Finding an old friend - vintage dolls, bears, plush, and toys. A simple guide to find happiness again, share, display, give, and play with your old toys - or at least duplicates.

Everyone has had an old friend at some point in their childhood and life. It was a gift, something found, something handed down. But above all, it was LOVED.

Along the winding road of life and time your friend was lost from an accident or from the same never ending vacuum of nothingness that eats the socks from the dryer.

And there is no way to reclaim that friend, but there is a way to reclaim the same wonderful feelings you had finding that old friend's identical likeness on ebay.

For so long, I've dabbled in the world of toys and memories and so many have said to me "I've been looking for that doll all my life" or they tell me sad tales of how their friend was lost and now they can relive the memories and have some level of closure.

It isn't always so bittersweet. Often it is a rebirth. Ultimately, it is happiness. 

I have quite a collection of toys and dolls and plush. I am particularly fond of the antique bears and dolls and toys. The early walker dolls, the mohair bears, the tin toys. And I love toys that are unique, and not something everyone had. I really like investigating a toy. When I find one and want to know what it's name was (a lot came with manufacturer dubbed names), who made it, when and where it was made, and some history about the company, artist, or line of toys, then I do some research and often end up learning so much more than just about the one item.

I grew up in a large family with many children, and although we were not rich by any means, and quite poor in fact, we accumulated our toys together and had many toys for all as a result. I most remember and am fond of the DOLLS.

That is the magic of ebay and the ebay sellers. They can offer such a huge plethora of dolls and toys from yesteryear to fit every need, wish, desire and create happy memories all over again.

I think the first step in finding a toy is to know how to search on ebay. It's not just one word or two that might get you to find the old dollie you had when you were four years old. You need to work with some keywords, and sometimes work with them very creatively.

There have been times when I've used the word "blonde" to find a doll because that was really all I had to work with. Or "plastic". Or "eyes".

That really brings up a huge number of listings to sort through.

I am an impatient buyer and so that is a last effort.

It is best to try and use a variety of keywords and see where it gets you first, then use these words by also selecting the 'search title and description' button.

You can use a variety of the ebay tools to save searches and save favorite sellers who sell similiar items that they may sometime list what you are looking for.

Once you have found something you are looking for the fun begins. If there are a variety of items listed, it's best to think about your reason for finding this item. Overall, get excited. You have found your old friend.

Is it a gift? Is it to be put away for the grandbaby to use in 10 years? Is it something for your own display now? Do you care if it is a bit ragged or do you want something in mint condition?

Mint condition is really nearly impossible for anything unless it was in the original unopened box, a box which was never damaged or exposed, and has been kept in a perfect conditions in moisture, temperature and light controlled space.

Typically, when a doll is sold as mint it is as close to this as possible. Near mint is something with any imperfections. Used, played with, loved are all terms that mean the toy has some typical wear from being handled and, well, played with. Most used toys have been play things. It's their function.

If you buy something that states it's been used, expect things such as scuffs, scrapes, dirt, marks, messy fur or hair, missing plugs (doll lingo for missing hair out of the little hole in the head, each one being a plug) etc. Anything major should be pointed out by the seller in the auction text. Smells of items may vary from nostril to nostril. If the item is potent, chances are, the seller will either note this or clean the item before listing. Some items are not safe to clean in the washing machine and sometimes sellers like to leave this to the expert buyer.

Always read - thoroughly - the auction text.

Ask any and all questions before committing to an auction.

Caution: modern safety codes were not reflected in toys manufactured before and you may want to check with the local authorities and check recalls regarding some toys. Never give a baby anything painted, with buttons, or with cords. I would very much caution against giving anything older than the baby and not safety regulated to a baby. It's just that serious.

Most toys and dolls and bears I've sold are because older folks are wanting to rekindle the childhood years, share with their children, and have an old friend back again.

Remember: it is YOUR memory. You know what you are looking for.