I had a collection (maybe 10 or 12) of dolls from various countries. We purchased a different one each week at Kroger Grocery store as part of a promotion. I have no idea what the promotion was about. They came in blue square boxes, maybe with a little pink on them,but not sure, with clear cellophane windows. The dresses were layed out in a cirle under the dolls. Mine were in perfect condition in the boxes, and we sold them (gave them away) at a garage sale during a short window of time when I cared nothing about them . I have regretted it for years, and would love to find the same ones, or at least see a picture to identify them.

http://batchix.livejournal.com/826827.html http://www.ehow.com/how_5157539_make-own-balljointed-doll.html http://www2d.biglobe.ne.jp/~dhnoah/make_00.htm http://www.youtube.com/user/hanano001#p/u/28/SdvjxcCF05w http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.aimi-doll.com/howto/index.html&ei=r7OgSZK4Jom9kAXCwtHCCw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Daimi-doll%26hl%3Den This is a wonderful book that teaches it all http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300388024178&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123 http://www.ooakdollart.com/ http://www.vivcore.com/dolly_daydream.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=AU&hl=en-GB&v=rKCrtlt__yc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=AU&hl=en-GB&v=FagKXHsECI0 http://bjd-wtf.livejournal.com/309.html I hope this helps alittle You can copy and paste these in your browser if they didnt link:)

ttodd, I wanted to share my experiences with you. My mom and her husband (only grandfather my kids knew) built each child a dollhouse. And let me tell you these were not your ordinary dollhouses. They started out as a kit, and as in real life, there were lots of upgrades. He absolutely loved woking on them. There is copper flashing, shaker roofs, gutters,etc. My mom decorated the interiors, and they were incredible. Each girl got one (different years), and then they made my son a horse barn. Everything was electrified (I highly recommend that for the lights!) Here is the only downside. They are huge. They are a pain to store when they get older. My kids are 23,21,and 19. They are not in homes of their own yet, so we are storing them, but they will take them eventually. They are on rolling platforms, so the kids could push them up against a wall, and then roll them out when they wanted to play. I have quite a love/hate relationship with the dollhouses. Of course the love far outweighs the hate. My mom passed away about 11 years ago, so it is really special to see what she did. Oh, and both of the girls had a box of Christmas decorations (including lights) to put up on the outside of the house as well as the inside. Also had a Spring collection of things too, to decorate with flowers, etc. btw, while we are getting the house ready to be sold, they have all been removed to a friend's house. I think my house looks bigger now without them in there!!!

Okay, you guys have convinced me! All the arguments you're using are the ones I would use with someone else, but wasn't using on myself. It's important to get exactly what you want once in awhile. It's important to fit in with your peer group. She's only young once. Wildchild, you're right that it doesn't matter why she wants it, just that she does. And Maddie_in_Ky, Sue_VA, and Paula_PA - you spoke to me, and I'd already thought of how I'd feel if she'd really sad that she didn't get the doll. It's one thing if we couldn't afford it, but that's not the case. So I'm getting a My American Girl doll with shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes, medium skin tone, and pierced ears. Just like Chloe - and that's what she wants. Ruthieg_tx and Nikki_nj, thanks for the tip about searching eBay and Target for clothes. I found a soccer uniform (complete with shin guards, soccer socks, shoes and ball) on eBay. It's the same colors as her soccer uniform, and I think she'll like that. So thanks for all the help in figuring this out! And I love that there's a hospital if she cuts the hair off.:)