Exploring 13-14" Branded Dolls

As Bbeauty Dolls continues to expand options for doll restoration, personalization, and customization we continously look at all the different size categories and the branded dolls for that size category. The 13-14" size category has been a particularly hard one for us as most of our customers are adult doll collectors who either customize or purchase dolls in higher price ranges. This allows a natural fit for doing wig upgrades in our $30-$40 price range and also to collect handmade and limited edition clothing pieces.

American Girl's 13-14" doll are the Wellie Wishers set at $65 and geared towards younger children. The plump faces and almost pre-school looking outfits are decorated with rainbows, ladybugs, and pigtails but not usually the caliber an adult collector looks for. At the price point a Wellie sells for, it is hard to imagine customers purchasing a $30 wig at half the price of a doll. Of course my four year old loves Wellies and I purchase many for her to play with and explore. As they are still wigged dolls, it's like they have the potential for replacement wigs but at a much lower price range. Clothing is the same and it often falls into a lower price range. It seems that everyone is realizing this also because American Girl produced only a few collectible outfits and accessories, making collecting very short. Now American Girl has released AG sisters at $80 which is a slightly higher price point and four collectible outfits for wardrobe. There are four dolls in total which appear to be the same body types and molds of Wellie Wishers and representing different races including African American, Asian, possibly Latino though very fair skinned, and a very typical blonde hair blue eyed doll. Ironically they have also done a series of 13-14" dolls called Modern Era dolls which are modern spins on the original historical dolls such as Addy, Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten, Molly, and Josefina. They also utilize the same Wellie body but are dressed in modern twists of the original outfits. No additional wardrobe is offered and these are priced at $90. While it appears that at least AG is trying to upgrade the Wellie Wishers with some new twists, wardrobe is extremely limited and the price points are going up.

Hearts for Hearts are 13-14" dolls very similar in look to a Wellie Wisher and at a $59 price point. There are four dolls in different nationalities and the wardrobe feels a little more pre-teen in style. These dolls can be found on Amazon but the brand is Heart for Hearts Girls. Wardrobe from Amazon can supplement both this doll and AG dolls for more outfit choices since they produce very little wardrobe.

Glitter Girls are 13-14" dolls with rooted hair and an inexpensive option at only $21.99 on Amazon. They fit the same body size and have "stare eyes" but again this size category caters to 4-6 year olds so these are largely play dolls. The wardrobe shares with AG and Hearts for Hearts so it makes for good play having a mix.

The next couple dolls is where it changes.

Gotz Little Kidz are a little sister to the Gotz Happy Kidz and are fully jointed just like their big sisters. They are qualtiy made dolls and because they are jointed and retailing at $120. Because of their higher price point and jointed, it seems like they are not intended for the 4-6 year old and more towards adult collectors. They convert to a custom very nicely with molds that accept detail and artistry that it leans more towards attracting those that collect BJD child dolls but at a lesser price point because they are vinyl.

Ruby Red Fashion Friends are also in this size category producing both high end limited edition dolls with collectible themes and basics in an everyday look. Their limited editions often cover different historical eras, evening gowns, storybook characters, and some nods to cosplay and lolita wear. Limited editions go for about $170-190 making them the highest priced doll in this size category. Ruby Red Fashion Friends have Siblies as the sister doll and perhaps the only line where the