I have many people inquire on the cost of having a custom baby done, and I realize that for most, it is a shock when I come back with my answer, so I figured maybe if I explained it here, it would be easier for you to understand. I realize that some of you are not familiar in anyway with the dolly world, which also means you are not familiar with the cost that goes into making a reborn doll.

First we start with a kit, a kit consists only of the head and limbs of the doll, they range in price from $30.00 to $150.00, this is the big reason why, I can’t give an actual price until the kit is chosen.

Then each of the following is needed to complete a doll:
Body - $15.00 to $25.00
Mohair - $20.00 to $40.00
Outfit and blanket to send baby home - $25.00 to $35.00
Glass beads and Polyfill for stuffing and weighting - $15.00 to $20.00

So let’s do an example at this time, let’s say the kit was $65.00 and that all of the above cost the minimum amount, my initial cost to make the doll would be: $140.00.

If it’s an open eye baby, there is addition cost of:
Eyes – $8.00 to $20.00
Eyelashes - $5.00
And if you add a magnetic pacifier, add another $8.00 to that.

Total of my cost: $161.00

Then we must remember that to ship the baby to the new mommy costs at least $15.00.

So at this point I’m already spending, and remember this is the minimum costs: $176.00

This amount does not add in my cost of paints, thinner, brushes, sponges, needles, felt, stockings and the cost to ship supplies to me. Add all of that in we are well over: $250.00.

Now you have to understand the hours that I put into each baby, painting takes me about 8 hours and the rooting, of course depending on the size of the baby, takes anywhere from 10 hours to 20 hours. Please understand, I only believe in using the best supplies on each of my babies and I refuse to cut corners, just to cut cost. This is my art and my passion and with each baby I give my whole heart. I will never ship a baby to a new mommy, without totally being in love with it myself.

As for memorial dolls, I do try to charge the least amount possible, its my gift to other angel mommies, because I know how much these angel babies can help in our grieving process.

With that said, from time to time you will see me list a baby on eBay for a steal of a price; usually I have found the kit on sale and worked on it in between orders. If the baby I list captures your heart, then don’t let it get a way, because most likely I will never be able to recreate another like it, at such a great cost.

I hope this helps!

Angel Hugs,
Tracy