Limited Edition Barbie Dolls

How to Choose a Special Doll

There is one reason for choosing a special doll, and that is to please the receiver.  The search for a special doll can seem overwhelming because of the many types of dolls to choose from.  This article aims to help clarify how to choose a special modern doll for a chosen person. 

A brief review of the past 200 years of doll making categorizes dolls into antique dolls, vintage dolls, and modern dolls.  Antique dolls are considered to be those dolls produced prior to 1930.  Vintage dolls are the dolls from the mid-20th century.  They were generally made between the years of 1930 – 1980.  Most vintage and antique dolls were made as children’s playthings.   Modern dolls are dolls created from approximately 1980 to today.  Modern dolls, as well as being made as children’s playthings, have become a relatively new phenomenon as collectible dolls.  The market for modern collectible dolls was significantly established in the 1990’s. 

The search for a special doll begins with research of what’s available from modern doll companies. Some companies to search are Barbie, Madame Alexander, Vogue, Tonner, Only Hearts Club, Adora, Marie Osmond, Jan McLean, Effenbee, Corolle, Ashton Drake, and Middleton Doll.

Since the person receiving the doll could be of any age, it is important to research these companies to learn which age group is being targeted by a particular doll company.  The receiver of a special doll could be a young baby or toddler under the age of four, a young person over the age of three, or an older person who enjoys dolls. 

Of the modern doll companies searched, Madame Alexander and  Middleton Doll seemed to target the largest age group audience by offering choices of dolls from ages 0+ through all ages.  In addition to appealing to all age groups, Middleton Doll specifically targets interested doll collectors by offering limited edition collectible dolls.  Barbie, Tonner, and Only Hearts Club make dolls that appeal to pre-teens who enjoy fashion dolls and realistic dolls. 

 In comparing the modern doll companies, Middleton Doll is an excellent choice for finding a special doll because it creates dolls that appeal to a very large doll audience. PlayBaby baby dolls are just right for babies 0+ through 4years. The Middleton Now collection appeals to the 3+ age group.  In addition to these choices, Middleton Doll extends its collection to appeal to the modern doll collector by offering Limited Edition Collectible dolls.  These dolls are produced for an adult’s aesthetic taste, not a child’s aesthetic taste, to appeal to the older adult.

Hopefully, this article helps in the search for finding a special doll that pleases the special person.

About the Author

Jeanine SG, Webmaster, Special Dolls Online. Lee Middleton Dolls and doll products that include Limited Edition Collectibles, Middleton NOW, Play Babies, doll clothes, doll accessories, and doll furniture. Collectible Dolls, special, Middleton

My Limited Edition First in a Series Nolan Miller Barbie Doll

1997 Porcelain Holiday Ball Barbie Limited Edition New $39.99

1996 Calvin Klein Jeans Barbie Bloomingdale’s Exclusive Limited Edition $19.99

1996 Calvin Klein Jeans, bloomingdale’s Barbie. Limited Edition. $15.00

1996 MACY’S CITY SHOPPER BARBIE DESIGNED BY NICOLE MILLER LTD ED (MIB) $14.95

Golden Qi-Pao Barbie 1998 Limited Edition NRFB MIB $79.99

NIGHT DAZZLE BARBIE LIMITED EDITION THE EVENING ELEGANCE SERIES NIB! 1994 $10.00

1989 Wal-Mart Special Limited Edition Lavender Locks Barbie Mint in box $4.99

SAPPHIRE DREAM BARBIE SOCIETY STYLE LIMITED EDITION 1st In A Series ball gown NR $24.97

2012 BARBIE Silkstone WALKING SUIT doll LTD 6600 *Sold Out* $79.99

VINTAGE 80′S LIMITED EDITION “ARMY” BARBIE DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX-FREE SHIPPING!** $19.99

Barbie Back to school. Limited edition “1992″ $25.00

BARBIE FASHION DOLL OLYMPIC GYMANST 1996 ATLANTA GAMES GYMNASTICS SPORTS LTD ED $13.99

BARBIE 35th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION PORCELAIN TEASET NEW/ WITH COA $10.99

