All year long, starting at Toy Fair in February, I watch trends in collector dolls. I listen to what collectors are talking about, and I also watch Internet chatter. All of this helps me pick my Hot Holiday Collector Dolls each October. For the 2006 holidays, I've picked some old favorites (somehow, I've never seem to have a hot holiday list without a Barbie on it!) as well as some brand new dolls that will have just hit the market by Christmas. Here are my Hot Holiday Collector Dolls for 2006!
1. Holiday Barbie 2006 by Bob Mackie
The initial, infamous Holiday Barbie doll series ran for 10 years starting in 1988, and although there has not formally been another holiday doll series, each year, Mattel manages to produce a holiday themed doll, and they just seem to get better and better.
For 2005 and 2006, the Holiday Barbie has been designed by Bob Mackie. This year's doll (Caucasian or African American) wears a dramatic velvet black and white gown with elaborate embroidery and fur trim. Suggested retail is $39.99.
2. Adora Belle 100
This Fall, Marie Osmond retired her original sculpt of the her signature Adora Belle doll. The new Adora Belle has just been released. She is slimmer and her sculpt is more refined, and she has been a big hit with collectors. My pick for the holidays is Adora Belle 100 - the 100th Adora Belle doll that has been produced. She is in porcelain with a white and gold party dress. The original sculpt will not be made again. Suggested retail for Adora Belle 100 is $89.99.3. Harry Potter Dolls by Tonner Dolls
Although the Harry Potter series by Tonner Dolls has been around for over a year, the line has been added to extensively this Fall, and this has created a very rich collecting experience for fans of Harry Potter. New this year are accessories such as the Firebolt broom and Tri-Wizard Cup, as well as Crookshanks, Hedwig and separately available casual classroom outfits for Harry, Ron and Hermione. Harry in his Griffyndor Seeker outfit is also due to be released. Suggested retail prices vary.4. Sandy's Adora-ble Friends
This is a new series of brand new dolls from Adora Dolls. These petite 8" dolls each come with a storybook by Margaret Mardyniak and each of the 12 dolls released so far comes from a different country (including the United States), dressed in an outfit reflecting that company. In a way, they carry on the spirit of mid-20th century small dolls like Nancy Ann Storybook dolls. The dolls have vinyl bodies and posaeble arms and legs. Suggested retail is $49.99.5. Lady of the Manor Barbie
The Silkstone line of Barbie dolls was particularly strong in 2006, and Lady of the Manor Silkstone Barbie is one of the most elegant dolls in that line. She wears an elaborate strapless white gown, embellished with embroidery work, faux pearls, and Swarovski crystals. Long white gloves, a stole and lovely accent jewelry complete the look. Suggested retail for Lady of the Manor Barbie is $149.99. Silkstone vinyl mimics porcelain in feel and look.