clothing are available. Many manufacturers specialize in vintage clothing as well. Any of these items would make a unique and truly appreciated gift for a collector of any age.

Ice skates, cowgirl boots, bandannas, eyeglasses, purses, backpacks, earmuffs, brushes and jewelry are some of the more unusual items you can find for your collection. Looking for outerwear for your doll? Tailored jackets with matching hats, a fur jacket or stole with a hat, a trench coat with a matching tote, and hooded sweatshirts are all to be found.

Many manufacturers make huge arrays of clothing and accessories created for specific doll sizes, especially for popular dimensions such as 18 inch dolls. With all the fun items and clothing available, there's no excuse not to indulge your love of doll collecting.

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