How to Buy Paper Dolls

Determine your intended use. If you intend that the paper dolls are to be museum pieces you'll have a much different buying procedure than if you're buying paper dolls for your 6-year-old.

Set a budget. Paper dolls for playtime will run you anywhere from 5 to 10 dollars depending on the manufacturer or items included, while vintage paper dolls could cost around 30 dollars or more, depending on the condition and age of the paper dolls.

Search for new and vintage paper dolls to buy at an auction site such as eBay and search the collection of paper dolls available through Amazon. Buy vintage reproductions of Grace Kelly, Doris Day, Jane Russell and other celebrities from specialty websites such as Paper Goodies From Judy's Place.

Buy books of paper dolls and magnetic tins of paper dolls from places DealTime, Borders and Wal-Mart, perfect for imaginative play or to add as contemporary pieces to your paper doll collection.

Be sure you know the condition of your paper dolls before purchase. Any vintage papers may have yellowing, tearing and paper dolls may have torn tabs as well. Be sure, even if the piece is stated as mint, to examine the piece carefully before you buy.

Check for a genuine article. Unfortunately, paper dolls are easily forged. If you suspect a vintage paper doll set is a reproduction it probably is. If you're a serious collector take the time to look for examples in paper doll collector books and find out the details of production, thereby reducing your risk of being taken.