So much for a review a month!!

But you know how it goes... By the time I got my Tax Refund the dolls I had planned on reviewing next (Mixis) were no longer on clearance (I cry). (I do have a few lined up though- don't worry)

In the meantime- while bargain hunting for a Goldie Blox today I found some monster deals, so instead of a review, I offer some ways to build up your doll collection without breaking the bank. (and then maybe later, a review). This is what I found while hoofing it around the Mira Mesa area of San Diego, today- 

 

Ross:

Ross used to be my go-to for year old dolls, or Monster High dolls that have been shelf sitting. Lately its multiple Casta Fierce dolls in questionable condition (and she has indeed been shelf sitting) but there have been quite a few surprise Frights Camera Action lovelies in there too. I passed on this Elissabat, who was opened but complete, but will probably snag her next time I see her. (She was a steal at $11.99)

Now I don't really collect Moxie Girlz, but have found a number of the Camping series (along with those godforsaken Pooping Pets) at Ross and Marshalls lately, and while the dolls go to friends or ebay, the accessories are sometimes worth it. This one comes with a tiny camera and light up "jar of lightning bugs" (as a native Angeleno who only got to see these guys in action ONCE in my lifetime, I am fascinated and love the idea of a tiny doll firefly jar, k? lol). These were also $11.99- which is slightly cheaper than the Amazon price. Also in attendance was this wonderful little "Ice Cream Bike". Let me tell you- my Abbey Bominable NEEDS this for her summer job! It comes with a doll, and the Ross Price was $19.99. (Cheaper than the $25-40 I've seen her go for at Target). 

I ended up with these two Monster High Inner Monsters (I am, first and foremost, an MH Ghoul at Heart u_u). At $11.99 they were cheaper by far than Walmart, Target and Amazons current price. I'm guessing they'll start going on clearance soon- but $21.99 is still too rich for my (still only working part time) blood. As it happens- I've already picked up the add ons, which are going for $3-4 right now at Toys R Us). Collection complete!

Yay!

Marshalls:

Honestly, I walked in and saw 

Disney, plz. Let it go u_u. 

Aside from some Ever After High Cupids and a couple of Ghoul Sports Monster High, they really only had Frozen stuff. 

Disappointing. 

Barnes & Noble: 

 I LOVE B&Ns clearance rack typically. After Christmas there is usual SO MUCH going on there, its glorious. However lately they seem to be clearing out epic amounts of toys (presumably to make room for new merchandise- as they had a lot of new stuff on the shelves!). Last I was in I found several 50% off Monster High dolls, as well as Dr Who pillows and blankets and lots of little odds and ends.

But listen... IT'S ALL 75% OFF. AND THERE'S A LOT MORE OF IT. 

I was most excited about the Monster High Secret Creepers (I usually see these go for $12-17). At B&N the Whatzit (Frankie Steins dog) was $14.95 but under $4 with the clearance!

Then I found the Lottie dolls, which will cost you anywhere from $14-20 on Amazon (and TRU) but with the clearance they were $5 :D

 

English Country Garden and Pony Flag Race Lottie

I... ended up with both of them >_>

And finally, the adorable little Blythe/Littlest Pet Shop figures were also dumped on the clearance table...  $2.50? Cha I grabbed one! We don't even collect those anymore, she was just TOO cute! 

Grand total for $65 worth of dolls? 

!!!! Score !!!!

To be quite honest I was so excited about most of this that I didn't get a whole lot of pics of anything else they had. *sheepish* ... I am, however, going back eventually for an Espari Doll: 

These "handcrafted, one of a kind" dolls usually sell for $60 at Barnes & Noble, but are on sale for $49 right now. They have REALLY sweet faces (oddly similar to TRUs Journey Girls) but are a little high in price (I believe the JGs are $40 regularly). The price puts the Esparis between Targets Our Generation (which are $24 for the basic dolls) and American Girls (which.. are way out of my price range), so I'm curious to look at the quality of each and see which is the best deal. 

I already have an Our Generation Alejandra hidden at our Target, where they are on sale for $19 (the non posable ones- they have "posable" ones for $39) until June. (and I'm praying for a sale on Journey Girls sometime in the near future, while I still have a few dollars left on my tax refund DX) 

Oh- I also visited Kohls, but for the love of dolls, unless they're having a super sale Kohls is NOT the way to go. They had lots of Barbies (including the gorgeous pink haired one) and Lady Tremaine and Fairy Godmother from the new Cinderella, but at almost double the price (that EVERYONE else is charging), and no sales in sight- they were totally not worth it. 

(I'll get you my pretties! ... someday T_T) 

Anyhoo, as it was 90 degrees, and our car just died, and I spent WAY more than intended (even with the sales, oops), I passed on the other Ross and Marshalls and headed home. Depending on what happens with the car I'll try and get out this weekend and see what other bargains are out there :) 

Happy Hunting! 

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