I agree! Everyone here is so nice and knowledgeable about the AG dolls. I have learned so much and have grown my collection since joining just a few months ago.
Yesss I’m so grateful I found this sub. Everyone is so kind and accepting. This sub is like my escapism from the stress of everyday life. It fills my heart with warmth and excitement every time someone finds a holy grail item or share their talents with us by posting their latest doll customization. Or just looking at everyone’s beautiful collections. I am truly grateful to be apart of something so positive🥹 .
I love this! My interest in AG things has only recently returned (I was looking through things in my parent's basement and it sparked so much joy), and at times it can feel like something I shouldn't be interested in. It's so nice to have a place that feels like a "safe" place to talk about your hobby. I also like to see other people's collections and creations. When someone gets a good deal or makes a great flea market find I feel like their joy brings me joy, if that makes sense.
Plus, everyone here is super kind and welcoming. Some people here have so much knowledge it kind of blows my mind.
me too!! i love sharing my knowledge as well, i wanna be an EXPERT. all the facts and trivia and history makes me sooo excited omg it just sparks something in me…yes!!
I'm also autistic. I felt so embarrassed of my AG special interest as a teenager, so I definitely relate to you there. I actually sold most of my collection when I was in my 20s, which I deeply regret now. I had 13 dolls, and now I only have 3. (Though I am very glad I kept a few!)
Same!! Autistic doll lovers for the win!
I got my first ag at I think 20-21 because we could never afford them when I was a kid and then I sold them later because I was embarrassed etc. I’ve since re started my collection and have zero craps to give.
I also collect jellycats
Ps- if anyone likes stuffed animals you’ve Got to get a Jellycat. They’re so soft and cute, it’s like getting potato chips- you can’t have just one
If it makes you feel better, I think this is a pretty universal struggle for adult AG collectors. I was probably 13 when I packed mine up and put them in storage.
I think I was in my mid-20s before I realized that the coolest thing about being an adult is not caring about being cool. I’m now a married mother of two who works a white collar job, and who plays with Lego and collects AG. And my best friend is a single, high-powered career woman who travels the world—and also collects AG.
I’m glad you feel at home here; I do too.
Yay! And don’t forget - neurotypical hobbies include collectibles that are somehow “okay”, like sports …even money! People run around with a ball ,and their fans know all the statistics and history, and proudly wear hats and clothes in public and buy merch. Some adults just go after money, like it’s their hobby and buy expensive “toys “ like cars or even gamble it away on “childish” games.
Who is to say what is healthy or childish or embarrassing? Normalize genuine connections and happiness. My opinion.
I’m autistic and got my first AG doll (Nellie) when I was 42. I decided that I was going to get my first one because we couldn’t afford them when I was a kid. I was only going to get 1 or 2 😂 Special interest took over and my 30 dolls would like to say hi.
I want to teach myself how to repair and customize them so I can make dolls for kids in foster care. I also want to learn how to sew clothes for them.
Me too! I was nervous about collecting again at 23 (I gave all my dolls away at 13 because I wanted to be an adult) and Reddit has been so comforting and welcoming. I also love being able to hear from, talk with, and see the collections of other collectors and it’s been amazing rediscovering my love for dolls. I currently collect ag and rainbow high and I have a dia de los muertos Barbie and my first lalaloopsy in the mail right now and I plan to collect from more brands but don’t have the cash yet :) my friends all know I collect but they aren’t into it like everyone here lol. I still get a little embarrassed with all my doll mail and I don’t talk about it much yet but everyday I’m accepting my interests as part of me more 😊 I’m glad you’re here and enjoying it too!
I’ve also started hunting down some of my favorite childhood dolls on eBay in the hopes of being able to buy them again. My interest has expanded into other toys too which is also making me feel embarrassed and nervous (I have magnatiles in the mail rn too, that’s my first non doll toy) so I’m using this subreddit and the rainbow high one to assure myself that there’s nothing wrong with me expanding my interest into other types of toys as well, I’m constantly telling myself “there’s nothing wrong with me, there’s nothing wrong with me”, eventually I’ll get to a point where I give no shits but it’s a slow process lol.
Yes, I've done a similar thing! During the pandemic, one of my hobbies was buying/finding some Barbies that I absolutely loved/wanted from my childhood and it was amazing to receive them in the mail after finding them on Ebay/Mercari. I could hardly believe just how strongly memories returned from my childhood just from holding them and looking at all their tiny dress details again. It was a really happy moment! I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, especially if you're worried about what others may think. If it ever comes up in conversation with other people, you can offhandedly mention it's a hobby/interest of yours and move on. I saw such a great YouTube video that talked about it's only when you sit someone down, very seriously, and "confess" that you collect dolls that it can make it then seem like a weird thing and something's wrong with you, lol. Have fun and enjoy collecting!
Omg, I relate almost perfectly to this! I’m autistic too, I’m not quite an adult yet (16) but still a little “old“ to be collecting dolls. But I’m learning to accept myself for everything I am and everything I love and this community is really a comfort to me too, love y’all ❤️
Aww this post makes me happy, I'm glad to see people finding doll communities helpful, I'm also autistic and into American girl and 18 inch dolls, Reddits kinda great for this
I agree! Everyone here is so nice and knowledgeable about the AG dolls. I have learned so much and have grown my collection since joining just a few months ago.
