How to Collect Barbies in Retirement

Determine which kind of Barbie you want to collect. Choose a Barbie from a particular genre, such as: historical, movie, celebrity, special edition, or fantasy. Collecting one specific type of Barbie imparts unity to your collection. Or just choose dolls that appeal to you. Mattel sells two types of Barbies: the dolls in a pink box that usually sell for less than $20; and the collector's edition dolls, which range from $20 and up.

Decide if you want to house your Barbies in or out of their boxes. If you plan to sell your dolls in the future, then leave them in their boxes since they are considered more valuable untouched in the box. Lack of dust is another benefit of leaving your dolls in their boxes.

Purchase dolls for your collection in a number of different ways. Buy directly from Mattel or from toy shops or eBay. Find new or rare Barbies at garage sales and second-hand stores to make the discovery of dolls for your collection an entertaining treasure hunt. Some shops will even have discounts for individuals who are retired, so make sure to ask if there is such a discount at the different places you go to purchase your dolls.

Decide where you want to display your dolls. Arrange your Barbie collection on a special shelf in a common area of your home so visitors and family can view your treasures every day. Or assign a special place in your guest room to show off your dolls in a more subtle manner.

Make your collection reflect your own personal likings and interests. No direct rules exist for collecting Barbies, so just enjoy the hunt and have fun with your hobby. Attend one of the numerous Barbie conventions over the country every year to meet other Barbie enthusiasts, add to your collection or sell dolls. And of course they're a good place to meet other retired individuals who also collect Barbies.