Unboxing Dolls: Explore the Nostalgic and Trendy Collection in St. Louis

Unboxing Dolls: Explore the Nostalgic and Trendy Collection in St. Louis

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Our Trip to St. Louis
3. Thrift Store Adventures 3.1 Goodwill Finds 3.2 Saver Mart Discoveries
4. Walmart Shopping Spree 4.1 Barbie Bargains 4.2 Clearance Deals
5. Doll Restoration Projects 5.1 Fixing up Disney Princess Dolls 5.2 Repairing Hair on Barbie Dolls
6. Collecting Barbie Dolls 6.1 Vintage Barbie Finds 6.2 Barbie Fashion and Accessories
7. Other Doll Finds 7.1 Ball-Jointed Dolls 7.2 Monster High Dolls 7.3 Winx Dolls
8. Crafting with Dolls 8.1 Barbie Bike Decorations 8.2 Doll Clothes Storage Ideas
9. Shopping Tips and Tricks 9.1 Garage Sale Tips for Doll Collectors 9.2 eBay Bargain Hunting
10. Conclusion

Our Thrift Store Adventures: Dolls, Bargains, and More!

Have You ever had a thrilling adventure in a thrift store, discovering Hidden Gems and scoring amazing deals? Well, let me take you on a Journey through our recent trip to St. Louis, Missouri, where my husband and I set out on a mission to find dolls and other treasures. In this article, I will share with you the exciting finds we came across, the restoration projects we undertook, and the joy of building our doll collection. So, fasten your seatbelts, grab your shopping bags, and join me on this thrift store adventure!

1. Introduction

Picture this: a road trip to St. Louis, filled with anticipation and excitement. As doll collectors, my husband and I were eager to explore the thrift stores, antique malls, and garage sales in the area. We had heard of a sacred place, a thrift store called Savers Mart, where doll collectors unite and rare treasures await. But before we reached our thrift store haven, we made a few stops along the way.

2. Our Trip to St. Louis

Our journey began with a visit to multiple Walmart stores in search of discounted Barbies. Although we didn't find any dolls on the way down, we didn't lose hope. On our way back home, serendipity struck, and we stumbled upon some Walmart items that caught our Attention. But the real adventure began when we arrived in St. Louis.

3. Thrift Store Adventures

3.1 Goodwill Finds At the Goodwill store, amidst a sea of discarded items, we discovered a little Disney Princess doll. Though not typically our go-to choice, her charming appearance and the opportunity to restore her hair made her hard to resist. We also stumbled upon the brave girl Merida, whose curly hair presented a challenge that we gladly accepted. And there was a PM doll with captivating eyes and fine hair that would require extra care during restoration.

3.2 Saver Mart Discoveries Our excitement peaked when we finally reached Saver Mart. The holy grail of thrift stores for doll collectors, we found a complete Barbie elevator set for an unbelievably low price. The little Disney dolls we had acquired earlier would be the first customers of this magnificent toy. We also came across a bag of two Barbie dolls, which we acquired for an excellent deal. And to our surprise, we stumbled upon Mattel Winx dolls that would later prove to be quite valuable.

4. Walmart Shopping Spree

4.1 Barbie Bargains At Walmart, we indulged in a shopping spree, taking advantage of clearance sales. We found adorable Chelsea Dreamtopia dolls at a bargain price and couldn't resist adding them to our collection. The intricate detailing and variety of outfits made these dolls a steal for any doll lover. We also managed to snag a Jasmine doll in a lantern-themed packaging from the Aladdin movie, a true gem for Disney doll enthusiasts.

4.2 Clearance Deals Besides the dolls, we stumbled upon clearance items that would enhance our doll displays. A pencil holder caught our eye, and we immediately envisioned it as a closet for Barbie's clothes. At half the price, it was a creative addition waiting to happen. Additionally, we purchased a swimsuit, ready for a summer beach scene, and a basket for our kitty at home, always on the lookout for practical yet affordable treasures.

5. Doll Restoration Projects

5.1 Fixing up Disney Princess Dolls As doll collectors, we relish the opportunity to bring worn and damaged dolls back to life. The Disney Princess dolls we had acquired required some tender loving care, including cleaning, fixing hair, and removing marks. Armed with magic erasers and ZipZap, we embarked on the restoration journey, eager to reveal their true beauty once again.

5.2 Repairing Hair on Barbie Dolls Curly-haired dolls, like Merida, may present more significant challenges when it comes to restoring their locks. However, armed with the right techniques and the patience to work through each curl, we were determined to revitalize their glorious hair. We knew the effort would be worth it, as these dolls would shine in their Halloween costumes and other ensembles.

