Dolls for a Better Tomorrow
Stevanne Auerbach -- Gifts and Dec, 7/25/2011 7:24:32 AM
Organic Toddler Doll is made of natural and organic materials. A portion of the proceeds support Childhood Cancer organizations. $24. Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods. 888.222.3053. www.dandelionforbaby.com CIRCLE #977
DOLLS ARE ONE OF THE MOST PHENOMENAL SECTORS of the toy industry. It is a toy category that is enormous for its breadth of choices - from robust baby dolls to shapely designer models and from soft fabric creations to hard action figures. It is also a category that has more influence on society than people imagine. For today's children, especially girls between the ages of 5 and 10, dolls play a key role in their growth and social development. Their play value is endless, providing an experience that includes fantasy play, which stimulates the imagination, and role play that builds nurturing, socialization and communication skills.
The role that a doll plays in the personal growth and development of a child used to be much simpler - it was like a best friend who heard their secrets, felt their pain or fear and shared their imaginary adventures. As society has become more diverse and complex, the role of dolls and doll play has expanded, incorporating role models, cultural diversity and exposure to environmental and social issues. Thus, having the right doll for the right reasons can make all the difference to the child's ability to learn, adjust, cope and find an ideal occupation.
For their part, doll makers are rising to the challenge of providing dolls for the new generation of child whose doll is more than just an imaginary friend.
Breaking Down Barriers 
Jayden Earth Girl is handmade in California using organic and recycled materials. All dolls come with a backpack holding a Hope Tree Planting Kit in 100% recycled packaging that converts to a closet. In two sizes, $69 and $89. The Earth Friends. 707.536.7916. www.theearthfriends.com CIRCLE #976
Like no other doll, Barbie is an icon recognized around the world. Not only was Barbie ground-breaking in the doll world for her idealized, mature figure, she also was one of the first dolls to become a role model and set an example for girls as a career woman, allowing them, through play, to try on different roles and learn about the possibilities open to them. Over the years, Barbie has had more careers, a larger wardrobe and more pets than any female, real or imaginary. More than a fashionista, she has also taken care of the planet, protected animals and taken on the characteristics of other races and cultures. She has remained a major influencer for 50 years, even though, with her blond hair and blue eyes, she is not everyone's ideal of beauty.
While Barbie has garnered a lot of attention in the world of dolls, she has come to share the stage with others offering a host of other play values, among them, Cabbage Patch Kids. Though they may not seem pretty, Cabbage Patch Kids are much loved, offer awareness and acceptance of adoption, and because of their hand-finished detail, are each uniquely individual, just like every child. Other dolls joining Barbie and Cabbage Patch to reflect the past and future of society include American Girl, Bratz, Dora the Explorer, Forever Friends, Groovy Girls, Karito Kids, Only Hearts Club and many others. They all provide unique experiences and extended play opportunities for today's kids.
Delivering Diversity
When it comes to choosing a doll, especially for their primary doll, little girls want a doll they can identify with; they want her to look like them, dress like them, and, with today's growing cultural diversity in the U.S., be their race.
Blythe and Mason Madi Dolls come in nature-inspired clothes. 12" vinyl. $35. Itty Bitty 415.455.8415. www.madidoll.com CIRCLE #978
"Interest in dolls and toys that reflect a child's ethnicity continues to be strong among parents who seek toys that help develop a child's self esteem," observes Denise Gary Robinson, president/owner of Dolls Like Me, an online store specializing in toys and gift s for children of color. "Dolls are still where little girls first see themselves. And when they see themselves, they learn to love themselves; it's a self-esteem thing."
Many couples who adopt children from other countries help keep the children's culture alive by providing them with dolls that look like them and that also may teach them about their ancestors through books and other products. Kids can also learn about and identify with children from other cultures through the world of dolls. Dolls that reflect society's ethnic diversity help create an environment of culturally diverse play while encouraging identification and positive self-awareness.
