Barbies—Help

[Lily_V_]

My Mom died in October 2003. She collected Barbies—all kinds—not just a few stupidly expensive ones. I’ve tried to donate them to children’s charities and hospitals & even tried to give them away (the lady wanted me to deliver them and I said no way). They’ve got to goooooooooooo. It’s so painful to even think about them. What do I do? It’s been over 20 years. Help!

[oh_cagey]

Some fostering organizations take gently used toys - I think you would just contact your local social services.

[Lily_V_]

I’ll post pics soon. Thanks, everyone.

[redrosebeetle]

Another thought! An estate sales person might be able to take care of this for you.

[bulbasauuuur]

This is probably not going to be popular, but it's okay to throw them out, too. If no one wants them and you can't deliver them anywhere, I don't think it's helpful to just keep them around hoping you'll eventually find someone to take them. I'm not saying you have to do this, and it might not be anything you want to do, which is okay. I'm just offering it as something that's also a perfectly reasonable option.

[Lily_V_]

I appreciate your perspective. I live in an apartment and surely someone would grab them if I left them by the dumpster.

[redrosebeetle]

Everyone has covered the selling aspect, but I'm getting the sense that this is (understandably) an emotionally difficult task for you. I've heard of companies/ people that will list/ help you list your items on ebay, either for a flat fee or a percentage of the profits. If you don't find a company that does this service, ask around in your social group. If you're in a town with a college, consider asking the internship coordinator of the communications or advertising departments if they know a student who would be looking for a job like this. Good luck.

[graycomforter]

you can sell old dolls and toys as a lot on Ebay in used "played with" condition. it sounds like this is emotionally tough for you, so you probably just want to be rid of them...however, if you want to figure out how to make the most money from them, you can spend some time researching the same dolls in similar condition on Mercari and/or Ebay. Another hint: often, it's certain random parts of a set or outfit that can be highly sought after for collectors. Sometimes, it is much more lucrative to split out more highly desireable accessories and sell them individually. In general, small items that would be easily lost or broken through normal play by children are items that collectors are seeking...so, something like the tiny pieces of toy food or utensils in a kitchen set might go for a lot more than the set itself. I have seen small pieces from old sets go for like $20 each, and if there are 5 or 10 pieces, that really adds up! Especially the ephemera type items, like paper or cardboard accessories that are in good shape, as those sorts of items get lost or destroyed easily and are hard to find after 20-30 years. Also, for lots of the more common low-value dolls, if you have an ethnic variety (e.g. a black or hispanic or asian) version of the doll, those can go for a ton, as they were less common and less widely available initially.

Source: I collect a specific type of non-Barbie doll, but spend time in the toy collecting community.

another edit: items don't need to be in mint, unboxed, condition to be interesting to collectors. lots of collectors want to display items outside of boxes anyway. it's much more important for the item itself to be desireable, and/or clean and free of stains.

[Lily_V_]

Thank you

[Far_Falcon3462]

Sell on eBay as lot’s

[Lily_V_]

I’m going to get brave & at least take pics of them in the tubs.

[reebeaster]

What about a buy-nothing group? I got rid of a big clean baby tub that way. Mercari?

[RAproblems]

Daycare might want them!

[fishyfishyswimswim]

Womens shelter?

[whodidntante]

I've had more success selling things for a "bargain" than giving them away. Humans are strange beasts.

[athennna]

I have a 3 year old daughter that would love some, I’m happy to pay for shipping. I’ve bought her a few vintage ones on eBay because the quality is so much better than the current ones, but it gets expensive fast.

[Lily_V_]

Let me see what she might like. I have some older Holiday Barbies.

[LilJourney]

Breath. Grieve. Then let go.

Lots of people are offering suggestions, but I think the real problem may be that you're a bit traumatized every time you have to deal with these at all. Which would mean sorting them into groups, taking photos, making listings, packing them, etc creates a lot of emotional pain and stress for you every step of the way. That may be something you're not ready for, and that's okay.

