Too Old for Dolls!

Every day within reborn groups on social media I see posts from collectors asking how to tell family about their doll collection, posts from ladies wanting to take their dolls out in public but are afraid of what other people might think, these posts makes me very sad that these women are not free to do what makes them happy through fear of being laughed at, but why are they ridiculed?

As a mother I can remember telling my now grown daughters that they were getting too old for dolls when they asked for one at the age of 11, I don't know why I felt the need to say that and to encourage them to choose something more "mature" instead, I guess I was telling them the same as what my own mother told me, I was wrong and I regret it!

The reborn doll community has grown significantly, attracting collectors from all walks of life. However, despite the joy and fulfilment these dolls bring to many, there is still a stigma attached to adult women who choose to collect them. This judgement often stems from misconceptions about what is considered an acceptable hobby for adults, particularly women, Us women are expected to grow up and act our age while men can continue to do as they please without that same judgement.

It’s time to challenge these stereotypes and embrace the right for everyone to collect what they love, just as we do with men's hobbies, such as model railways, remote control cars and video games.

Reborn dolls can be incredibly realistic and crafted with great attention to detail. Many collectors appreciate them for their artistic value and the craftsmanship involved in creating lifelike babies from vinyl parts. For some, these dolls offer comfort, companionship, and even therapeutic benefits, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness, grief or anxiety. Despite these positive aspects, some people view adult doll collectors with scepticism, often questioning their motives or maturity.

One of the primary reasons why it’s frowned upon for women to collect reborn dolls lies in the double standards surrounding hobbies. For instance, collecting toy soldiers & figurines are widely accepted pastimes for men. These hobbies often involve a significant investment—both in time and money—and they are celebrated for their creativity and technical skills. Men are admired for their dedication to building intricate train setups or their vast collection of comics & tin cars, yet women who display a similar passion for reborn dolls are met with judgement and ridicule. This discrepancy raises an important question: why do societal norms dictate what is acceptable for one gender but not the other? Hobbies should not be gender-specific; they should be a reflection of personal interests and passions. Just as men find joy in their collections & hobbies, women should be able to revel in their love for reborn dolls without fear of negative perceptions.

Collecting is a deeply fulfilling hobby for many individuals. It provides an opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests, encourages creativity and allows for personal expression. For many women, reborn dolls serve as a way to connect with their nurturing instincts, or simply a means of enjoying a unique form of art. By collecting reborn dolls, women can partake in a rich community that shares their passion. These communities offer support, friendship, and a sense of belonging—elements that are crucial for emotional well-being, especially in a world where social connections can sometimes feel fleeting.

To shift the narrative around adult women collecting dolls, we must start by recognising and challenging the stereotypes that perpetuate that judgement, we need to stop telling our little girls that they are too old for dolls while their brothers continue to enjoy their toys into adulthood, We need to encourage open conversations about the benefits of this hobby and help others understand that collecting reborn dolls is not only acceptable but can also be a source of joy and fulfilment, how it helps with anxiety, mental health & grieving. We should celebrate the diversity of interests that individuals pursue, regardless of gender and advocate for the freedom to collect what brings us joy—whether that’s reborn dolls, model trains or Pokemon cards, adults should be able to embrace their passion without facing judgement or stigma, after all, hobbies are meant to enrich our lives, and everyone deserves the right to pursue what makes them happy.

As an artist I have met so many ladies within the reborn doll community, those who collect them do so for different reasons, some of my customers display their dolls in glass cabinets and are confident to show them off to visitors, others have whole nurseries set up for them behind a locked door with antique looking bassinets and prams, they have poured so much love into these rooms and yet they are kept secret from any non dolly friends through fear of being thought of as weird! Some of my customers treat them as real babies, changing their outfits daily, taking them for walks in the park with other reborn mummy's and others just sit and cuddle them when they are feeling a little low and although I do not personally collect dolls I see none of these collectors as odd, I just see passionate human beings who want to be able to enjoy their hobby without the misconceptions.

These ladies I have met all have something else in common, they are all very easy to get along with, they are compassionate, empathetic and kind and I'm lucky to now call them friends.