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

I think dollies are for all ages but some are soooo expensive.

 

I believe that kids like me (I'm 13 woot! XD) should indulge in the greatness of BJD too! I think it lets the word spread so even more people get BJD! I try to make it spread to all my friends....I don't think males with BJD isn't wierd either at all....I think everybody should have a BJD......or 2.....or 3....maybe 4,5,6,7? LOL! I'm the only kid on my block that has BJD though....but I make it known! SPREAD THE WORD OF TEH BJD! P.S I got my first Dollfie Dream when I was 9! I even did the esthetics! Well I always had a talent for art but when people see my Dollfie Dreams they're like OMG you did that sooo proffesional! O_O

 

As long as your maturity level is fine, I don't think you're considered 'too young' for something.

 

Mhmmm! I've never gotten that "you're HOW old?" thing before. Yay for me. But anyway, I'm only 15...and have been into BJDs for about 2 years now.

I love how dolls are a thing that you see most children playing with...but BJDs are really more of an "older" kid//adult thing. I can't imagine my little five year old cousin who ADORES dollies carrying around my gigantic Hound. It just doesn't seem to work out that way. ^^ Although I do know a few people who have bought their child a Yo sized dollie and so on ^^ And then again I know two couples that I've dragged into the BJD world who are buying larger dolls for their children when they're older! Hahaha...

I think BJDs tend to be more an older person hobby. To a little kid some of them would be rather heavy, and honestly I can't see a little child sitting at the computer asking their mommy if she can order her the newest CP doll. ^^ It just doesnt seem to work out that way ><

 

Well,
I'd just like to throw my tuppence in here.... and say that while I do get a tad frustrated when there are "young-uns" throwing their parents money at these dolls and then not taking care of them..... I really appreciate someone like the OP who actually asks, and is interested in hearing other peoples' opinions.

As far as my own experience, I (24 yrs) haven't been in a position to own bjds until this last year or so, even though I've been fascinated since I hit 19.

the part where I get irritated mostly just comes from knowing that there are far more people out there who are scraping by... not even able to buy a pair of earrings at age 18... than there are 18 year olds who have the disposable income to buy one of these pieces of art.

The salve is found when someone like you, asks a genuine question and reminds me that even people with money (a whole lot more $ than I could have dreamed of at your age....) care about why others feel the way they feel.

does that make sense? I know it was a bit rambly but I'm at work and I don't have time to really think it through and rewrite

anyways, THANKS!

-Liza

 

Maturity makes all the difference. These aren't normal dolls. Everyone, especially younger collectors should really consider EVERYTHING about the hobby before they get into it. Like stringing. What would a 10 year old do when a doll's string breaks or something? Or they might want to touch their faces a lot... I'm talking about kids like my 12 year old sister that treats her dolls like crap most of the time. They're not -special- to her. I'm sure she'll grow out of it, but yeah, she's not ready for a BJD. I have no problem with you 13 or even 12 year olds getting a BJD... I'm 17 myself, which might be considered "young". ALSO, price is a huge factor. Like nobody should be constantly begging mommy and daddy for a new doll. If they're willing to save up and earn one of these things that's great, more BJD love in the community.

 

I suppose I agree with most people on this thread. I don't think the age really matters, more like how much they invest in the dolls. Not just money, but of themselves. How much they're willing to learn and get into and care for their dolls. I suppose it does bother me a bit if kids get their parents to buy everything for them and then just kinda put their doll aside and not really care about it after.

Ah, but I'm just someone who only recently got into BJDs. But somehow the idea of being able to pay for the doll out of my own pocket and care for him/her (not sure yet) with everything that it entails is part of the charm for me.

 

totally agree with that last part. its sweet to have things bought for you but i actually enjoy saving, i never complain when i cant buy things because im saving for my dolls, like i dont buy food when i got out to town because it all adds up, doesnt it?

anyway, i think it depends on the maturity of the person. we all have a physical age but i think our mental age is more important i want to buy dolls now because next year i'll be in university. i wont have money for many dolls, since i am taking illustration and i want lots of supplies (considering i have barely any) so this year is a good year for me to make cash and spend how i please

 

I don't think it's that it's not for younger people. I think it's that the cost makes it harder for younger people to collect. (It may also be the issue with the "realism" of the sculpts and the body blushing, though, too.) What I remember is that when I was around 13, I was way too busy to own anything nice. My parents didn't buy me anything really nice for fear of me leaving it somewhere or breaking it.

I'm not a parent, but if I was, it would be more of the cost and appreciation of the BJDs that would stop me from supporting my child(ren) than it would be of the BJDs themselves.

 

i think a suitable age to have a bjd is when you can afford one from your own hard earned money and not eat on your parents money (though u can ask them to pay parts of the amt for u XD) then you'll really feel like the doll's yours. =D

oh and of course there's the issue of carefulness and dedication that comes with maturity (though not necessarily true all the time)

 

Hey all,
Imma throw in my 2 cents~

I'm 16 as well. I got my first doll, an MSD from Dollmore when I was 14. I saved for an entire summer of babysitting. (About 9 weeks worth.)

