Kenner Blythe Doll Bonanza Via Online Auctions!

I can't believe all the 1972 Kenner Blythe dolls right now! Looks like it's a good time to buy!

I recall, when reading a book about Online Auctions, it stated not to put so many of your items on at the same time, because they will end at the same time and less people will compete for bids. More supply equals less demand, so it looks like the crazy prices may follow that, as well.

Experts have said that it's a buyers market so I wouldn't doubt that that also applies to buying a Blythe doll.

Many of us doll enthusiasts often wonder if spending so much on dolls is a wise investment. I look at it this way, heart value equals more to me than dollar value does.

I also budget myself so that I don't suffer from buyers remorse. Another great tip is to shop around and check shipping rates too. Another way to find reasonably priced dolls is when people sell dolls at your local dolly meets, so you don't even need to pay shipping at all. Selling off things to earn extra money for your dolls is another option to go guilt free when the prices do creep down. You never know if they will stay down for long, though, or if they will drop completely.

Remember, no one can predict the end value of things until it actually happens. Maybe all those Kenners will go for even more? It's like going to Vegas, Lady Luck never revels her hand until the game is over.

As long as you enjoy your collection, then who is to say that it's all about the money. If it was all about that then the stock market is more your game.

The Blythe community is another plus for collectors, meeting people from all over the world and sharing your thoughts, tips, photos and experiences with each other. Now money can't ever top that!

Love, 

AnnaBlytheDoll xo

Traveling With Your Blythe Dolls

I can think of nothing more entertaining than taking pictures of your lovely blythe dolls in some far away place and at a famous landmark. You will probably get some people giving you terrible looks, but when you get those shots, believe me, it's worth it!

My Monica and Jade in Toronto, Ontario CANADA!

Pearl in Halifax Nova Scotia, CANADA!

My Pearl in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Peggy's Cove

My Pearl in Old Montreal, Quebec CANADA!

My Veronica in Boston, Massachusetts USA!

Veronica in the Boston Common walking the Freedom Trail! 

Veronica in VEGAS!

Veronica in Vegas!

Madonna in front of the Hollywood sign in LA, California USA!

Veronica in the Mojave Desert, Nevada to California!

I always try to carry Blythe in a tote bag and wrapped in a clean hand towel or terry cloth tea towel to protect her from scratches and damage. I also carry a pocket brush so I can fix her hair, as best I can, right there on location.

Petite Blythe dolls are ideal for this because they are so portable and less noticeable. Actually, I still got some wild stares in Paris because I was taking too long and I was discovered.

Pandora in front of the Canadian Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario CANADA!

My little Parco in front of the Chinese Theater in LA!

My Parco in front of the Hover Dam in Nevada!

My Parco in Venice Beach, California!

My Cassandra Black in front of the lovely Statue of Liberty in NY, NY!

Cassandra Black in Salem, Massachusetts! 

My Parco in San Diego, California USA!

My Parco in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France!

My Parco on the River Seine in Paris, France!

When flying I select one or two dolls to take with me, be it a full sized or mini, and I include them in my carry on. I have traveled a lot and have been very lucky with my luggage, however, I don't want to risk one of my lovelies any time soon! Also ensure that your bags are always near you, even if for a second you take your eyes off of them you may be robbed. I'm always very mindful of my luggage, carry-on, digital camera and purse. It happens, so don't feel bad if it does because it's only material objects. As long as you are okay, then that's what counts, but if you can prevent it, then that's at least half the battle.

Love, 

AnnaBlytheDoll xo

Blythe Doll Values

Depending on the type and condition of the Blythe doll in question, you may be looking at thousands, especially if it's a vintage not removed from box 1972 Kenner Blythe doll! I have seen those pristine NRFB vintage beauties go as high as $5,000+ US!

If you find a 1972 Kenner Blythe doll out of box and in good condition you could be looking at $800 - 1200 US. Like I said before, it all depends on the condition.

Even the Japanese reproduction Takara blythe dolls can fetch anywhere between $100 ~ 2000 US. Sold out dolls, BL Takaras and Limited edition CWC Takara Blyte dolls usually go for the most.