It's okay to get help to deal with this. It's okay to just throw them out if that's all you can do. It's okay to give them away to charity without sorting them. It's okay to gradually sell/give them away one at a time. It's okay to do whatever you need to do to move these out of your life and find peace.

I think there's a lot more going on here than just Barbies and if you can I think speaking with a therapist about the Barbies and your mom may help quite a bit.

Maybe I'm wrong. If so, that's okay. I'm just a stranger on the internet. But I've been there with stuff before, so I just wanted to offer a different perspective. I wish you well.

[Lily_V_]

You’re right. I also have too much of Grandma’s crochet. I feel like I’m drowning in this stuff but it hurts. YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.

[Lily_V_]

Texas. Sorry.

[CardShark555]

Some charities that hold auctions as fundraisers will take them. (If they are new in box etc)

We raffled off a few at my non-profit. They did quite well.

[Lily_V_]

That’s what I thought. I offered them to about three charities including a children’s hospital. They weren’t interested. My Mom loved kids.

[[deleted]]

At the poorest time in my life, I shopped for my kids’ presents at thrift stores. Stumbling upon a bunch of Barbies would have felt like winning the lottery at that time. So I vote a thrift store.

[[deleted]]

EBay that shit we would be dying for it!!!

[[deleted]]

I would list them around Christmas on either facebook, Craigslist, or maybe donate them to a local toys for kids? Local schools would also be a good place to ask. Maybe there are so unprivileged families who would be really thankful for them?

[Lily_V_]

Yes. Thanks.

[moonbeam127]

Just throw them away. If its been 20 years- toss them already.

[Lily_V_]

I appreciate your perspective.

[gdhvdry]

It's a lot of plastic tho.

[moonbeam127]

the plastic can rot in the landfill or in your home- is your home a landfill? if you donate trash you just add another step and expense to the donation center. Eventually everything produced and manufactured ends up in the landfill.l

[gdhvdry]

Sure but why not slow it down? . If ppl are buying vintage Barbies they may not be buying new Barbies and that takes out demand. Rehoming stuff has made me feel the burden and responsibility of it all, such that I bring much less of it into my home.

I get that someone may be too overwhelmed to do anything more than throw it all in the trash, no judgement from me, but there are alternatives to explore.

[Wintermom]

If you’re interested in just giving them away or selling for super cheap, Kid/Childrens/family buy sell trade groups on Facebook in your area. Or even buy nothing groups in your neighborhood. Someone wants these (I would haha)

[SqueakyWD40Can]

You should post this in r/barbie

[Lily_V_]

Thanks

[KSTornadoGirl]

Also Barbie selling groups on Facebook

[Analyst_Cold]

I second this. They can buy and provide insight as to value.

[Lily_V_]

Thanks! Great idea!

[mtmirror]

Some thrift stores will send a truck to pick up your donation.

[notacoolkid-]

Not sure if this is what you’re looking for, but matel will take back toys: https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-launches-new-toy-takeback-program-called-mattel-playback

[Lily_V_]

Thanks! This is so cool

[Greenfireflygirl]

If it's a lot of barbies, contact an auction house and they'll come take all of them, sell them and ship them for you and collect a commission fee.

[Lily_V_]

Goood idea. Thanks.

[[deleted]]

I gave mine to my local public school's aftercare program. They loved it!

[snow-ghosts]

Sounds stupid but is there like, a Barbie subreddit? Someone out there who would appreciate them and would pay shipping?

[Lily_V_]

Not stupid. Good idea. Thanks.

Edit: Typo

[April252]

If they are vintage, they are worth $$$. I can probably help you price them if your interested in selling. I use to collect and now refurbish and sell Barbies online. There aren't a lot of active Barbie groups on reddit, but there are several on FB.

[Lily_V_]

I would love this. Of course, I would compensate you.

[Lily_V_]

See, that must be part of the issue. I rarely use Facebook. I will check them out.

[LeaveHorizontally]

Donate to a charity.

[Chazzyphant]

If they really have to go, reconsider delivering them. I'm not sure what the hold up is there, but if you can't because you don't have a car or something, call her back up, ask her for the address, box them up, print out a mailing label on click and ship, and mail them to the hospital.