BARBIE #2 HARLEY DAVIDSON LIMITED EDITION DOLL NEW SEALED IN BOX $89.95

BARBIE #3 HARLEY DAVIDSON LIMITED EDITION DOLL NEW SEALED IN BOX $89.95

BARBIE #4 HARLEY DAVIDSON LIMITED EDITION DOLL NEW SEALED IN BOX $89.95

1992 MIB WOOLWORTH SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION SWEET LAVENDER AA BARBIE DOLL #2523 $14.99

BARBIE RARE LIMITED EDITION THE BLACK SWAN AS ODELLE WITH AOC BY VEGA $299.00

BILL BLASS BARBIE DOLL – NRFB 1997 Ltd. Ed. – MATTEL – GORGEOUS GOWN $69.95

Sea Princess Barbie 1996 Limited Edition Service Merchandise $24.99

Vintage 1992 Dream Princess Barbie Sears Special Ltd Ed LAST1 No RES $19.99

New NRFB Winter Concert Barbie Doll – Limited Edition 2002 in Shipper Box $65.00

Collectables Happy Holiday Barbie LTD Edition 1990 + Christmas Ornament NIB/MIB $110.00

1998 X Files Giftset Barbie NRFB Limited Edition Agent Scully Ken Mulder (*) $29.95

1994 F-A-O Schwartz Special Barbie Doll NIB MIB Charitable LTD. Collectable $32.45

LIMITED EDITION SPIEGEL SHOPPING CHIC BARBIE DOLL NIP $9.99

Barbie Doll Purple Passion NIB MIB Special LTD. Edt. 1995 Collectables Doll $99.40

FRENCH MAID BARBIE NRFB LIMITED EDITION $229.99

1996 Blushing Orchid Bride Barbie. Limited Edition 3rd in a series. $50.00

1993 Royal Splendor Barbie. Limited Edition 2nd in a series. $45.00

Faberge Imperial Splendor Porcelain Barbie Limited Edition # 28 $275.00

1991 Madison Avenue Barbie. Special Limited Edition-Doll. F-A-O Schwarz $40.00

35th Anniversary Barbie FOSSIL Watch with Hatbox and Scarf NEW! Limited Edition $65.00

Barbie Doll Jewel Princess Limited Edition 1996 Winter Collection Mattel $16.99

BARBIE~IN THE LIMELIGHT~1ST EDITION~Limited Byron Lars AA Barbie~♥NIB♥ $79.99

2012 Party Dress Barbie Doll Silkstone Gold Label Limited Edition (Still Tissued $99.98

Barbie For President Gift Set – Toys R Us Limited Edition Doll – 1991 Mattel $9.99

DUCHESS of DIAMONDS BARBIE Limited Edition Mint doll $189.99

BLOOMINGDALES Ralph Lauren Barbie LIMITED EDITION 1996 MIP $59.99

Barbie and Ken Tango 2002 Doll Exclusive Limited Edition from FAO SCHWARZ MIB!! $114.99

1987 SEARS SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION BARBIE (NNU BOXED) $12.99

18 Seperate Collector Edition/Limited Edition Barbie Collectibles Still in Box $950.00

Lot of 7 limited and special edition Barbies 1992-2000 $20.00

1989 Wal-Mart Special Ltd Edition Lavender Locks Barbie Never removed from box $8.99

1991 Limited Edition Collector Barbie by Mattel $14.99

Todd Oldham Barbie Limited Edition NRFB MIB $99.99

EMPRESS – KAISERIN Barbie SISSY Doll * NRFB * LTD ED ^ LOVELY * 1996 $29.00

Barbie Styled By Yuming Limited Edition NRFB MIB $154.99

MASQUERADE Barbie ILLUSION Doll * NRFB * LTD EDITION ^ NICE * 1st In Series $29.00

BALLROOM BEAUTIES Barbie Doll * MIDNIGHT WALTZ ** NRFB ^ LTD ED * BRUNETTE $24.99

CINNABAR SENSATION Barbie Doll BYRON LARS * 19848 ** NRFB ^ LTD ED * AA * MIB $31.00

TODD OLDHAM Barbie Doll * 22205 ** NRFB ^ MIB * LIMITED EDITION * $24.99

Barbie 1999 Whispering Wind Limited Edition~Essence of Nature Collection~ NRFB $38.99

