Is BJD really just for adults? And adults, what do you think of kids who like them?

I'm not sure who deserves a slap more... her or her dad.
Who in their right mind would spend that much money on a child (and I call her that because she quite blatently is still one) who clearly isn't mature enough to appriciate it?

I dread to think how children like that are going to cope when it comes to getting a job and managing their own money. And that poor doll's probably sat thrown in a corner and forgotten about by now =/

I agree with much of the above, if a young teenager is mature enough to save up the money themselves then it's their money to do what they want with and if they want a BJD then they've earnt it and it really is something for them to be proud of but children like the above... ugh.

 

I agree with that... coming from a family that could barely afford food when I was a teen that just seems spoiled and very wrong and it just makes me get angry very easily I work very hard to afford my dolls and I am 25 yrs old

 

Yeah, I also think that it's best if they save up for it themselves. But I don't think it's weird to see younger people with dolls. Actually, I think it's weirder that it's considered an 'adult' hobby XD but I really can't say much since I am one of those adults.

 

I'm currently 15, 16 in May, and just recieved my first doll(Soom Dimo) a few weeks ago. I don't think it's uncommon for teens to be interested in BJDs, since my friends with BJDs and a lot of people I've seen at meets are teens. It is hard to save up for a doll though, which is probably why adults are the majority that have them. Some might see BJDs as just a fad for kids, but I've loved them for years. I've saved up my own money, from Christmas, and from working to finally get one. I don't think it's right for a kid to just be spoiled, bought one for no reason, and brag about it, but if it's a present for Christmas or their birthday I don't see how it's wrong. Though if it was a $1000 doll for their birthday they'd definately be spoiled XD;; But some kids are spoilt because of their family lifestyle, and as long as they don't brag I don't think it's right to really hate them for it. ^_^;; As for maturity it definately plays apart in owning a BJD. You can't just have one because your friends do, or be bored with it the next day. And you especially must be mature when dealing with others about BJDs, like on the fourms or when buying/selling something. Well that's my little input ^_^;;

 

Faddism-this would be an expensive fad, don't you think? But I undertand that if it became a fad what would happen to the BJD market. I believe BJD's are works of art, in a way very nice porcelain dolls are. Like how ignorant people will say Stefani is the orignator of the Goth-Loli look, and the 'fad' in that can wreck the real thing.

Back to dolls. I have collected dolls since I was very little. I wrecked my collector barbie dolls because to me they were just cheap plastic barbies (I didn't know the pricetag) to me they were worth maybe thirty dollars, more than a regular barbie but not fabulous enough to be worrth the hundreds they actually cost. I was totally different to my porcelain dolls. I did not play with those (well two of them I did-but so gently you can hardly tell). I respected them as unique works of art. This must have shocked my parents. To me, these dolls were gold. They were special and irreplaceable, unlike cheap vinyl machine-made barbies. I also collect Mark Robert's flower faries. They are sort of dolls, and they are beautifull and handcrafted. Some are completely made by him.

I respect BJD's very much and love mine, even though many people will probably never consider Reira a real one. She is very special to me, and what I wanted. I am 14, and got her for my 14th birthday. I think I am mature enough, and treat her well.

 

I am only fourteen, but I love all dollies alot. I have not been able to pay for mine yet, and I think that is why most younger people do not have dolls. I am working really hard though, so I think that helps. Mostly it depends on the determination and love of getting a doll and not on age. Though older people with jobs of course have more dolls then the younger peoples ^3^

 

I'm 13 to and I just got my first (MNF Shiwoo) and yeah I think a lot of people that are younger would go "there cool but there not THAT cool" you know.

 

I think that as long as someone's mature enough to handle the responsibility it's fine. As I've said before, there are some adults that act more like children than the actually young people here. And really, to me, thirteen isn't that young to be starting to save money that intrests you (said the sixteen-year-old)

 

Oh wow. 13? I wish I had enough money to get a BJD when I was 13.

But, I'm 16 now. Alot of people on here are in the 15-18 age range, and its pretty stupid to say people under 18 can't appreciate bjds.

 

I'm sixteen, to be seventeen in August, and I bought my doll two years ago so I was only fourteen at the time (I got her right before my fifteenth birthday). She took saving, taking on way more chores than I ever had in exchange for some parental assistance, and birthday presents from a couple of family members (yay for grandparents). I think the reason there aren't a lot of kids or teens here is because the saving is so difficult and even more difficult, I think, is convincing parents.
For example, at this point, I can save on my own but my parents still refuse to allow me to purchase another girl. Are they wrong? No, they're doing their duty as parents. However, if they stood so firmly against my first girl... I wouldn't be part of the community at all. I think parental approval is what keeps most seriously interested kids from getting dolls.

 

I agree. Apart from the money factor, I think, is convincing ones' parents that the doll is worth the money you're forking out.
I'm 17 turning 18 in March and though I'm saving for my 60cm, my parents refuse to let me spend for it. I think it's one of the issues that prevent the younger kids from getting one ^_^;; that isnt to say that all parents are like that though... o_O;;
i think that if the person is mature enough to save for their doll or to take care of it, realizing the monetary value and all, i think its okay for them to have one... and i dont think its bad if the parents give the kid his/her doll, if they really think its worth it or if they realize their child really wants one. but limits, limits.... $1000 is a bit O_O! XD;;

 

Buying these dolls can become addictive and people/parents need to realize that. I certainly am not immune from the addiction factor. It can ruin some people financially! So be prudent!

