Calling all avid toy and doll collectors: One of our favorite events is almost here! The 42nd Annual Chicago Toy Show takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2015 and we couldn’t be more excited. With six buildings of the Kane County Fairgrounds filled with more than 600 exhibitors, the event is bursting with antiques,… Read more »
Category: Collectibles
A Brief History of Antique Dollhouses
Dollhouses are timeless, beautiful reminders of childhood for many. These emotionally captivating structures are far more than simple toys to keep kids entertained; they’re historic and sentimental. Many people carry antique dollhouses into adulthood as a passion, and as a reminder of that which they hold so dear to their hearts. Yet some of… Read more »
A Look at the Past of Steiff Bears
For more than a century, teddy bears have been a popular childhood toy, and even a lifelong keepsake. While many people know that the bears got their name from President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, not as many know the unique history of one German woman and how her family’s designs would go on to impact lives… Read more »
Cleaning Clothing for Antique Dolls
For the avid doll collector, a doll’s wardrobe is just as important and valuable as the doll itself. When antique dolls are appraised, the order and cleanliness of their clothing is taken into high consideration. Whether you collect antique dolls for pleasure or profit, knowing how to properly clean their clothing is a must, if… Read more »
Some Do’s and Don’ts of Doll Collecting
If you are considering beginning a doll collection, you may become dazzled by the sheer volume of different dolls available, but accumulating quantity should not be the goal. If you are going to be displaying your dolls, you must consider the space you have. And doll collecting, like any collections, should be quality and not… Read more »
Madame Alexander Dolls
If you are a beginner collector, you have heard the name Madame Alexander. And if you haven’t, you will. Madame Alexander Dolls were the first collectable dolls. These were created by Beatrice Alexander, an American entrepreneur who was the first in the business to create dolls based on living people. The first dolls were… Read more »
Collections by R. John Wright
There is always something exiting to find at GiGi’s Dolls for those who love to collect dolls of all kinds. An incredibly popular artist that we would like to highlight on is R. John Wright. The award winning Winnie the Pooh collection that we have even includes Christopher Robin. R John Wright has been creating… Read more »
A Struggling Young Doll Maker’s Inspiring Journey
It’s always inspirational to see the passion a young person has for a hobby they love and enjoy. Their eyes are bright with the possibilities of where their unique creativity could take them. Arriel Turner, 15, of Baltimore, has an amazing talent for creating expressive dolls; each one is unique, decorated, and a true work… Read more »
Doll Collecting 101: 4 Tips for New Doll Collectors
Collecting something gives a person a sense of pride in their collection. It takes a great deal of patience, determination, and knowledge to be successful at collecting; doll collecting is certainly no exception. There is always a pivotal moment in a doll collector’s life when they decide to commit to the hobby. If you have… Read more »
How to Clean Porcelain Dolls Carefully
Porcelain dolls represent youth, girlishness, and perfection; it’s no mystery that these dolls make the perfect gifts for children and collectors alike. Porcelain or ceramic dolls are very fragile, and exist for aesthetics and sentiment. Though some play with their dolls, most do not, some porcelain dolls never leave their original package. Unfortunately, when you… Read more »
