Soft brown hair, big blue eyes, a hint of a smile on her small and innocent face, the soft design of pink lace on her dress and the pale-pink baby-doll shoes matching the lace-trimmed white socks. She really captivates your heart and created a nostalgic mood making one remember of the sweet and happy times of childhood. She is larger than life, yet she is not and that is why doll collecting is one of the most taken up hobbies of all time. Such are the power of dolls which moves human emotion even when you are way beyond the years of playing with a doll.

Doll collecting is a hobby which requires diligence, patience and money. Yes, money. As exquisite dolls like porcelain, vintage, large and small dolls are hard to find and quite expensive, one should have at least savings and a queer eye for those dolls which are truly worth your money and worth keeping. dolls which render almost human expressions with their eyes and smile with the sweetest of all smiles are captured by dolls designed by Robert Tonner with his Tiny Betsy McCall collection. Measuring only 8-inches and fashioned out of the 1960s paper dolls, it is one example of a classic doll-collecting memorabilia. But doll collecting need not be limited to the classic porcelain dolls antique museums and grandmother's closets are full of.

There are other modern day dolls which can also be worthy of one's time and attention. Precious Moments collection depicts basset hound-eyes characters which are truly endearing and depicts everyday life's small yet pleasurable moments like a big hug and a kiss, whether through friendship or love. And who could ever forget Barbie by Mattel. Introduced in 1959 at Toy Fair, it paved the way for the typical pin-up girl and every guy's dream girl. With her long blond locks and curvy body wearing he latest of all fashion trends, whether casual or formal, Barbie is every girl's playmate and fashion icon. Today, Barbie is not limited to just modern fashion icon. Barbie now dresses multi-race costumes representing various countries in the world.

But doll collecting proves to be taxing for those who are just taking up the hobby and even for those who are into the hobby for years now. When into this hobby, information always matter. Reading a lot of books about dolls is really helpful. Knowing various collections will give insights as to which doll one should choose and collect. And purchase what one should really want and love. It is easy to be swayed by all the advertisements and features about dolls. Choose the one you would love to have. After all, the doll one has chosen with thought and care will be truly worth it.