 

This is very true. I'm 15 and too young to get a job anywhere so I can't buy anything for my dolls. The only reason I have dolls is because they're all gifts!! Actually Sadie I paid half for :3 And my upcoming boy Krystian I bought from selling Sadie's body (got Sadie a cheaper one) and birthday money. =3

 

Last summer when I turned 17, I spent the entire summer working. I picked up two part-time jobs, and just grinded my teeth. I paid for all the driving I had to do in this process, but other than that just threw every pay-check into my savings. I seriously made *just* enough [lol, $13 left over] for my doll. And it was so worth it to finally then bring the boy of my dreams home. I love him to pieces, and although not everyone around me does, its okay. I come from a poor family, so Im used to working for what I want. That way, I know that when I've taken the time and work to save up, I'll know that its something I can take care of because I truely did want it.

Some of us are capable of the responsibility, and can appreciate these dolls. Some may be spoiled, but we cant really help that. I dont want to be stereotyped because of my age. So I hope I bring at least a little bit of credit to the young, charismatic collectors. ^^;

 

i have to say i respect the young teens that save up for their dolls money and doing part times. I'm still in my late teens so i'm no where near being well an adult in a sense.

It's harder for kids to save up. The only thing i don't like are the kids that gets their parents to buy them a doll and then brag about it. As well as kids that want BJDs for the sake of having one.

that's why Ebay's initial job was so popular reselling old stuff, of course that's changed now.

But i really respect those that worked long and hard for them! Sometimesi wish i had enough money to be able to help towards some ppl's doll funds. hopefully soon (i have something working on ^^ it's a secret)

but it's not an adult hobby in the way of biology but 'adult' way of caring, looking after and maturity. As we kno maturity does not come with age but rather with personality.

 

I'm only 20 and I've loved BJD's since I was about 18 ^_^ I managed to afford them when I was eighteen and while I've had a few come and go, my Oliver has always stayed with me. :3 It's HARD to save up for them, and I live on my own, so older adults who can afford them astound me @_@ I couldn't afford one if I sold a kidney (I'd have to use money for rent! XD)

 

My experience with BJDs so far ((offline)) has been "aren't you too old for dolls?" As for online, I've had people say it's amazing that I just got my first doll and I'm only 17. You know, I'm afraid of getting old, but this forum with all the 20yrs+ people makes me feel young ^^;

 

I guess I make a distinction between "children", as in grade/middle schoolers, and "teens," as in high school age. In anime fandom, there are plenty of very intelligent and talented teenagers already skilled in sewing cosplay costume or drawing original artwork. I wouldn't be startled at all to see these young people doing their own faceups and outfits, and I'd be interested in hearing their stories of how they were able to save up for their dolls.

As for younger kids, much depends on the child's personality. Beyond my antipathy for Barbie and baby dolls, I was a very careful, sedate child and took good care of my toys and books (if only someone had bought me a dozen or so Steiffs, alas!). So, it's possible for a BJD to be appropriate for a preteen.

However...these dolls are something special, and just handing a 10-year-old a $750 BJD seems somehow wrong. They're meant for a different relationship than the one you'd have with a mass-produced fashion doll. There's something in the planning, saving, ordering, waiting and customization that creates a special bond, if you're allowed to do it. I'd hate to spoil that for a real young doll lover.

If some of the posters on this thread hadn't revealed their ages, I wouldn't have known they were under 21. I tend to judge people less by their age than by their manners and their literacy. A rude person who spells so badly I can't figure out what they're saying is a pain and an intelligent person with something interesting to say is an asset, whether aged 13 or 43.

 

Oh, no, no, no! Step quickly away from the cultural programming! Most of my friends are older than me, and to a woman they agree that their 40s are/were the best decade of their lives. Finally, you stop caring what anyone else thinks. Sometimes, you even go ahead and buy a ridiculously expensive doll, regardless of how many people look at you like you're crazy . And you're only 17. If you're anything like me, you'll love college--unlike high school, people actually listened when I talked and thought being intelligent was a virtue, not a character flaw.

*end of thread hijack. You may now return to your original discussion*

 

Well I don't think it's an adult only hobby it is a bit cost prohibitive to younger people with limited incomes but it could be enjoyed by younger peole in varying degrees.

I have always instilled love of dolls to my children. They have play dolls, collectible dolls, and my older one now has a bjd.

My six year old is in awe of my dolls and is allowed to handle some of them. I even let her dress them.

My older one who is nine is allowed more doll handling and I recently got her a bobobie Erin. She also likes helping Mommy with faceups. She likes to watch and hand me brushes and give critique.

I ended up taking both my daughters and husband to the last NYC doll meet up both my kids who love looking at other people's dolls. They have strict orders on look no touch other people's dolls and are very good about it.

The nine year old also has started showing interest in dolly photography. She tried taking pictures of my dolls having a Japanese Tea Party. I say part not ceremony because it looked like tea and cakes with a Japanese setting but not an actual ceremony