Tired of only finding blonde Barbie-like dolls at your local toy store? It can be important for your child to see themselves reflected in the dolls they play with, but finding an appropriate multicultural doll for your child’s ethnicity can be difficult.
Here are five dolls that might be a better fit for your baby than Barbie:
The “Bamboletta” Doll – Beth
“Bamboletta” means ‘little doll’ in Italian and is the term of endearment that Vancouver doll artist Christina Platt’s father used for her throughout her childhood. It’s also the sweet moniker Christina now uses for the beautifully crafted dolls she makes from a list of materials that reads like a gourmet recipe. “Beth” is made from 100% organic cotton and stands 15″ tall. Beth might be cute, but she doesn’t come cheap: $155 from Mahar Dry Goods.
Multicultural Learn-to-Dress Dolls
These soft, cuddly dolls teach basic dressing skills and promote multicultural awareness among the younger set. Available in boy and girl Asian, Hispanic, African, and Caucasian versions. $20.95 at Multicultural Kids.
Kaya Doll
For those with Native American lineage, the Kaya Doll comes in a deerskin dress with a special replica porcupine-quill necklace. Kaya is 18″ tall, is made from soft cloth, and comes with her own book. Available from American Girl for $114.
Anu Doll
Anu is 9 in in height and is made from soft tricot with yarn hair. The yellow skirt and delicate embroidery adds a special touch to this unique doll. Available from the North American Bear Co. for $12.
Groovy Girls – Zanita
Zanita is part of the Groovy Girls Collection by Manhattan Toy Company. She comes in at 13″ tall and is glitz and shimmer from neck to toe. Available through Amazon
For more multicultural doll ideas, check out Cookie Magazine.
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