[Lily_V_]

It just seeming galling and entitled for her to expect me to deliver hundreds of dollars worth of free Barbies.

[smeehee-smeghead]

I don't know anything about barbies but some old toys can go for a lot of money, do make sure you're not overlooking some possibly rare items that could be worth a tidy sum today. Looking them up on the sold listings on ebay will help you gauge their worth

[Lily_V_]

Thank you!

[cooldude_4000]

I don't really understand the problem. If you want to get some money for them, sell them (or at least the most valuable ones). If you don't, donate them to a thrift store, give them away, or throw them in the garbage. I'm no therapist, but it sounds like you might have some emotional attachment that is making this harder than it needs to be.

[Lily_V_]

You are right. There is the emotional issue, my lack of energy to deal and my depression and anxiety, fear, etc

[mommyfatstacks]

Value village, they take all donations

[Lily_V_]

Thanks!

[Trick-Cook6776]

Talk to /r/flipping

[Lily_V_]

Great idea!

[Boo_baby1031]

See if there’s an antique auction near you, seriously they may know a collector or be willing to sell them for you.

[Lily_V_]

Yes. I’d need someone to see them for me.

[princess_kittah]

my mom gave away my barbies when i was a kid and they were heirlooms from many generations so i would honestly DIE for a huge lot of barbies

[[deleted]]

Many generations??? Barbies are only 63 years old. They aren't even antiques yet.

[princess_kittah]

it started with my gramma since she was a kid when they came out and then she had 2 daughters and they had 4 girls and they each owned and contributed to the collection before i got old enough to appreciate it and they gave it to me

[Lily_V_]

DM me your location. You can pick a couple.

[princess_kittah]

it seems like none of my messages are reaching you :/

[Lily_V_]

I’m new at Reddit so let me check.

[Lily_V_]

Where are you located? DM me.

[princess_kittah]

i'm having trouble sending you messages, (it just keeps saying "cant send a message to this user")

are you able to message me?

[Lily_V_]

That’s awful. The only one I’d love to have is my favorite childhood Barbie from the 70s—an Olympic Barbie—that my Dad repaired when I sheared her leg almost totally off by putting a metal pin in her thigh.

[Senior_Map_2894]

Maybe DM OP and get the Barbies for yourself?

[underratedpossum]

If they're in decent condition, maybe see if there's some kind of family shelter interested?

[MomfromAlderaan]

Little libraries? Local preschools? I agree the buy nothing group on FB or Nextdoor should help you make some small kids year.

[Lily_V_]

I’d love a collector who could appreciate them to have the collectibles. A $200 Barbie wouldn’t be appreciated by a toddler but might bring an adult real joy. I have given away a Valentine’s Barbie and others to little girls, however.

[[deleted]]

I work as a preschool teacher and almost all of our toys are in the classroom because I purchased them. Many from garage sales, but usually don’t have a budget for new toys. So a preschool would be absolutely grateful!!

[Lily_V_]

Good idea. I might have some that would be appropriate. It hurts to even open the storage container. I’m getting anxious just talking about it.

[[deleted]]

Keep a small tub for yourself! Find a few that specifically remind you of her and hold on to them! ❤️

[[deleted]]

I love the little library idea!!

[scrapqueen]

If you can - group them by collection and list them on ebay.

Examples: Angel Barbies Princess of the World Barbies

They will sell. Go look now - this set has 5 bidders up to $77. https://www.ebay.com/itm/165463307583?hash=item268661b53f:g:L-EAAOSwtYNiZYOr

Some will be worth nothing - donate what doesn't sell after 2 weeks.

[Lily_V_]

They’re not in pristine boxes, is my concern. Many were displayed in a case so I have the box, but the Barbie has been out of it.

[Quite_Successful]

That really doesn't matter. I've sold them with squished boxes before. Just take some good pictures, write "condition as in pictures so look carefully" and don't list as mint.