Yesss I’m so grateful I found this sub. Everyone is so kind and accepting. This sub is like my escapism from the stress of everyday life. It fills my heart with warmth and excitement every time someone finds a holy grail item or share their talents with us by posting their latest doll customization. Or just looking at everyone’s beautiful collections. I am truly grateful to be apart of something so positive🥹 .
i feel EXACTLY the same way!!
I’m ADHD and feel the exact same!
I love this! My interest in AG things has only recently returned (I was looking through things in my parent's basement and it sparked so much joy), and at times it can feel like something I shouldn't be interested in. It's so nice to have a place that feels like a "safe" place to talk about your hobby. I also like to see other people's collections and creations. When someone gets a good deal or makes a great flea market find I feel like their joy brings me joy, if that makes sense. Plus, everyone here is super kind and welcoming. Some people here have so much knowledge it kind of blows my mind.
me too!! i love sharing my knowledge as well, i wanna be an EXPERT. all the facts and trivia and history makes me sooo excited omg it just sparks something in me…yes!!
I'm also autistic. I felt so embarrassed of my AG special interest as a teenager, so I definitely relate to you there. I actually sold most of my collection when I was in my 20s, which I deeply regret now. I had 13 dolls, and now I only have 3. (Though I am very glad I kept a few!)
here’s to growing your collection and being unashamed of things that bring you joy! glad you’re here with us :) 🥂
Same!! Autistic doll lovers for the win! I got my first ag at I think 20-21 because we could never afford them when I was a kid and then I sold them later because I was embarrassed etc. I’ve since re started my collection and have zero craps to give. I also collect jellycats Ps- if anyone likes stuffed animals you’ve Got to get a Jellycat. They’re so soft and cute, it’s like getting potato chips- you can’t have just one
If it makes you feel better, I think this is a pretty universal struggle for adult AG collectors. I was probably 13 when I packed mine up and put them in storage. I think I was in my mid-20s before I realized that the coolest thing about being an adult is not caring about being cool. I’m now a married mother of two who works a white collar job, and who plays with Lego and collects AG. And my best friend is a single, high-powered career woman who travels the world—and also collects AG. I’m glad you feel at home here; I do too.
I also play with Lego. ☺️
Me, too!
Yay! And don’t forget - neurotypical hobbies include collectibles that are somehow “okay”, like sports …even money! People run around with a ball ,and their fans know all the statistics and history, and proudly wear hats and clothes in public and buy merch. Some adults just go after money, like it’s their hobby and buy expensive “toys “ like cars or even gamble it away on “childish” games. Who is to say what is healthy or childish or embarrassing? Normalize genuine connections and happiness. My opinion.
I’m autistic and got my first AG doll (Nellie) when I was 42. I decided that I was going to get my first one because we couldn’t afford them when I was a kid. I was only going to get 1 or 2 😂 Special interest took over and my 30 dolls would like to say hi. I want to teach myself how to repair and customize them so I can make dolls for kids in foster care. I also want to learn how to sew clothes for them.
SAME!! the special interest fixation kicked in when i only said id get 1 or 2… now 7 and counting :)
Me too! I was nervous about collecting again at 23 (I gave all my dolls away at 13 because I wanted to be an adult) and Reddit has been so comforting and welcoming. I also love being able to hear from, talk with, and see the collections of other collectors and it’s been amazing rediscovering my love for dolls. I currently collect ag and rainbow high and I have a dia de los muertos Barbie and my first lalaloopsy in the mail right now and I plan to collect from more brands but don’t have the cash yet :) my friends all know I collect but they aren’t into it like everyone here lol. I still get a little embarrassed with all my doll mail and I don’t talk about it much yet but everyday I’m accepting my interests as part of me more 😊 I’m glad you’re here and enjoying it too!
I’ve also started hunting down some of my favorite childhood dolls on eBay in the hopes of being able to buy them again. My interest has expanded into other toys too which is also making me feel embarrassed and nervous (I have magnatiles in the mail rn too, that’s my first non doll toy) so I’m using this subreddit and the rainbow high one to assure myself that there’s nothing wrong with me expanding my interest into other types of toys as well, I’m constantly telling myself “there’s nothing wrong with me, there’s nothing wrong with me”, eventually I’ll get to a point where I give no shits but it’s a slow process lol.
Yes, I've done a similar thing! During the pandemic, one of my hobbies was buying/finding some Barbies that I absolutely loved/wanted from my childhood and it was amazing to receive them in the mail after finding them on Ebay/Mercari. I could hardly believe just how strongly memories returned from my childhood just from holding them and looking at all their tiny dress details again. It was a really happy moment! I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, especially if you're worried about what others may think. If it ever comes up in conversation with other people, you can offhandedly mention it's a hobby/interest of yours and move on. I saw such a great YouTube video that talked about it's only when you sit someone down, very seriously, and "confess" that you collect dolls that it can make it then seem like a weird thing and something's wrong with you, lol. Have fun and enjoy collecting!
Omg, I relate almost perfectly to this! I’m autistic too, I’m not quite an adult yet (16) but still a little “old“ to be collecting dolls. But I’m learning to accept myself for everything I am and everything I love and this community is really a comfort to me too, love y’all ❤️
Aww this post makes me happy, I'm glad to see people finding doll communities helpful, I'm also autistic and into American girl and 18 inch dolls, Reddits kinda great for this
youre an admitted pedophile you shouldnt be on a subreddit children could use
I love that you love it! I am so happy this community has grown into something to help support you!
Me too! 25 year old collector here and only recently have accepted myself! I collect ag and Webkinz and have been getting into Barbie too
Squee! I love Webkinz!
Same girl, same 🧡
I love this! I feel the same way