How to Collect Terri Lee Dolls

Collecting Terri Lee Dolls

• 1

  Determine what type of Terri Lee dolls you want to collect. Some people like to collect vintage Terri Lee dolls from the 1940s to 1960s. Others prefer to collect from the newer collection of Terri Lee dolls that are available at major toy stores and from the company website. Of course, some people collect both vintage and newer versions of Terri Lee dolls.

• 2

  Comb through flea markets, garage sales, yard sales, small shops, craft shows, major retailers, antique stores, doll conventions and live and online auctions. Small local shops, antique stores and doll conventions are great places to look, but don't limit yourself. You'll be surprised at what you can find at a typical flea market or yard or garage sale. You might come across people who have vintage Terri Lee dolls from their childhood and are selling them at bargain prices. So you should always keep a lookout for any garage or yard sales near your area.

• 3

  Contact other collectors. As you search flea markets, shops and sales, you will no doubt meet other doll collectors and Terri Lee enthusiasts. Take their contact information and keep in touch with them. Other collectors can offer you invaluable advice from their own experience. They can also help you find Terri Lee dolls, or may even be willing to trade their own dolls with you.

• 4

  Know what to look for when you find the Terri Lee dolls that you want. Mint-condition dolls are the most sought-after, which means that they will not be missing any parts, clothes, accessories or specific features such as eyelashes. The original packaging and tags will raise the value of your doll even further. Mint-condition Terri Lee dolls will be hard to find; it may even take years. However, you can still purchase Terri Lee dolls that are in less than mint condition and have them repaired or fix them up yourself.

• 5

  Take good care of your Terri Lee dolls. Store them in a safe, cool and dry place. Keep them in doll boxes to prevent damage or loss. Also, be sure to keep them out of the hands of young children who would want to play with them. Terri Lee dolls are very delicate, and children might accidentally break off their arms or rip their clothes.