Typically out of box, damaged, used and nude dolls go for the least so if you are on a budget that may be a good start for you.

A great tip is to check completed Online Auctions to give you an idea of what something is currently worth. I actually do that for anything that I am going to sell just to give me an idea what to start the price at. You do this by hitting the advanced search tab which is right beside the normal search tab and then select the completed auctions tab.

1972 Kenner Blythe doll - The original Blythe doll made by the Kenner General Mills Fun Group for only one year. These dolls are worth anywhere from $650 - 5000 US depending on it's condition.

1972 Kenner Blythe Doll 

BL Blythe (bogged eye with a licca body) Takara CWC Hasbro started producing these reproduction Blythe dolls in 2001 and they are currently worth a pretty penny. Anywhere from $200 - 2000 US - Parco was the first doll BL-00 and she is worth thousands because there were only 1000 pieces issued.

BL Parco BL-00

BL Mondrian BL-01

Next are the EBL, SBL and RBL Takaras and those range from $100 - $750 US. If they are limited or rare then you will see them worth more.

EBL - Excellent Face Mold

SBL - Superior Face Mold

RBL - Radiant Face Mold

ADG are the Ashton Drake Blythe dolls and they are worth $70 - 250 US. The Medieval Mood doll is limited at 1000 pieces so she is worth more.

ADG - Medieval Blythe limited to 1000 pieces, I believe.

Love, 

AnnaBlytheDoll xo

How To Buy A Blythe Doll

My Picture of some of Gina Garan's Blythe Dolls in her NY, NY Studio. Titled, "Blythe Heaven"

There are a number of ways to buy a blythe doll, however, I am going to share some of my tips to help you with my over 9 years experience as a Blythe doll enthusiast.

First of all you have to determine what kind of shopper you are. If you are a compulsive shopper I recommend that you examine a few things before making an instant transaction. I do admit that sometimes you will find such an amazing deal that if you don't act fast you may miss out. I believe that 9 out of 10 times we are able to wait a bit and you can only rely on common sense alone. If you are still not sure because nothing is ever 100%, then I would recommend that you look around a bit first but you don't have to take my advice.  It's totally up to you and I trust you will make a good decision and don't worry if you miss out there are always so many more dollies out there to buy :)

There are many places that you can purchase Blythe from, like: online shops, forums, buy and sell sections,etc. When you are searching always keep a few things in mind, check shipping rates because some sellers really over charge there and protect your payment! Sending a money order is very risky and I always use PayPal because they have a bit more protection. If you want more security a middle party escrow. I will write a separate blog with links to those and the FBI fraud reporting website. Mail fraud is a big no no and you should always report sellers that do not send you goods or refund your money!

Another tip is to never limit yourself to just one shop, forum or auction site. Always shop around! The only time I do not shop is if the seller or shop has negative reviews.

Buying Blythe dolls can be very expensive and I have developed a method that helps me maintain my budget. When I search for vintage blythe dolls off-line I often pick up really neat things that I can turn around and sell online. I call the money I make doing things I like FU money, because you can spend it frivolously! I don't feel guilty spending it either. The worst thing you can do is rack up charges on your credit card and then take years to pay. It's not fair to you to pay all that interest. The hardest thing for me about collecting Blythe dolls is the fact that they are so expensive and you can mostly buy them online. I think every fan should be fortunate enough to find them for cheaps at a thrift shop.

Finding blythe dolls off-line is very rare but it does happens. Where do you think all those dolls on online come from! Estate sales are the way that the majority of the sellers find their vintage prizes! I remember going to one and I was floored at how many dolls there were. Floor to ceiling, but not one 1972 Kenner Blythe doll! Oh well it was still fun. It's always great to get out and about with the people you care about.

Now I also found some when I once again though outside the box! I would check my local classifieds for Kenner Blythe dolls, both off-line and online! I also placed ads seeking kenner blythe dolls and found 5 that way and for amazing prices too. Again, this is rare, but if you don't try then you won't know. I always advertised in free publications. Today you even have kajiji and craigslist too.

The best tip I can give you is that you try and not give up. You will be able to at least save up for your dolls by earning money on the side for them. Also, some people just treat themselves!

Love, 

AnnaBlytheDoll xo