Top 10 Collectible Doll Brands - Would You Agree?

We thought it would be an interesting read to do a bit of research online on the latest information we could find on the "Top 10 Collectible (Manufactured) Doll Brands".  Unfortunately, the information we did find seemed somewhat outdated and we have shared our thoughts after each listing, if applicable.

We would love to hear your thoughts - do you think that any manufactured collectible dolls have been left off of the list that should be included, or are there any manufactured doll brands that you think should be eliminated from the list?

Top 10 Manufactured Collectible Dolls:

1.  Barbie Dolls (this brand of dolls always seems to rank high on the list and we have heard that Mattel has had a very successful year in Barbie Doll sales)
2.  Madame Alexander Dolls (at the top of our favorites list, and we truly believe Madame Alexander Dolls have staying power and are heirloom quality)
3.  American Girl Dolls
4.  Marie Osmond Dolls (many of Marie Osmond's Dolls from the past are incredible, but she has really not produced much in the way of porcelain collectible dolls, or any other type of dolls, for that matter, in 2012)
5.  Robert Tonner Dolls
6.  Adora Dolls (another favorite of ours) Incidentally, Adora Dolls are now distributed by Charisma Brands, who owns Marie Osmond Dolls.
7.  Bratz Dolls (would you really consider these dolls collectible dolls?)
8.  Lee Middleton Dolls (at one time, we would agree that they should be included in the top 10 list but Lee Middleton no longer produces collectible dolls per se.  The Madame Alexander Doll Company purchased the Lee Middleton Doll Company several years ago and they primarily produce only baby dolls geared towards children at this time)
9.  Ashton-Drake Dolls
10.  Ginny Doll by Vogue (these are adorable little 8 inch dolls similar to Madame Alexander Dolls but never have had quite the following that Madame Alexander Dolls have had in our opinion).

Quote of the Day - "Inspiration and genius - one and the same." - Victor Hugo

A Classic Steiff Bear - Sunny Teddy Bear EAN 035746

2012 has been a great year for Steiff Bears!  They have introduced one incredible teddy bear after another.  Sunny Teddy Bear (EAN 035746) should definitely be included in this group.  He is a massive bear at 24 inches tall and has a deep growler.  Funny as he was growling from within his very large box as we were carrying him in after being delivered by Federal Express.

He is an old-fashioned teddy bear created from a cream yellow Schulte mohair that is a long pile and just a little bit curly, which adds to his endearing charm.  Sunny has the distinct honot of being the largest teddybear in this year's Steiff Worldwide Limited Edition Collection. 

Just to tell you a bit more about Sunny - he was designed after a mid-1920's Steiff teddy bear and he has a distinctive big round head, short muzzle, and dark brown pupil eyes.  (We have been told that this adds to his adorable childlike expression).

But nonetheless, this extra large Teddy is sure to steal your heart.  A perfect addition to any Steiff collection. . .

Quote of the Day - "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love." - Basil

Boyds Bears Marks 20th Anniversary of Boyds Resin

2012 marks the 29th Anniversary for Boyds Bears and their Boyds Bearstone Resin Collection.  To celebrate this very special event, they are introducint this special limited edition Bearstone named 'Winston and Buddies. . . Lifelong Friends'.  Winston and his friends pop out of a signature Boyds resin box with special 20th Anniversary insignia on the side of the toy box.  Each friend contained within the toy box represents a part of the Boyds resin line over the past twenty years.

Message on the bottom reads: "A friend is someone who is always there and will always, always care.  A friend is a feeling of forever in the heart." - Unknown

Sure to be a sellout and a must have for any Boyds collector. . . and here's to another 20 years of Boyds Bearstones!

New Shipment of Charlie Bears Have Arrived

"Good things come to those who wait" - this is a perfect phrase after receiving in a new shipment of Charlie Bears.  Today we got in several plush and mohair Charlie Bears and all that have not been previously spoken for are on the site. (The link above accesses the newest additions to our Charlie Bear inventory).

Included in this shipment are the 2012 Charlie as well as the William V - both are as stunning as ever. (Pictured left is Diddles who is a Minimo Charlie Bear.  Isn't he the cutest little puppy dog?)

And as mentioned in a previous blog post, we will be revealing further details about the 2012 Part 2 Collection of Charlie Bears on August 24.

Have yourself a fantastic summer!

Quote of the Day - "Storms make oaks take roots." - Proverb

Charlie Bears Part 2, 2012 Collection

We are excited to announce that we just got word from Charlie Bears that they are introducing their Part 2 of their 2012 Collection to retailers.  The catalog consists of an incredible collection of both plush and mohair Charlie Bears that will be available to collectors world-wide.

Please stay tuned for details as the official Launch Date has been set for Friday, August 24th.

Quote of the Day - "The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can." - Robert Cushing

Boyd's Bears "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Collection

Boyd's Bears has an exciting, brand-new line of holiday plush teddy bears this season that features the characters of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

This collection includes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Clarice, Hermey, Bumble, and Santa.  Each plush teddy bear is 10 inches tall and comes dressed in their respective outfit.  Additionally, each teddy bear has their name embroidered on one of their foot pads. 

Incidentally, Rudolph first appeared in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May and published by Montgomery Ward.  Of course, most of us remember the animated television special that was debuted in 1964. 

Anyway, this Boyd's collection is sure to be popular this holiday.  Each plush character is just adorable.

Quote of the Day - "Friends are like rainbows that brighten up our lives when we have been through a storm." - Anonymous