There is one reason for choosing a special doll, and that is to please the receiver. The search for a special doll can seem overwhelming because of the many types of dolls to choose from. This article aims to help clarify how to choose a special modern doll for a chosen person.

A brief review of the past 200 years of doll making categorizes dolls into antique dolls, vintage dolls, and modern dolls. Antique dolls are considered to be those dolls produced prior to 1930. Vintage dolls are the dolls from the mid-20th century. They were generally made between the years of 1930 - 1980. Most vintage and antique dolls were made as children's playthings. Modern dolls are dolls created from approximately 1980 to today. Modern dolls, as well as being made as children's playthings, have become a relatively new phenomenon as collectible dolls. The market for modern collectible dolls was significantly established in the 1990's.

Modern dolls are a good choice for a doll lover of any age because there's no worry about damaging a precious historic object. The doll owner can enjoy the doll in a relaxed way and not worry about damaging the doll through handling or play.

The search for a special doll begins with research of what's available from modern doll companies. Some companies to search are Barbie, Madame Alexander, Vogue, Tonner, Only Hearts Club, Adora, Marie Osmond, Jan McLean, Effenbee, Corolle, Ashton Drake, and Middleton Doll.

Since the person receiving the doll could be of any age, it is important to research these companies to learn which age group is being targeted by a particular doll company. The receiver of a special doll could be a young baby or toddler under the age of four, a young person over the age of three, or an older person who enjoys dolls.

Of the modern doll companies searched, Madame Alexander and Middleton Doll seemed to target the largest age group audience by offering choices of dolls from ages 0+ through all ages. In addition to appealing to all age groups, Middleton Doll specifically targets interested doll collectors by offering limited edition collectible dolls. Barbie, Tonner, and Only Hearts Club make dolls that appeal to pre-teens who enjoy fashion dolls and realistic dolls.

In comparing the modern doll companies, Middleton Doll is an excellent choice for finding a special doll because it creates dolls that appeal to a very large doll audience. PlayBaby baby dolls are just right for babies 0+ through 4years. The Middleton Now collection appeals to the 3+ age group. In addition to these choices, Middleton Doll extends its collection to appeal to the modern doll collector by offering Limited Edition Collectible dolls. These dolls are produced for an adult's aesthetic taste, not a child's aesthetic taste, to appeal to the older adult.

Hopefully, this article helps in the search for finding a special doll that pleases the special person.