If you have been thinking about pointing your child toward collecting as a hobby, you may want to consider doll collecting.
  Anyone can collect dolls, but girls tend to be the ones most interested in actually collecting and taking care of the dolls they are given.
If you expect that your child may be rough with the dolls or have no intention of actually keeping the dolls in anything like "collectible" condition, then the brand of the doll is not really very important.
  Just be certain that the dolls you select are of good quality and meet safety standards so that no small pieces endanger your child while he or she is playing.
If however, you are thinking about helping your child on their way to collecting dolls that may appreciate in value, you should consider an established brand of doll with a following of collectors that can reasonably be expected to still be interested in the dolls for years to come.
  One brand of doll that is very popular right now is the American Girls line of dolls which are produced with a mission of teaching children about history and encouraging high levels of self esteem.
The first dolls in this collection to be considered are Bitty Baby dolls.
  These are available in different skin tones, eye colors and textures to expose children to people who look different than they do but still have the same basic needs.
  These are a very nice option as a starter doll for little ones as they are constructed to high standards and certainly fall in to the category of collectible as they are from a very well established company.
Building a collection with your child is an outstanding opportunity to build lifelong bonds.
  If you are going to help your child to learn through collecting, make sure that the lessons they are being taught are good ones.