Young people joining the BJD Hobby

I’ve noticed that there are quite a lot of younger people joining the BJD hobby. This is really neat considering I started it when I was around 23-24 years old. I think it is cool that the BJD hobby can bring in such a young audience and stir interest. However, there are some younger enthusiasts that have brought questions and concerns to me regarding the hobby and their family.

My parents say they are too expensive

Ooof. The truth is a hard thing sometimes. It is true that these dolls are way more expensive than your standard fashion doll from Target. Dropping $200-$400 on a doll can be really hard for parents to understand. Shoot even I as a grown adult with a child of my own have a hard time looking at doll prices too. I think was can really help our younger collectors is that if you save for it. If it is something that you really want…start saving. Whether it is money you get for good grades, or for birthdays, or if you do little jobs here and there, save that cash! I think this is a good learning experience in it of itself because it teaches patience, how to save your money, and how to work hard for something. These are all positive lessons that we need as we become adults.

My parents don’t think I am serious about it

A lot of things come and go in phases. I will never ever forget when all my friends were buying Furbys and I was the only uncool kid that didn’t have one. I begged my parents for one and even said I would save up for it. They still refused but I worked and worked to save my money. Finally I bought it and guess what? I HATED IT! It was so creepy and it would honestly scare me at night. I literally played with it for a week and THAT WAS IT. I wish I could have used that money for something else…or just listened to my parents.

What is the point of my Furby story? Make sure you are serious about it and you aren’t just “interested” but can be “dedicated” to it. Learn more and more about them. Maybe start a journal with info you are learning about BJDs. Watch YouTube videos on how to take care of them. Really learn the ins and outs of owning a BJD. Show your parents and yourself that you are truly serious about wanting one and are ready for one.

My parents won’t let me get one

If there was a magical wand that you could wave to change your parents minds and let them do whatever you want I think the world might be a tad chaotic. If you are living under their roof and they are paying for everything else you have then there is nothing I can say to sway their decision. BUT I can tell you that if they are not down for you getting a $200 dollar doll why not start small? There are other avenues that prep you and let you get a taste of what it is like to customize and own a BJD. A really neat trend people have been doing is repainting Monster High Dolls or other fashion dolls. You could easily find some dolls at a flea market or even on sale! I am pretty sure your parents would be more reasonable with a doll under $25.

Maybe work on customizing fashion dolls first and then as you get older and your parents see your passion for doll collecting and customizing, they will be more understanding of your want for a BJD.

How can I convince my parents to let me buy one?

I think if you are really serious about wanting a BJD you need to really pitch the following.

• You’ve done your research on how to take care/maintain them and can show your parents either by showing them sites/videos you have watched. Maybe even start a journal with info you have learned about them.
• Let them know YOU will save for it. Offer to do extra things around the house for money, maybe start doing smaller jobs like dog walking/ baby sitting/ dog sitting.
• Let them know that you are dedicated to it and will stick with it. It isn’t just a phase that you will grow tired of after a year.
• Have an exit plan. Learn about what you can do if you no longer want to be in the hobby. Do you know where you can sell it or how you can sell it? Is it something you can trade with a friend? Figure out what you can do and know if you plan on selling it, you might need your parents help.

Look towards the future young ones!

I know it might be hard to get into this hobby, especially if you are younger. Just know that this hobby has been around for more than 10 years now. I really just see it getting bigger and bigger. If you can’t get in now, there is always another time down the road. Hang in there!

Check out this interview featuring my mom! 
How old were you when you first started the hobby? Tell me about it in the comments below!