If you are a collector of Barbie dolls, you know the wealth of products at your disposal. Though, since so many other people also collect the dolls, you might have plenty of competition when trying to get the doll that you want. Especially vintage dolls, or Barbie dolls that are no longer made, and actually considered collectors items. There are, however, many ways of getting good deals on Barbie dolls, even vintage ones from the 1960's and 1970's. That is, if you know where to look,

~Internet search.
Of course, the first place that many of us know where to look when searching for something off the wall is on the world wide web. It is akin to a global garage sale, one man's trash is another's treasure, right? So, why should Barbie dolls be any different? A quick web search for 'vintage barbie dolls' will garner you a great amount of results. Some of these web sites actually offer you vintage Barbie's to buy, still in the original package. Unless your mother or grandmother had the foresight to keep her dolls in prime condition while she climbed into the back of the station wagon, clutching the doll in her hands, you will have a hard time finding some of these dolls in good condition.

~Ebay.
Looking on ebay is another option, though of course you have to be wary of what you buy and who you buy it from. I would suggest looking at the real official vintage sites (www.barbiecollector.com) firstly, and use things such as ebay as more of a second option. You never know what luck you might have or what you might come across because someone else is just claning out their closet.

~Thrift stores and flea markets.
Many times you can find some vintage dolls still in the packages at places like flea markets, because that is what flea markets are all about. There are also usually good deals on clearance racks at bookstores where you might find books on this particular subject. It would be a good idea to research the dolls, find out which ones are worth money or how much that you should expect to pay so that you don't get taken advantage of.

~Yard Sales.
I am a big fan of garage or yard sales, and especially estate sales. You can find some of the best things when someone cleans out their attic, or decides to sell their house. Most people forget that they even have some things then decide to sell them because they don't seem to care. The best way to find vintage dolls is to keep your eyes open at all times. Check grandma's attic or your aunt's garage. Ask your friends at work, some might have daughters that were once collectors. You never know what you might find by asking questions. Also check the newspapers for sales, or even trading opportunities.

~Scour the toy departments.
Any time that you enter a store, no matter what type it is, check the toy department for that special doll. Even if a doll is hard to find, or unique, you might come across it anywhere. Sure, this is less apt to happen the older the dolls, but you never know.

Mattel also offers a list of the dolls, and even some for sale, but going onto websites associated with Mattel are probably a good bet. Considering Mattel is the manufacturer, probably even writing the company might get you a few surprises. There are even clubs that you can join, which makes it fun, as well. Research is probably the most vital key in having an extensive Barbie collection, seeing as how there are so many different dolls, and so many opportunities to get them. Probably the best way to find something specific would be to search the internet. Most of all; keep your eyes open, and if possible, get a few friends in on the action as well.

Learn more about this author, Shawna Blake.
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