Paradise Galleries is one of the best-known names in lifelike baby dolls, with a huge range of newborns, toddlers and even realistic pets. The catch for UK collectors is that there is no UK stockist. This guide explains who Paradise Galleries are, how their dolls are made, and the best ways to buy one from the UK.
About the brand How they’re made Buying in the UK Pre-loved on eBay UK alternatives FAQ
The brand
About Paradise Galleries
Crafting lifelike dolls since 1991.
Paradise Galleries has been making dolls since 1991, with its design team based in southern California. The company began with collectible porcelain dolls, which is why you will still see many Paradise Galleries porcelain figures on eBay. Today it is best known for realistic vinyl babies and toddlers.
Its collections include newborns, sleeping babies, toddlers and the Forever Yours babies, as well as Furever realistic pets and a range of Down Syndrome Awareness babies. Many dolls are designed with renowned reborn sculptors, including Ping Lau, Jannie de Lange, Pat Moulton, Mayra Garza and Sherri Williams.
Craftsmanship
How Paradise Galleries Dolls Are Made
Each doll goes through several careful stages:
- An artist creates a master sculpt, which is turned into a wax model and then a first master in vinyl.
- The doll is cast in one of the company’s own vinyls: GentleTouch, SoftTouch or FlexTouch.
- Eyes are fitted and the face is painted with blush, lips and lower lashes, with upper lashes applied by hand.
- Hair is painted, added as a wig or, on some dolls, rooted into the vinyl.
- Fingernails and toenails are painted, and the cloth body is weighted with a bean bag for a realistic feel.
- Each doll is dressed in a themed outfit and packed in a gift box with a certificate of authenticity.
Giving back
Reborns with Reasons
Paradise Galleries supports Reborns with Reasons, a community outreach programme that brings doll therapy to seniors in nursing homes and memory care, including people living with dementia. The company has also donated one of its babies to a care home resident through it.
For UK collectors
How to Buy Paradise Galleries Dolls in the UK
There are two main routes:
- Order direct from Paradise Galleries. Their website lists the United Kingdom as a destination, with prices in US dollars. Check delivery costs and import charges before you pay (see the FAQ below).
- Buy pre-loved on eBay UK. A handful of Paradise Galleries babies are listed at any time, often with their original box. You avoid import charges and pay in pounds.
- Watch out for porcelain. Many eBay listings are Paradise Galleries porcelain collector dolls, which are display pieces rather than cuddly reborn-style babies. Check the description for “vinyl” before you buy.
Live from eBay UK
Pre-Loved Paradise Galleries Babies
Current eBay UK listings for Paradise Galleries baby dolls. Stock changes daily, so check back often.
Easy to buy in the UK
Similar Babies from Babeside
If you love the Paradise Galleries look, Babeside makes lifelike cloth-body babies at a similar price that are simple to order from the UK.
Your Questions Answered
Are Paradise Galleries dolls real reborns?
They are lifelike vinyl dolls made from sculpts by well-known reborn artists, finished with painted details and weighted cloth bodies. Because they are produced in collections rather than reborned one at a time by an individual artist, collectors often call them reborn-style dolls.
Can I buy Paradise Galleries dolls in the UK?
There is no official UK stockist. You can order from the Paradise Galleries website, which lists the United Kingdom as a destination but prices in US dollars, or buy pre-loved dolls on eBay UK.
Will I pay import charges?
Possibly. For orders up to £135, overseas sellers should add UK VAT at checkout. Above £135, import VAT and sometimes customs duty are collected on delivery, and couriers may add a handling fee. Check the total cost before you order.
What vinyl are Paradise Galleries dolls made from?
The company uses three exclusive vinyls called GentleTouch, SoftTouch and FlexTouch, depending on the doll.
Do Paradise Galleries dolls come with a certificate?
Yes. New dolls arrive in a gift box with a certificate of authenticity. When buying second-hand, ask whether the box and certificate are included.
What is a good alternative available in the UK?
Babeside makes similar lifelike cloth-body babies at a comparable price and is easy to order from the UK. See our Babeside shop for the full range.
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