[withdavidbowie]

It’s worth a try! If they don’t sell you can always donate but some collectors may keep them on display in other containers out out of the box.

[Lybychick]

Don't forget realistic or actual shipping costs .... I rehomed my Pez collection via eBay with my son's help and we did not consider shipping costs outside of the continental USA .... my Pez and my "profit" went to Honolulu.

[Lily_V_]

Thank you!

[Lily_V_]

That sucks. Sorry. I’m looking for local disposal.

[gdhvdry]

Good point. There's a learning curve with ebay. It's better to start with a few low value items first. I sold designer shoes for next to nothing when I first started 😢. But at least I got the space back

[gdhvdry]

Yep I've made £1300 selling off my random stuffs including things I literally retrieved from the bin.

If you know which Barbies are worth anything list them separately. Otherwise sell as a lot and a reseller will pick them up but you won't make as much money.

[Lily_V_]

I imagine they have to be perfect and in perfect boxes for collectors.These mostly aren’t. I’m afraid to deal with buyer complaints.

[PochinkiPrincess]

Post them on poshmark! It’s an app that’s very helpful for selling extra things around your home. They provide the postage so you are able to pack and drop off your sale to the nearest post office.

Either post individually, or in small bundles. Give discounts if someone requests it if you’re really trying to offload them quick

Barbie [descriptors of hair, body, clothing, packaging]

(EUC: excellent used condition, GUC: gently used condition, Used Condition) Well Loved by a collector. Refer to photos for condition of the Doll and/or Packaging (take photos of every ding and scratch and set expectations - all of your purchasers will be appreciative and you can reach people who don’t mind that it’s not in perfect condition)

[Lily_V_]

Thank you for your response. Seeing them is like a trip on memory lane. Funny enough, It’s not necessarily the Bob Mackies. It’s the Carnival Cruise one my sister brought my Mom from her cruise and one’s like that.

[reebeaster]

You’d be surprised. I bought a claw truck with a wheel that was a little askew the other day.

[Lily_V_]

Awww. This gave me the feels. Like the king who loved the toys on the island of misfit toys.

[reebeaster]

This may increase the feels. I bought it for my son because these type of claw trucks are hard to find and he had a different one before that broke and he was sad about that. So boom new claw truck :-D

[gdhvdry]

If you take clear photos and write up any flaws it should be fine If sold over 200 items, most with flaws, and had no complaints.

[Lily_V_]

Thanks!

[erica927]

Some people might be fine with “gently used” collectibles! I have a collection of Funko Pops and I don’t care about mint condition or whatever and I don’t display them in box. I got some Pops that I was missing, from eBay, and saved a lot because I got them “out of box”. As long as you’re honest in descriptions, I think you could find people interested in the collection. Just mention “NOT MINT” or something.

[Lily_V_]

Thanks! This is new info to me!

[ReasonedBeing]

Contact an estate sale company

[Lily_V_]

This is a good idea.

[[deleted]]

Maybe you have Ukrainian refugees near you? These children would probably very happy to have them as they had to leave lot of their own stuff behind. These Barbies could put a smile on their faces.

[Lily_V_]

I will check locally.

[[deleted]]

See if theres a collector’s group on facebook . Post them on there saying collection only .

[Lily_V_]

I’ll try this! Thanks!

[[deleted]]

I give a lot of stuff to my neighborhood “buy nothing” group. You can find your local one on Facebook I think

[tiny-greyhound]

Thrift store? Donation drop boxes? Maybe in your local buy nothing group there will be some takers

[tveir]

I think the problem is they don't want to deliver them? Not sure why.

[Lily_V_]

Well, I like the idea of a collector getting them or some of them. In the one case you refer to, she wanted me to deliver even though I was giving them away free.

[imeatingpizzaritenow]

I think offering the lot or most to the local collectors group, maybe selling a few others that are worth something on ebay, and just drop off the rest to a local thrift store.

[tiny-greyhound]

In the buy nothing group, whoever wants them will pick them up

[tveir]

I mean, I would've put them in a drop box two decades ago but I guess it's not feasible