OT: Tonner Betsy McCall & Ann Estelle

[AGTeacher]

I have the same one as Tracy (Kit Girl) She is such a cute doll! Mine at the moment has only one outfit, but that is ok... lol!

[jaydon724]

I have three of the Ann Estelle Friends 10" dolls. I really like them. They are hard vinyl, and the clothes are very pretty, but as someone already mentioned, they can be pricey.

[jrtmom3274]

I have 10" Ann Estelle & Gracie. They are really adorable.
If you sew, Simply Grace Designs has some really easy, adaptable and pretty patterns for Ann. Mine don't have any Tonner brand clothing, other than the undies they came in, but they have two sunsuits and three dresses between them.

[historylover]

I don't think you would do wrong with getting them for your daughter especially if she likes smaller dolls and accessories. We have three of the 18" Ann Estelles and they basically sit around for display with just an occasional clothing change by my youngest daughter. The five 10" dolls are the same way. However, when I took my 8" Betsy out, my daughters have been wanting to play constantly with them for the last week. We do have all the Madeline dolls, their house, and the accessories so maybe that makes a difference, but they have tremendous play value here. All our 6" American Girl dolls and even our 10" Kripplebush doll have joined in the fun. We set up Madeline's house beside the Betsy trunk and we pretend it is their house and Ms. Clavel is taking care of them.

Betsy's clothes are relatively easy to make and I think because they are smaller, it is easier to find less costly alternatives for furniture and accessories. The dolls are very sturdy and will last a long time. If you look around, some of the doll shops on line are having nice sales on the dolls and if you get a Betsy that looks the same as one you already have, you can always rewig her. Another nice alternative is a Tiny Ann Estelle. The face is a little different and the prices are reasonable for them. I think the prices on ebay are a little high right now, but you can probably get some good deals in the summer for some playmates for a Christmas present Betsy. Hope this helps!

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ November 29, 2005 01:21 AM: Message edited by: historylover ]</font>

[chrstnwmn7]

Are the tiny dolls a good play investment? I just don't want them to sit around and collect dust. DD loves small things...I just don't want to spend a small fortune for something I may have to resell later on! Thanks so much for all the helpful advice!