Being a doll lover and the Doll Making Editor here at BellaOnline, I never go through a department store without checking out the toy department. Even at stores I'm in all the time, I'm a regular in the doll aisle. I like to see what's new, and surprisingly enough, the dolls change rather quickly. My husband is used to waiting at the end of the aisle for me while I check them all out and compare prices.

Today I was in my local discount department store and was pleased to find two 18 inch dolls that were not there the last time I wandered through.

Fancy Nancy is a delightful doll based on the Fancy Nancy books by Jane O'Connor. The doll has lovely curly red hair which is highlighted by a crown. Her outfit includes a bright pink jumper with gold butterflies attached all over it. Her socks have hearts on them and are trimmed in pink ribbon and lace. Even her pink gel sandals have silk flowers on the toes. She also comes with two extra hair ribbons. She is a dream come true for all of us lovers of ribbons, bows and fancy details. The only caution here is that she is definitely not intended for small toddlers, too many small items that would be a choking hazard.

Our Generation dolls are similar to other, higher priced 18 inch dolls in that they are available in various hair and eye colors, and different hair styles.. The faces are very pretty and similar in appearance to the higher priced dolls. They have a cloth body and movable arms and legs. Again, these dolls are not intended for very young children. This is a great doll for the price.

There is another option for those of you who make your own doll clothes, or who are willing to buy clothes from American Girl. The big box craft store that starts with M has an 18 inch doll that looks quite similar to the name brand doll for less than $20. But this doll comes without clothes. Still a great bargain for doll clothes makers.