Our Favourite Dolls
In the world of toys, dolls hold a special place in every child’s heart. They aren’t just playthings; they are companions, confidants, and a canvas for creativity. One of the most impactful ways we can foster self-esteem, belonging and inclusivity in children is by ensuring that they see themselves reflected in their toys.
Watching ‘Black Barbie’ , a documentary by Shondaland, which was released on Netflix on June 19th, 2024 gave me yet again a new, maybe more profound understanding of the importance of being able to see yourself in your toys.
When Globy was turning 2 years old I wanted to give her a doll for her birthday. While I wasn’t sure whether this doll should be a baby doll or a girl doll, it was clear that it should be a doll representing Globy. In Japan, the offer is limited so that I turned to other countries. The US offered considerably more mixed and Black dolls. Now curious, I also checked in Germany and found the offer to also be rather limited.
From limited offers to aunties around the world, my three girls now have more than enough dolls. To help other mommas easily find dolls for their children, this post is sharing our favourite dolls.
1. Ifrodoll – Best for Babies
The Ifrodoll is perfect for babies due to its soft, plush texture and gentle design. This mini doll is specially crafted to represent a deep skin tone, allowing infants and young children to see a representation of themselves or of the diversity in the world in their toys.
It comes in various different characters that are all equally cute. It can be personalized which makes it a thoughtful and unique gift, fostering a sense of belonging or a sense of diversity from an early age.
This doll was gifted to us by an auntie living in France. It is the cutest doll and my girls take turns playing with it. Baby just cuddles it whereas Globy and Shiby play house with it and take the best care of it.
Due to their soft body, they are also great for travel and easy to squeeze into a bag or suitcase. This what we did e.g. for our stop over with Turkish on our way to Senegal.
2. Baby Born – Good for Toddlers
The Baby Born Magic Girl is an excellent choice for toddlers. This doll is designed to mimic real-life characteristics, including a variety of interactive features. It helps toddlers engage in nurturing play, enhancing their empathy and social skills. The doll’s realistic attributes make it an engaging companion, perfect for toddlers who are learning about emotions and care.
This is the doll I ended up getting Globy for her second birthday. My girls love this doll for its accessories like pacifier, diaper, potty, bottle, feeding spoon and bowl which makes playing ‘momma’ more realistic for them. They also love seeing the doll’s eyes open and close. I haven’t let them try the ‘drink-water-and-pee’ functionality of the doll as I am afraid of mold in summer in Japan.
3. Kari Haba – Great for Imaginative Play
The Kari Haba doll is a delightful option for imaginative play. This doll features removable clothing, allowing children to practice dressing and undressing. Its soft fabric and gentle design make it a comforting friend for young kids. The doll’s diverse appearance helps children explore different roles and scenarios, promoting creativity and role-playing skills.
This doll was gifted to us by an auntie from Germany. She was advised by her daughter to choose a doll that would allow my girls to see themselves in it. I was grateful for their consideration.
4. Nice 2 You Doll – Ideal for Young Children
The Nice 2 You Doll is designed for young children aged 2 to 5 years. With its curly hair and fashionable clothing, this doll provides an excellent way for kids to engage in dress-up play. The doll’s interactive features and durable design make it a cherished toy for growing children.
This was another gift from the auntie in France and just showed me that there are enough mixed and Black dolls out there, it’s just about knowing the name of brands, where to look or to have aunties to gift them to you.
Conclusion
Dolls play a crucial role in helping children understand themselves and the world around them. By offering dolls that reflect various skin tones, hairstyles, and attributes, we help foster a sense of belonging and self-worth in children or we teach them about the diversity in the world. Each of these dolls brings something unique to the table, making them valuable tools in the journey of growth and self-discovery.
Which ones are your favourite Black and mixed dolls? I would love to add a list of more dolls in this post. Let me know in the comments.