I work 2 jobs now. My mom wants to make sure I am not "wasting" all of my money, so I put half of my paychecks in the bank. I have to maintain my grades as well, or I will have to quit a job.

It's work but, it's totally worth it. There is nothing more rewarding than having a dollie show up that you worked for and you saved up for!

Its weird cause, Im 16. I dont care to get my permit, or a car. Those things just dont interest me as much, I would rather have another dollie or a nice new outfit. XD

I dont think though that you should spend your parents money on them. Thats just...eh.

And for the love of everything, make sure the kid is mature enough. These dolls are art, and I love them so much.



I know that even though I am young, I am still iffy about letting people my age and younger hold or touch my girls. I feel like they may not see them the way I do, and therefore may damage them. X-X

 

Well, I've already plans to offer our child or children each their first bjd however young they can handle one. Even if it's a little mini. XD If my husband and I can ever have kids that is. I think as the bjds gain in popularity and people learn more about them we'll see a wider spread in age of collectors. I'll certainly be one to encourage my own kids if I ever have any.

 

I don't see any problem with younger people being into BJDs and then I'm half wondering whether I count as 'younger people' being 17 but meh I think as long as you have them for the right reasons not a case of oooooh pretty doll I want it, I don't care how much or what it is is I just want it then theres nothing wrong with having them at a younger age even if the price is a bit high but then I suppose that makes you more concerened about finding your perfect doll rather than getting all the ones you think are pretty. I think as long as you give them love, respect and really care for them then age is not an issue
I love them so much I gave up getting a PS3 and I'm not driving yet even though every 'normal' teenager as my mum puts it is begging to be driving.

Plus I don't think male collector should be put off from getting them if they like I see nothing wrong with it I've managed to get my boyfriend interested in them though he's more into the sculpting and making stuff for them kinda person.

Also in about a million years time as said above I plan on introducing my kids to them eventually because I think they're beautiful things and kids need to be able to have access to them as much as adults

 

I became interested in them when I was about 15 as well and I easily would have started to get them if not for the scary pricetag attached. (At the time). Especially since during this time the Canadian dollar was much weaker than the American.

Now I'm 22 and living in England - so the pound really dwarfs the dollar at times and makes it a lot less scary.

I think that it is a matter of how mature the younger are. BJD are hardly a doll you can throw about - they are so fragile. I know at 13 I would have managed to break it and cry - so I guess in the end I am glad I waited this long to be able to get one

However, with how mature you come across I didn't expect you to be as young as you are, and I feel that maturity should be the case over age

 

I don't think it's a hobby strictly for adult's and I agree that the stereotype must have come from adults can afford them. I'm 19 right now and had to bust my butt to save up for Lance.

I do however, think it's a more accessible hobby for adults because of the money factor. when you're older and have more experience in the world, you can get better paying jobs and hopefully, you have good credit rating.

I think it would be more difficult for someone younger because then, getting parental approval is necessary. (Barley managed to get my parents to say I could and I'm in college....) But then again, everyone's situation is different. Besides, if you can behave in a mature manner and you love these dolls, who cares if you're 13 or 30?

 

I don't think its an adult hobby. I mean its just a thing of children might break them. Whereas mature teens and such know not to be rough housing with them.

Then there is the thing of price. I mean you know that a younger teen can't actually buy a doll on there own. I mean laws make it that way. Yah know?

 

I think it is a hobby mostly done by adults, but I think it's fine if younger people do it as well. After all, I was 15 when I found out about bjds. Still no dolly, but that's a different topic...
But I think it's fine, so long as they don't mess it up or beak it or something--although I guess that goes for adults too.

 

Honestly.. Ive gone the other direction with the "You're how old?" question being .. 35. I only just got into BJDs this past year... and dont laugh.. didnt even know they were out there outside of the anime bjds that I saw on Vampire Princes Miyu. Very creepy.

I wish I had gotten into the hobby when I WAS younger. I was carrying 2 jobs and wasnt involved in anything except me and my life. Now I have a hubbie (who thinks my love for BJDs is a mid-life crisis) and a 5 yr old son who I worry might decide today is the day to draw on moms dolls. Proud of my son though, he hasnt as of yet shown any interest in them except a passing.. "oh moms got little people".

I do not feel that BJDs is a hobbie for adults only. I agree with the posts that the $$ usually is difficult for younger people but it is also that same thing that scares away the older ones (finds various reasons to say.. well it is just too much.. think of the other things I could buy with that.) It is as with all hobbies.. a case of love. If you want to do it.. you will find a way and no one at any age can tell you no.

 

I don't have a BJD, yet. Everytime I mention that I'm planning on getting one, people look at me like a have three heads. "You want a DOLL??!!"

 

Where I live I have had snubs because the dolls are anatomically correct, for the most part. Some have said it is wrong for dolls to show gender. I remember years back seeing an attempt to gender design Barbies and lots of people wrote to them clearly not wanting 'that kind of doll' and the people who made barbie dolls dropped the idea. So to the idea that the doll is mainly for adults depends on the money it takes to buy one in the US and the attitude of the parents with regard to realistic anatomy on play dolls.
If I had a child today and say they were between ages 10 to 17 I would probably get them an ABJD if it fit into the budget.