Finding Doll Props: A Tiny Thrift Store Haul

Anna recently paid a visit to a local thrift store, specifically Goodwill, hoping to find a few appropriate doll sized items.

So imagine my surprise when she presented this fanciful backpack.  Emblazoned with Hello Kitty, it is attractively cute, but not right for use by us dolls.

It still was useful for Anna.  She actually placed the rest of her purchases inside.  So then, let us see what she found.

It is a clear plastic bag full of random odd and ends.  It is my understanding that at thrift stores small items are frequently grouped together this way before selling. 

Items such as small toys, household supplies and craft supplies are found this way.  And it’s in these sort of bags that one has the most luck at finding suitable doll props.

Quite a mix of items in this bag, and I can immediately spot a few things that would be of use to me.

So let’s first examine the more obvious finds.

Here we have an amusing little book, Walt Disney’s Silly Symphonies.  It is a nicely bound hardcover book and the perfect size for a doll.

It features a few classic fairy tales with bright full color illustrations.  This will be excellent as bedtime reading for our little Yuna and Sakura.

Now for us more mature dolls, there is a box set of four beautiful books of poems.  It is called Flower Fairies, The Little Collection.

Each poem is about a different type of flower fairy, and the illustrations are wonderfully done.

I shall immensely enjoy devouring these fine books.

Next, we have a ceramic piggy bank.  Such a practical item and it’s the perfect size for dolls.

Now that I have a decent bank for money, Anna will need to provide me with an adequate allowance.  But how much is an appropriate amount?

Hikaru, you are not getting an allowance.  You already cost me enough as it is, and that’s without letting you have control of the money.

Humph! 

Well, I suppose the bank will make a fine decoration.

Now there is the rest of the items to consider.  Most of them sadly are of little use to me.  But maybe with some creativity…

I believe the erasers on the right would be amusing for the children to play with, though the scale is awkward.

The watercolor paints might work for the face up Anna has yet to give me (see Doll Owner's Corner: The Face Up).  How long must I wait?

Finally, the long adhesive note paper (you mean post-its?), once cut to size would be perfect for dolls.

And this photo album is actually much more useful then at first glance.  According to a rather informative Froggy Stuff video, albums such as this one can be used to store doll clothes and accessories.

Each page has a clear pocket that can neatly store an article of clothing or two. 

Unfortunately, this particular album is too small for most of my fine clothes.  Perhaps is would be useful for a smaller doll such as yosd sized bjds or even fashion dolls.

As for the rest of the items, I’m sure Anna can use them for some practical purpose.

Now that everything has been properly sorted, I think I will sit back and enjoy a good book.  Perhaps with a cup of tea as well.  Be at peace.