New Provencale Barbie Limited Edition -NRFB $209.99

BARBIE 1997 DESIGNER DOLL by BILL BLASS LIMITED EDITION w/SHIPPER, NRFB $9.38

Barbie Fashion Model Collection BLACK ENCHANTMENT Limited Edition NIB $22.50

NRFB MIB NEW BLOOMINGDALES CALVIN KLEIN JEANS BARBIE DOLL 1996 LIMITED EDITION $19.99

NRFB MIB NEW ANNE KLEIN BARBIE DOLL MACYS EXCLUSIVE 1997 LIMITED EDITION 17603 $19.99

BARBIE 1995 CHRISTIAN DIOR LIMITED EDITION DOLL, NRFB $9.94

GOLDEN HOLLYWOOD BARBIE DOLL LIMITED EDITION (MGM)1998 $45.00

1991 Special Limited Edition Barbie Teen Talk $12.00

Barbie 1994 Limited Edition *Chinese*Dutch*Kenyan* Dolls of the World NO RESERVE $33.99

BARBIE 1996 LIMITED EDITION HOUSE of ESCADA DOLL, NRFB $12.49

Barbie Silken Flame Limited Edition Red Flare MIB Vintage Reproduction 1997 $25.00

Barbie As George limited edition Circa 1996 MINT CONDITION IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING $39.99

Wedding Day Barbie 1961 Doll and Fashion Reproduction Limited Edition MINT $20.00

Couture Symphony in Chiffon Barbie Doll Limited Edition 3rd Series (1997) AA $175.00

1996 ESCADA Limited Edition Barbie Doll w Box $25.00

MIB 1997 WINTER DAZZLE BARBIE…LIMITED EDITION….GENERAL MILLS $5.99

Barbie Pinstripe Power Barbie Millicent Roberts Collection NIB Limited Edition $20.00

1989 NRFB Army Barbie Limited Edition American Beauties Collection # 3966 $28.88

Mini Gorgeous Doll, Mini B, Little Kiddle Size, LTD Barbie, Black Hair Princess $5.00

Mini Gorgeous Doll, Mini B, Little Kiddle Size, LTD Barbie, Blond Curly Hair $5.00

Mini Gorgeous Doll, Mini B, Little Kiddle Size, LTD Barbie, Red Princess $5.00

Mini Gorgeous Doll, Mini B, Little Kiddle Size, LTD Barbie, Dark Hair Yellow $5.00

NLA RARE SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY BARBIE DOLL HTF CHRISTMAS GOWN 1998 $19.95

BLACK HAIR FANTASTICA BARBIE MEXICAN DOLL LIMITED EDITION NEW IN SEAL BOX $89.74

VERY RARE! Pink Splendor Barbie – Limited Edition – 1996 NEW in Box w/shipper $700.00

Barbie Enchanted Seasons Snow Princess #1 Limited Edition $19.99

GOLD SENSATION BARBIE, LIMITED EDITION, FIRST IN COLLECTION, YEAR 1993 $199.99

ROYAL SPLENDOR BARBIE, PORCELAIN LIMITED EDITION, 2ND IN SERIES, YEAR 1993 $149.99

Snow Princess Barbie 1994 Limited Edition Mattel #11875 $65.00

Barbie & Ken As Romeo & Juliet Limited Edition Together Forever Collection 1997 $32.00

Nolan Miller Sheer Illusion Barbie Ltd Ed NRFB MIB $149.99

Feelin’ Groovy Barbie By Billy Boy Ltd Ed NRFB MIB RARE $144.99

Billions of Dreams Limited Edition Barbie (2007) $104.99

Barbie Doll Evening Flame Special Limited Edition 1991 Mattel $16.99

1995 NIB MATTEL #14664 FAO SCHWARZ STATUE OF LIBERTY LIMITED EDITION BARBIE $42.75

Rapunzel Barbie w/ hair and crown- 1997 New in Box- Ltd. ED. doll $19.99

Harley-Davidson #2 1998 Barbie Doll Limited Edition $50.00

NRFB 1994 SNOW PRINCESS BARBIE Doll Enchanted Seasons Collection Limited Edition $16.88