6. Collecting Barbie Dolls

6.1 Vintage Barbie Finds While our trip was filled with exciting finds, vintage Barbie dolls held a special place in our hearts. We encountered a stunning Barbie doll, the embodiment of elegance, with rooted eyelashes, pearl earrings, and a timeless beauty that captured our attention. Delving into the world of vintage Barbies, we also discovered the joy of collecting I Dream of Jeannie and Pocahontas dolls, each dressed in charmingly reversed clothing.

6.2 Barbie Fashion and Accessories No Barbie collection is complete without a curated selection of fashion and accessories. We scoured the stores for Barbie-sized bicycles, winter fashion sets, and even stumbled upon a Barbie-themed blanket for those cozy doll moments. The thrill of finding the perfect accessories to complement our dolls is an art form in itself.

7. Other Doll Finds

7.1 Ball-Jointed Dolls Our doll collection expanded beyond Barbies, as we discovered the wonders of ball-jointed dolls. These highly detailed dolls with articulation in multiple directions captured our imagination, and we quickly added them to our growing family of dolls.

7.2 Monster High Dolls The Monster High dolls, with their unique characteristics and fashionable outfits, always held a special place in our hearts. We couldn't resist the allure of a well-priced Monster High doll, and soon found ourselves adding another one to our collection.

7.3 Winx Dolls A surprising find during our thrift store adventures was the Winx dolls by Mattel. Their adorable faces and collectible nature sparked our interest, leading us to explore their value and scarcity on eBay. These dolls proved to be a hidden gem in our doll collecting journey.

8. Crafting with Dolls

8.1 Barbie Bike Decorations As craft enthusiasts, we couldn't resist adding a personal touch to our Barbie bicycles. We envisioned a winter wonderland display, with Barbies dressed in coats and scarves, ready to enjoy a hot chocolate break. With some creative DIY skills, we transformed ordinary bikes into magical winter scenes for our dolls to enjoy.

8.2 Doll Clothes Storage Ideas As our doll collection grew, we faced the challenge of organizing and storing their clothes. Seeking creative solutions, we repurposed a core stand and a tote bag found at thrift stores. These simple yet effective storage solutions helped keep our dolls' clothes neatly organized and easily accessible.

9. Shopping Tips and Tricks

9.1 Garage Sale Tips for Doll Collectors If you're a doll collector on the hunt for treasures, garage sales can be a goldmine. We learned a few tips and tricks along the way, maximizing our chances of finding unique dolls at affordable prices. From timing your visits to asking fellow collectors about their doll finds, we share valuable insights to help you make the most of your garage sale adventures.

9.2 eBay Bargain Hunting For dolls that elude us in physical stores, eBay becomes our virtual treasure trove. With a few expert strategies, we managed to find rare dolls at reasonable prices, saving money and expanding our collection. From auctions to Buy It Now listings, we share our eBay bargain hunting secrets for fellow doll enthusiasts.

10. Conclusion

Our trip to St. Louis was a whirlwind of thrift store adventures, doll discoveries, and the joy of building our collection. From vintage Barbies to unique finds, each doll told a story and became a cherished addition to our ever-growing family. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your doll journey, we hope our adventures inspire you to Seek out the joy and creativity that comes with loving these precious dolls.

Highlights:

• Thrift store adventures in St. Louis
• Exciting finds at Goodwill and Saver Mart
• Walmart shopping spree for discounted Barbies
• Restoring Disney Princess and Barbie dolls
• Collecting vintage Barbies and adding accessories
• Discovering ball-jointed dolls and Monster High dolls
• Crafting with dolls: customizing Barbie bicycles and organizing doll clothes
• Garage sale and eBay shopping tips for doll collectors

FAQs:

Q: How do you restore dolls' hair? A: Restoring dolls' hair involves cleaning, detangling, and styling each strand individually. For curly hair, starting from the top, re-curling and setting with clips is necessary. Products like magic erasers and ZipZap can help remove marks and smudges from the doll's hair and body.

Q: Where can I find vintage Barbies? A: Vintage Barbies can be found at thrift stores, antique malls, garage sales, and online marketplaces like eBay. It's essential to do thorough research and check for authenticity when purchasing vintage dolls.

Q: Are ball-jointed dolls collectible? A: Yes, ball-jointed dolls, with their intricate details and poseability, are highly collectible among doll enthusiasts. They offer unique customization options and a diverse range of clothing and accessories.

Q: How can I organize my doll clothes? A: Repurposing items like core stands or tote bags found at thrift stores can provide efficient storage solutions for doll clothes. You can hang the clothes or lay them flat for easy access and organization.

Q: What are some tips for finding dolls at garage sales? A: Timing is crucial when visiting garage sales for doll finds. Early mornings or the last hours of the sale are often the best times to discover hidden treasures. Asking fellow collectors about their doll finds can also lead to valuable insights and tips.