When I first saw Monst dolls on an Instagram post I immediately fell in love with them. I’m a sucker for smaller, child-like fashion dolls that collectors dress up in little toggle coats or Mori-Girl-style dresses and sweaters. So adorable! But being unfamiliar with them, I didn’t know where to buy one, so I turned to eBay. I found several listings, but I had to get Chou Chou. Of the five different Monst dolls, she’s the only one that looks mad, or annoyed, or maybe she’s majorly pissed off. Anyway, I liked her edge. I bought Chou Chou for $71, which seemed to be the going price for Monst dolls on eBay, only to discover shortly after hitting the “Pay Now” button that Ali Express sells them for around $26 – and AliExpress is where everyone is buying Monst dolls (including, I’m sure, the person from whom I bought mine on eBay). I could kick myself!
Monst Dolls are made of vinyl and are eight inches tall. They’re made in China by a company called Spade Designs. According to the pamphlet that came with my doll, the full name for Monst Dolls is “Monst Yemanbaobei Dolls.” I’m not sure what that means, but I think the (very) loose translation is “Savage Baby Rubber Joint Dolls.” At least that’s what sellers on AliExpress are calling them! They’re being sold as “bjd dolls” but they’re not bjd dolls in the traditional sense because they’re not held together with rubber bands. They are articulated in the head and limbs, but they don’t bend or twist at the waist.
I don’t think Monst dolls are generic fashion dolls. They seem to be their own brand, like Kuhrn dolls. They come in a cute but understated box featuring a simple font and cute graphics. The front of the box appears to indicate that Monst dolls are intended for ages 15 and up, but their quality is more playline than collectible so in my humble opinion I think they would be appropriate for most children except perhaps very young ones.
There’s a sticker on the lid of each box with a photo and the name of the doll that comes inside, so you know which one you’re buying.
Monst dolls come undressed but the outfit is included. The doll comes in a plastic tray and is held in place with only two twist ties. They’re much easier to unbox than Monster High or Rainbow High dolls, that’s for sure.
Here’s Chouchou out of the box. Her bangs need trimming compared to the promo photos. Monst dolls can’t stand on their own.
The outfit comes in a cute plastic bag with kawaii illustrations of bears and food.
Chouchou’s outfit is simpler and more tomboyish than the outfits of the other Monst dolls. I think it suits her cranky personality, like she’s a fussy little kid in baggy overalls.
No I won’t go to bed early!
By the way, Monst dolls don’t come with shoes. I thought Chouchou’s outfit screamed “Crocs,” so she borrowed the platform Crocs from Rainbow High’s Lila Yamamoto.
No I won’t eat my broccoli!
No I won’t take a bath!
The articulation for Monst dolls is pretty good but a little awkward. She can sit cross-legged, and put her hands on her hips, but not in a natural way. And she kind of passes my articulation test (putting her hands to her mouth in surprise or horror).
Chouchou looked sad, so I thought some of her favorite things might cheer her up. Things such as skateboarding, hanging out with a furry friend, or eating her favorite foods.
Nope, still sad. Unless she’s not actually sad. Maybe she has RBF.
So what do I think of Chouchou? I think she’s so stinkin’ cute. Her bangs need a trim but I can deal with that. I can’t wait to dress her in other outfits and do more photo shoots. If you’re interested in Monst dolls, please don’t buy them on eBay and pay overinflated prices like I did. Monst dolls can be found on AliExpress, where prices average about twenty-five dollars. I might be tempted to go there to buy more Monst dolls.
Dollsville, USA 