What’s a good beginner BJD?

This is a very popular question that is asked from newcomers to the BJD hobby. What is a good BJD for a beginner? I am going to go through some suggestions of things you might want to consider when getting your very first BJD.

But first…

Let me tell you that this is a decision that you have to be comfortable with and know that there really isn’t a set “starter doll”. Everyone is different and has different tastes. Some people want to be economical with their first doll and will choose to go that route.

Others may see a doll they automatically fall in love with and will have to save for a long time before being able to purchase them. Whatever route you go with just make sure you are comfortable with it before committing.

So lets break some things down and make a list

When looking to buy a BJD for the first time you might want to consider a couple of things…

• Do you have a character in mind or aesthetic you like?
• What size do you want? (1/3, 1/4, or 1/6)
• What is your budget/ how much can you afford?
• Do you want to buy direct from company or try a distributor?

I think that once you go through at least the first three you can start narrowing down some options.

What is your BJDs character or aesthetic?

Having an idea of what you want your doll to look like I think is super helpful. Some people like to sketch out their doll or use avatar programs to make a sort of blueprint for their dolls.

Map out what color eyes they may have, hair style/color, and possible clothes they may wear. Knowing all these things before hand will be great so you know what to hunt for.

If you are leaning more towards the fantasy side you can check out these companies:

Impldoll: https://impldoll.com/

Doll Chateau: http://www.doll-chateau.com/main.asp

Soom: https://gem.dollsoom.com/en/

Aimerai : http://www.aimeraidoll.com/

Ringdoll: https://www.ringdoll.com/

Miracle Doll : https://miracle-doll.world.taobao.com/

If fantasy isn’t your thing don’t stress! Maybe you just want a more standard looking doll that you can make into your own. Check out these companies!

MYou Doll: http://www.myou-doll.com/en/

Mystic Kids: http://www.mystic-kids.com/

Island Doll: http://www.islanddoll.com/

Doll Leaves: http://www.doll-leaves.com/

DikaDoll : http://www.dkdoll.com/

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can check out a ongoing list on http://bjdcollectasy.com/ of all the different BJD companies that are out there.

What size do you want?

As I stated before this is going to boil down to preference. When I first started I wanted to go big or go home so I went with a 1/3 scale doll as my first. Some people may want to go smaller and choose a 1/4 scale doll. It is something you really want to look into because the size of the doll will determine what accessories, clothes, eyes, wigs, and shoes they will need.

Don’t be afraid to ask people what they think of their dollies and their different sizes. It is good to hear first hand from people that own the different sizes how purchasing items and storing them will go.

Feel free to check out my article on BJD sizes to get a better understanding of the different sizes that are out there and how to shop for them. There are lots of pictures so you can visually see the differences!

What is your budget?

The price of these dolls can definitely be a deal breaker to a lot of people. Because the price is so extraordinary, YOU have to be certain of what you want before you click that buy button.

Take note that there are some places that do offer layaway which could come in handy if the doll you were scoping out is a bit pricey.

BJD sites/Distributors that offer Layaway:

Alice’s Collection: http://www.acbjd.com/

Denver Doll Emporium: https://www.denverdoll.com/

Fabric Friends and Dolls: https://fabricfriendsdolls.com/

DOLKs: http://dolkus.com/

Oobie Doll : http://oobiedoll.com/shop/

If you are trying to go economical for your first doll please check out my article on affordable BJD companies. There are tons of dolls out there that won’t break the bank and will help give you that first experience of owning a BJD!

Another option you could explore is the second hand market. I really recommend checking out feedback from sellers before you move forward on a sale and asking lots of questions about the doll before buying. Make sure you get plenty of information about the dolls condition and what it may or may not come with. Ask for lots of pictures if they only show a couple on the sale post. If you are able to ask them for a COA or proof that it was purchased from a distributor or company, that would be fantastic too. If you are looking to buy a legitimate doll and not a recast as your first, you want to make sure they can prove it is legit somehow. (Don’t know what a recast is? Please check out my article on recasts)

Direct from company or distributor?

When you buy straight from the company you are doing business directly with those that make the doll. This can give you some issues at times since there might be a language barrier. Luckily most companies have someone that speak a bit of English and can communicate with you. You will also have to take into account whether or not you will have to pay any customs fees depending on where you live.

If you choose to go through a distributor they will act as the middle man for you. Another benefit for going through a distributor is that some sites will offer “in stock dolls”. This means you can get your doll early as 2-3 weeks versus waiting for it to be made which can take sometimes even up to a year. Whatever you choose just be prepared to join the waiting game.

The extras

Unless you are buying a full set doll (comes with a faceup, wig, eyes, and clothes) your new BJD will be naked. If you are OK with this and are planning on making all the items for your doll then great! If you are not ready to make certain items for your doll you should look into getting them those things ready.

There are several places you can purchase dolly items from. Some of my favorite places are searching through Etsy, the second hand market, and online stores like Alice’s Collection. Once again, make sure you are 100% certain of your BJDs size so you can get the appropriate extra items.

Go with your gut

I could sit here and suggest several BJDs but at the end of the day it really is going to be a choice that you need to make on your own. If there is a doll that you fall in love with, then go with your gut and get it. This is going to be your doll and you should be happy with what you pick!

If you want more help on how to buy a BJD check out my article “Planning for a BJD”

What dolls are you interested in or looking for? Tell me in the comments below!