Custom Bobblehead Dolls 101: All You Need to Know about Bobblehead Dolls

Have you ever seen a doll whose head is more significant than its body? If you've ever come across some of them, then you've just seen custom bobblehead dolls. Just like other dolls, bobblehead dolls have their history and peak time. They were loved not without reason, of course. Without further ado, let's talk about the bobblehead doll's history and other facts of it.

What are Custom Bobblehead Dolls?

As it has been stated before, custom bobblehead dolls are dolls that have oversized heads instead of having proportional body parts. Though they look modern and chic, bobblehead dolls have existed since the 1700s. German bobbleheads were known to be made of ceramic, while Asia's had strings attached to them.

The popularity of bobblehead dolls spread far and wide until they reached the United States. In the 20th century, the market changed the material for bobblehead dolls into papers. However, it was changed back later into ceramic, but more durable ones. Now, you can see plastic-made and ceramic-made bobblehead dolls in the market. Although ceramic bobblehead dolls are famous, they are more fragile compared to the plastic ones. Moreover, plastic bobblehead dolls give more flexibility in creating unique shapes and positions.

New Trend for Custom Bobblehead Dolls

Custom bobblehead dolls reached its peak in the 1970s when it was used as merchandise for games, comic books, and many more. Its popularity went into decline until it was bought back into the trend in the 2000s as merchandise for baseball teams. Ever since then, bobblehead dolls remain steady in the market. Sometimes it becomes rare merchandise or a part of limited edition collection series, turning the bobblehead dolls into one of the most sought-after items by everybody.  

How to Order Custom Bobblehead Dolls Online

You must have thought that custom bobblehead dolls can only be ordered by going to the store. In some ways, you're right. However, most bobblehead doll stores now have their website. The website allows you to order a custom doll without having to go out of the house. Even if you do go out, it's to find the perfect image for your bobblehead doll.

Here are the steps you should do to order a custom bobblehead doll:

1. Go online and find the store you want to order from. Make sure the store has proper reviews of its dolls, or else you’ll end up with disappointments due to high expectations.

2. Send the desired picture you want to use through the website’s form or email. (each store has different methods).

3. Wait until the design of your doll is sent.

4. Once you get the design, examine it to make sure that it’s according to your standard.

5. If you think the design needs more tweaking, the shop will do so for you. Repeat the examination process until you’re satisfied with the design.

6. Pay for the custom bobblehead doll.

7. Wait for the doll to arrive at your doorstep.

With these 7 steps, you can get your desired doll in less than one week. Impressive, isn’t it?

Terms for Purchasing Custom Bobblehead Dolls

If you prefer to buy ready-made (general) bobblehead dolls, there are some terms you need to know. Or else, you’ll end up getting lost in the online bobblehead doll market.

The first thing you should note is a bobblehead doll’s value. Most of them are usually less than $100 unless it’s a scarce doll. However, as time passes by, some of them can have its value increase. That’s why it’s essential to know the terms below.

NIB

It means New In Box. The term is used when a doll is complete with its box and other sets. Collectors tend to purchase NIB since its value won't be lost (unless it's opened.)

Retail

Bobblehead dolls that can be purchased anywhere. Bobblehead dolls are generic and tend not to gain any value, they do sell limited edition ones, but they tend to go quickly.

SGA/SGB

These are bobblehead dolls that are usually distributed in the stadium. The amount of dolls ranges from 10,000 to 15,000. There is typically a logo too since it’s sponsored (most of the time). Since it’s free, you don’t have to spend money on it. However, if the game that night becomes a legendary game, the doll can fetch for a high amount of money.

STH/ST

The concept is the same with SGA/SGB, except that STH/ST is for those who purchase tickets for the entire year in bulk. This is probably one of the rarest collections since not a lot of people do this. So if you come across one at a reasonable price, you need to snag it if it’s possible.

Now that you know a gist of custom bobblehead dolls, are you ready to purchase or create your first bobblehead doll?

Now that you know a gist of custom bobblehead dolls, are you ready to purchase or create your first bobblehead doll?