The International Doll Museum blog: July 2019

Fans of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries will remember an episode set during Christmas in July. Many countries south of the Equator prefer celebrating Christmas at this time; it is colder and winter for them as it is hot and summer for us in July. There are also lots of marketing traditions that debut, e.g., The Hallmark Ornament Debut and Hobby Lobby Christmas decor debut are in July. Below is an encore post of some popular Christmas toys, and some pics of Christmas dolls. When little, I liked recreating Tasha Tudor's Dolls' Christmas; that was my tradition. Enjoy!

Christmas Picks:

As hard as it is to believe, Christmas and The Holidays are nearly upon us. Windows shopping for dolls and collectibles is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. Below are some of the trends I’ve noticed and dolls and toys I find to be among the best for this Holiday Season. I know it gets here earlier and earlier; it is barely two weeks since Halloween, and our local station is playing Christmas Music. Everything is decorated, including many private residences. Here is my holiday potpourri of favorites, just my opinion, mind you; I’m not a spokesperson for anyone, just a collector with eclectic tastes.

Build a Bear: This store is still active on the mall, with new stuffed figures and clothing for The Peanuts Movie and Star Wars. Frozen characters also are doing well. New to me is LalaLoopsy as a “build a bear.” The bear Darth Vader and Stormtrooper are adorable, at around 18 inches, with very detailed outfits. They run $35.00 each. Individual out fits are $16.00. Outfits for the small,7 inch or so animals run about $7.00, but many are now on sale for less. I like the outfits because they also work for some kinds of dolls. Same goes for the wigs and outfits. I think it would be fun to have one animal with many outfits and accessories.

J.C. Penney’s:

I hadn’t been in Penney’s for around one year. I was dazzled by the new Christmas sweaters, leggings, hats, and accessories. Many of them light up and have real tinsel! But, I digress. Their ornaments and holiday décor are already 60% off, and their prices now begin at $1.80. I saw very nice ballerina dolls, animals made of raffia and straw, nutcrackers of all types, and angel. All unusual and reasonable. Their collection of Santa dolls is very nice, with 3 foot figures on sale for $72.00. These are very detailed and nicely done. Penney’s carries Hallmark cards and Disney Princess Hallmark ornaments that are very detailed. The princesses now sell for $10.40 each. Not for sale, but interesting to look at are Penney’s white, jointed manikins. They are large half dolls, all white, jointed at the elbows and wrists, with jointed fingers.

Kohls:

Kohl’s always has a nice selection of stuffed characters for $5.00 in support of various causes. They have a decent toy selection, too, with lots of Barbie sets with outfits. Their ornaments are already 50% of, but they are more pricey than other stores. Still, little folk doll angels made of wine corks are on sale for $3.50. These have wooden heads and crocheted lace wings. There are also cloth and felt dolls, including some very cute lumber jacks, straw animals, licensed characters and blown glass figures. Hallmark fans, take note; Kohl’s carries Hallmark Ornaments, too.

Deck the Walls:

These little kiosks open up in the center of the mall floor all over the country. There are lots of Jim Shore ornaments and statues, and some cute cloth Wizard of Oz ornament dolls, about 6 inches long and jointed. There are many theme and licensed characters for sale, and the deer with antlers ornament would look great in a play scale doll house. I saw Victorian girls with red capes that resembled Royal Doulton figurines for $8.00, and lots of mermaids and ocean themed figures. Sometimes, Deck the Walls will have super sales with last season’s ornaments selling for $1.00, and ornaments on sale after Christmas. They have been a tradition in my family for over 30 years.

Star Wars:

There is literally an explosion of Star Wars toys, dolls, and plush. The latest I saw were Mylar balloons for sale that were around 6 feet high or more representing Darth Vader and other characters from the latest film. I want one so badly I can’t stand it! Look for these at local grocery stores and flower shops. I also see lots of ornaments and holiday sweaters that are Star Wars themed.

Spencer’s Gifts:

I don’t think I want them on my tree, but doll and Christmas ornament historians should take note. Spencer’s is featuring naughty ornaments representing gingerbread people and snow people. Enough said. But, if you are going to a grown-up party and need a gag gift, well, use your best judgment!

This is just a partial listing of what I have observed. Amazon has a complete list of its favorite toys, and American Girl, Madame Alexander, Florence and George and others have wonderful doll related specials and products out. Also check out ads in “Doll Castle News” and “Antique Doll Collector Magazine” for more ideas for doll collecting gifts. Don’t forget upcoming Theriault’s auctions, either, for those who are connoisseurs of antique dolls.