Some people collect comic books, anime figures or stuffed animals, but the thing I like to collect is dolls. Specifically, Monster High dolls.
It could be the nostalgia factor — the fact that I grew up playing with the dolls and watching every single Monster High movie that came out. As I grew older, I seemed to never grow out of my love for the dolls and discovered the world of doll collecting when I was 14 years old.
I still remember the first doll I ever got, and the excitement and joy I got from unboxing it for the first time. At the time, I didn’t know how big my obsession would grow. Now, I have over 20 dolls and am still expanding my collection.
At first glance, it is understandable that some people may find doll collecting “strange” or “childish.” However, the specific dolls that I personally collect are made strictly for adult collectors.
Mattel, the brand that makes the Monster High collector dolls, says on their website that the dolls are “crafted for collectors who value intricate detail, bold design and nostalgic storytelling, [and] each special-edition doll is a striking addition to any collection.” 
Whether the doll is a collector or playline doll shouldn’t determine whether you are allowed to collect it or not. I have a few playline dolls in my collection from the Monster High brand. They just come with more accessories and come at more affordable prices. The dolls still have amazing outfits and hairstyles that make them stand out to me and others who collect dolls.
There is a whole community of collectors that help each other when it comes to figuring out doll release dates, as well as providing any kind of support that comes with collecting. There are several websites on the internet that help keep track of every new doll and where you’d be able to find and purchase them. This kind of community is essential when it comes to doll collecting.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to find the best offers, best sites and best prices. Part of the excitement of doll collecting comes from waiting for the doll to go on sale at 9 a.m. and being one of the first to purchase the doll.
This hobby does come with its own challenges, just like any other. The dolls themselves are collectibles, which makes them high in value and limited in supply. Buying a doll before it sells out can be part of the fun, but when you miss out on a doll drop it can be detrimental. Right after the drop, it isn’t uncommon to find the same doll being sold for twice its original price on eBay. I once saw a doll that was originally sold for $75 being resold for at least $300. This kind of reselling is ridiculous and takes the fun out of collecting altogether.
However, there are ways to beat this problem. Collectors often like to do trades — a doll for a doll. This kind of transaction is trustworthy and even more encouraged when on the hunt for a doll. You can look online and find actual doll collectors selling dolls from their collection for reasonable prices. It takes time and deep internet searches, but it is possible to beat the resellers and still be able to get the doll you want.
Another factor that can really make doll collecting fun is the restoration part of it. When Monster High came out back in 2010, they released dolls up until 2017. Now, these dolls are still around — they just might not be in the best condition. They sometimes have marks, missing outfit pieces or really messed up hair. The bonus that comes from buying these rough condition dolls is that they are far cheaper than what they would cost if they were in good condition.
Fixing up the doll by rerooting the hair, 3-D printing the missing accessories or even fully changing the base of the doll to make a completely custom creation really helps us doll collectors be creative and let out our artistic style. Creating the custom dolls is a good way of refurbishing the poorly conditioned ones and giving them another chance of being on a collector’s shelf.
The revival of Monster High back in 2022 got me into doll collecting, and I learned that dolls weren’t just “for kids” or “a childish thing” — but that they foster community, creativity and joy for all ages.
