How I Collected My Hearts for Hearts Dolls (And Why You Should Too)

Hi there! Today, I want to share the exciting journey of collecting my beloved Hearts for Hearts dolls. I know they may not be as well-known or popular as American Girl dolls, but trust me, these dolls are truly special. Join me as we delve into the world of these enchanting dolls and explore why they hold a special place in my heart.

Discovering Hearts for Hearts Dolls

Back in late 2010, I stumbled upon Hearts for Hearts dolls while browsing the toy aisle at Wal-Mart. Little did I know at the time that this serendipitous encounter would ignite a deep passion within me. The line of 14″ dolls, with their diverse backgrounds and unique stories, immediately captured my attention. It was love at first sight.

A Global Journey

Hearts for Hearts dolls hail from different parts of the world, making them even more intriguing. The initial collection featured Nahji from India, Consuelo from Mexico, Lilian from Belarus, Dell from the USA, Tipi from Laos, and Rahel from Ethiopia. Later, Lauryce from New Orleans, USA, and Zelia from Brazil joined the family. Shola from Afghanistan and Mosi from the USA followed suit, along with Nyesha from New York, USA, and Surjan from Nepal.

The Rise and Fall

Playmates Toys introduced these delightful dolls in 2010, but unexpectedly discontinued them in 2014. However, in 2016, MPA Sales relaunched the brand, albeit with only limited success compared to its initial run. Unfortunately, it seems that the line may have been discontinued once again. Despite these challenges, the Hearts for Hearts dolls have left an indelible mark on the doll-collecting community.

Exquisite Details and Expressive Charm

Hearts for Hearts dolls boast plastic bodies with vinyl limbs and heads. Strung with elastic, they exude a captivating charm that stands the test of time. Their super silky rooted hair and beautiful inset eyes add to their authenticity. While the first release encountered some eye color issues, the second run resolved the problem, ensuring the dolls remained visually stunning.

Quality Without Compromise

One of the standout features of Hearts for Hearts dolls is the attention to detail given to their outfits and accessories. Each piece is exquisitely crafted and built to last. I’ve often found their clothing to be nicely detailed and surprisingly sturdy, especially considering their affordable price point. The quality of these dolls rivals that of other renowned lines, such as Wellie Wishers and Ruby Red Fashion Friends.

My Journey

Now, let’s dive into the heartwarming stories of how I collected each of my beloved Hearts for Hearts dolls.

Nahji — July 2013

Although I had been interested in these dolls from the beginning, it took me until early 2013 to consider adding one to my collection. On a fateful trip to Wal-Mart, I found Nahji, who wasn’t initially my favorite but quickly won me over. She became my second favorite doll, after Lauryce.

Zelia — August 16th, 2014

Zelia joined my collection as a birthday gift. My mom picked her up from Target, where she had been patiently waiting for a loving home. Although I hadn’t initially been drawn to Zelia, I quickly realized what a gem she was. Her unique features, despite sharing a face mold with Nahji, made her truly special.

Lauryce — August 13th, 2014

Lauryce, my all-time favorite, was a doll I’d been longing for. After countless visits to Target, my persistence finally paid off. The joy of finding her a few days before my 12th birthday was indescribable. Lauryce’s striking beauty and captivating charm left an everlasting impression on me.

Consuelo — May 26th, 2017

The charming Consuelo made her way into my collection from a local thrift store, Value Village. This Consuelo came with quirky features, including badly cut hair, purple eyes, and sparkly skin. It took a few attempts, but after finding a third Consuelo, I finally found one with whom I could truly connect.

Tipi — April 27th, 2018

Tipi, my initial favorite when I first spotted Hearts for Hearts dolls in 2010, took me eight long years to bring home. A nearly perfect Tipi doll found its way into my collection, though she was missing her meet outfit. Nevertheless, her captivating presence and unique personality overshadowed the missing clothing.

Dell — June 28th, 2018

While I discovered my first Dell doll before Tipi, I eventually sold her in favor of a better-conditioned one. After finding Rahel, I decided to swap their eye colors, giving Dell brown eyes and Rahel blue eyes. This simple change added a new dimension to their personalities and made my collection even more diverse.

Rahel — June 14th, 2019

Rahel had always been high on my wishlist since the early days of Hearts for Hearts dolls. After tirelessly searching, I finally found her in good condition, albeit without her meet outfit. Restoring her curly hair was challenging but rewarding. Adding glasses to her look completed her unique and endearing persona.

Lilian — February 14th, 2020

Completing my collection, Lilian found her way into my heart shortly after Rahel did. Initially, she was my least favorite, but having her in my collection has changed my perspective. Now, I appreciate her individuality and the diversity she adds to the group. With Lilian by my side, my Hearts for Hearts doll family feels complete.

Embracing the Love for Hearts for Hearts Dolls

The journey of collecting Hearts for Hearts dolls has been a cherished experience. Each doll holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the diverse world we live in. They are expressive, unique, and full of personality, surpassing even the highest quality doll lines. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these heartfelt stories with you.

So, have you discovered the enchanting world of Hearts for Hearts dolls? If so, I’d love to hear about your favorites! Let’s celebrate the joy they bring and the diverse connections they create.