Among the pioneering manufacturers of ethnic dolls is Fanny's Playhouse, now part of The Children's Factory. When Fanny Wong introduced her "Learn to Dress" dolls in four skin tones, there were very few in the marketplace and they became popular in preschools and "Head Start" classrooms.
Dream Big Go Go Sports Girls Dolls promote self-appreciation and the benefits of exercise. For ages 3-12. About 14". Each has an inspiring message embroidered on her tummy. A portion of profits is donated to Girls Inc. $20. Go Go Sports Girls Dolls. 877.351.1031. www.gogosportsgirls.com CIRCLE #948 |
|
|
Taylor Angelica is part of a diverse group with different interests. $18. Only Hearts Club Dolls. 805.385.4400 www.onlyheartsclub.com CIRCLE #946 |
Mrs. Pinkelmeyer represents the older generation and the wholesomeness and comfort of a grandmother. Comes with her dog Moopus, who is detachable. 16". $34.99. Mrs. Pinkelmeyer. 561368.1783. www.mrspinkelmeyer.com CIRCLE #947 |
|
|
Karito Kids is an international dolls collection. A percentage is donated to a children's charity. $99.99. Kidsgive. 877.543.7448. www.karitokids.com CIRCLE #950 |
Nighty Night Doll multicultural rag doll. 15". Machine washable. $24.The Children's Factory. 877.726.1696. www.childrensfactory.com CIRCLE #979 |
|
|
Calin Naima baby doll is part of the Mon Premier collection. 12". Ages 18 mos. and up. $34.95. Corolle. 800.668.4846. www.corolle.com CIRCLE #980 |
Groovy Girls Irina has a one of a kind look. $13. Manhattan Toy. 612.337.3818.www.manhattantoy.com CIRCLE #949 |
|
Recognizing the importance of showing ethnic diversity, other companies have followed the lead, among them Corolle, which has expanded its collection to include more representations of color and race. Among the newer entries to the marketplace is the Karito Kids line, a collection of dolls representing different countries and ethnicities, which is one of the best lines at capturing the real personalities of children from different counties. Each doll also comes with a book about its country and culture so that children learn more through reading.
Diversity Gives Back The trend for dolls that impart socially responsible values continues to expand, with doll-makers targeting a growing range of subjects beyond ethnic groups: children with disabilities and other differences, the green Earth movement, charitable giving and more.
Laura Rangel, co-creator of Karito Kids, took her line a step beyond cultural diversity; she is using Karito Kids to also teach about giving. Not only does a percentage of the sale of each doll go to help kids in the country represented by the doll, kids can also get more involved through activities on the Karito Kids website.
Other lines, such as Wild Republic's Bindi Outback doll created in partnership with the Australia Zoo, get kids involved in environmental and conservation causes. The doll, based on the daughter of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, is also a role model for young girls as Bindi takes up her father's role in teaching about wildlife, and royalities from sale of the doll go directly to Australia Zoo's conservation programs.
The Global Green Pals line also addresses environmental awareness. The dolls are not only made of eco-friendly materials, their tags offer kids tips on how to help save the Earth, and a portion of the sales goes to environmental causes.
Even though the doll world operates on fads and cycles, the trend toward creating dolls with socially responsible messages will continue to grow and evolve. Some of the messages may change, and currently popular dolls may change, but diversity is here to stay and our responsibilities to the planet, wildlife and setting examples for children to aspire to will always remain.
Stevanne Auerbach Ph.D. is author of Smart Play/Smart Toys and Dr. Toy's Guide. Her website, www.drtoy.com, provides toy information, and useful, timely guidance for all ages. Before focusing on the evaluation of toys and children's products, Dr. Auerbach was an educator and administrator. She can be reached at drtoy@drtoy.com.
We would love your feedback!
Featured Company
-
Brandwise Inc.
Brandwise serves a model - not just an industry - by integrating, automating, and optimizing the entire sales channel, from wholesale Suppliers to their Reps and the Retailers they service. In short, our software helps Reps and Suppliers sell more and create... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