1997 Happy New Year BARBIE Doll Limited Edition 16093 $47.95

2000 NRFB Barbie Silkstone Fashion Model Garden Party Limited Edition Outfit $31.00

1989 ARMY BARBIE ~~ AMERICAN BEAUTIES COLLECTION ~~ LTD EDITION ~~ NRFB $24.99

BARBIE♥1999 TODD OLDHAM♥♥LIMITED EDITION~NIB♥ $49.99

1999 Wedgewood Barbie Doll England Limited Edition NRFB $119.99

SNOW PRINCESS BARBIE LIMITED EDITION, ENCHANTED $45.00

SPRING BOUQUET BARBIE, LIMITED EDITION $45.00

NIB BARBIE DOLL 2003 HEATHER RONSECA DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT LIMITED EDITION $89.99

Enesco Barbie Happy Holidays 1988 Collector’s Plate Limited Edition $9.99

Barbie in A Christmas Carol Soundtrack $0.01 Soundtrack features Christmas carols from and inspired by the first Barbie holiday movie! Track listing: 1. O Christmas Tree 2. Deck The Halls 3. Jolly Old St. Nicholas 4. Joy To The World 5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas 6. Jingle Bells (sung by Chuzzlewit) 7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 8. Silent Night! Holy Night! 9. A Barbie 12 Days of Christmas 10. I Love This Christmas 11. California Christ…

2012 MONSTER HIGH SKULL SHORES BLACK & WHITE FRANKIE STEIN DOLL $8.00 2012 BLACK & WHITE FRANKIE STEIN MONSTER HIGH SKULL SHORES DOLL….

Royal Wedding Dolls | Princess Catherine Wedding Doll and Prince William Doll | Limited Edition Kate Middleton Bride Collector’s Doll $69.95 A host of renowned British fashion designers have come together to exclusively dress and accessorise the Arklu Princess Catherine Wedding Doll and the Prince William Wedding Doll. The instantly recognisable Royal Wedding Dolls pay homage to the stunning best-of-British outfits that so impressed the world when HRH Prince William of Wales married Catherine “Kate” Middleton on April 29, 2011. Auth…

Disney Princess The Little Mermaid Exclusive 12 Doll – ARIEL (New) $15.49 Oceans of fun are guaranteed with our Disney Princess Ariel Doll. Fully poseable with a glittery tail and red hair that sends many fins a flutter, the beautiful details on our Little Mermaid doll will definitely entice you to make her part of your world….

Despicable Me Toy Phone Charm Strap with Mini Snap Hook – Dave Despicable Me Toy Phone Charm Strap with mini snap hook – Dave (Special Limited Edition)…

Pokemon Toy Double-sided Metal Phone Charm Strap with Mini Snap Hook – Mew Pokemon Toy Double-sided Metal Phone Charm Strap with mini snap hook – Mew (Special Limited Edition)…

Pokemon Toy Double-sided Metal Phone Charm Strap with Mini Snap Hook – Eevee Pokemon Toy Double-sided Metal Phone Charm Strap with mini snap hook – Eevee (Special Limited Edition)…

Barbie $29.58 Big-eyed, blonde, and beautiful, Barbie took over the world in 1959 with little more than a white-and-black striped bathing suit and a pair of high heels. Today, Mattel sells three Barbies a second, and children in more than one hundred and fifty countries know her name.Now, on her fiftieth anniversary as cultural icon, Assouline presents the ultimate collector s volume on the world s most popular…

1992 – Marvel Comics – BARBIE – Scarab Scare! – Vol. 1 / No. 15 – Full Color – Special : See Description (Scarb Scare, 1) $4.99 Special: Buy This Barbie Comic : Get 2 Free! – Marvel Comics – BARBIE – Issue #15 – Scarab Scare! (All’s Pharoah in Egypt!) – Volume 1 / No. 15 – 1992 -Fullk Color Issue – Writer Lisa Trusiani / Editor: Fabian Nicieza – New – Minor Edge Wear from Storage – PLUS: you get Marvel Comics : Vol. 1 / No. 18 – 1992 – BARBIE FASHION Comic / AND 1993 : Marvel Comics / Vol 1 / No. 30 – BARBIE : Ride ‘Em Cow…

Chicago Cubs Fan Barbie – Wrigley Field Welcomes Barbie 1999 Limited Edition Barbie Doll Cubs Barbie was a giveaway on July 20, 1999, against the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field. It was given to the first 10,000 ladies. This day was known as ” Barbie Day”….