Many collectors start building collections of dolls as way of reminiscing into their childhood. Collectors need to figure out what type of dolls they want to add to their collections, which may greatly depend on the type of material they are made from. Once the collector has decided on the type of doll they want to collect then they may want to purchase merchandise for their dolls as well to add to their collections. However, most collectors do prefer the more modern and vintage style dolls or the classic and antique dolls. There are a variety of dolls for any collector to base their collections upon, with each containing distinct features that are sure to please any collector.

Some collectors collect dolls based upon limited editions and by the individual who actually designed the doll such as Jan McLean, Susi Emer, Beatrice Paccini, Diddy Jacobson, Joke Grobben, or Hildegard Gunzel to name only a few. Collectors can locate dolls designed by these individuals and many more at specialty shops, flea markets, antique stores, and on-line. In fact, there are plenty on-line sites that specialize in collectible dolls and even have exclusive items that may not be available at other sites. Some of these on-line sites are extremely informative and can assist collectors in gather more facts about the dolls they are collecting and related items to these dolls.

The history of the doll can actually be dated back to the beginning of man and they were traditional created as toys for children and were made out of many materials both hard and soft. During earlier days dolls were originally made from rock, mud, clay, wood, or bone, but now during more modern days dolls are usually constructed from plastic, rubber, cloth, paper, porcelain, or a combination of materials. Children often feel that their dolls are cherished possessions and are usually made to resemble a girl or boy, but some dolls are create to resemble fairies, angels or animals. One type of popular animal doll that has been given human-like characteristics is the teddy bear, which often have clothes and even hair.

Collectors find that the most realistic looking dolls are often times the most popular with any collector, especially if these dolls look like babies or children. Most realistic looking dolls are produced of plastic and vinyl, with vinyl being used mostly toady because it is so durable. Some of the best dolls created are handmade and are often constructed of high quality materials, such as the rag dolls. Collectors collect paper dolls that were first produced in France back in the 18th century and moved to other areas of the world. For several years paper dolls were hand painted versions of popular actors or actresses from different parts of the world.

Due to the large amount of grading that was needed in the doll market the Collectible Doll Authority or the CDA was formed, which some collectors feel has only brought problems and frustrations to collectors. Dealers and collectors were using their own standard to judge dolls by with their own definitions until the formation of the Collectible Doll Authority came into play.