“Doll sales have been trending down slightly because of the effect of Webkinz — same consumer.” — Deran Muckjian, Catch a Falling Star
With additional reporting by regional correspondents Virginia Davis, Dennis Furlan, Terri Hughes-Lazzell, Christine Lebednik and Brenda Ruggiero
Little girls have always wanted to have a cuddly doll to tell their problems to, and it's no different today. playzak asked 62 toy-store owners about what's new and marvelous in dolls, and here's what they said:
WHAT’S NEW
KatJan’s rag dolls based on those toted by Kathy and Janet of The Lennon Sisters during their 1950s tours may appeal to traditional gift givers.
“I think they will do well,” speculated Kim Hobbs, owner of Hobbs House of Dolls in Marietta, Ga.
“I'm looking for something like American Girls” for older girls, David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly Magazine.
Dolls that fit into that category include the new 21” multicultural Karito Kids from KidsGive, 18” Christian-themed dolls from One2Believe and 18” dolls from Carpatina.
Retailers looking for alternatives to Barbie and Bratz might consider multicultural and multiracial fashion dolls, such as Mixis by YNU Group, Makeda by EthiDolls and Princess Zara.
WHAT’S SELLING
Although Groovy Girls by Manhattan Toy are up in some stores and down in others, they’re still at the top of TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls list.
Classic baby dolls have regained some popularity, but customers are not always finding the cute, cuddly ones they want.
“I find it very difficult to get dolls for baby girls where the doll does not look angry,” commented Marilyn Sipila, owner of Toys Etc. in Poulsbo, Wash. “I have a lot of mothers and grandmothers coming in and saying that as well.”
Cute possibilities include the wildly popular Corolle babies, new plush dolls from Mary Meyer, play babies by Lee Middleton and updated rag dolls from Adorable Originals, designed for tweens, and Granza Inc.
WHAT’S FADING
Dolls in general are down, agreed eight of 61 retailers.
“A lot of our buyers are older collectors and they only have so much room,” explained Debbie Hough, buyer for 41-year-old Hartville Collectibles in Hartville, Ohio.
“Doll sales have been trending down slightly because of the effect of Webkinz — same consumer,” added Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Winchester, Mass.
The one exception seems to be baby dolls, as mentioned above.
WHAT TO MAKE OF IT
Dolls are a staple holiday gift, especially if you're shopping for your granddaughter or daughter. Look for cute and cuddly when picking out gifts for kids; leave the super-realistic dolls to the adults.
Here are some of the latest and greatest new dolls:
Barbie Dream Besties Doll & Accessories Playset, Renee Posable Fashion by MATTEL INC.
The Barbie Dream Besties Renee Doll is an exciting playset that includes a stylish posable doll and a collection of accessories themed around food and video content. Available now with significant savings, it makes a compelling option for any Barbie fan. Here are some of the pros and cons of this playset.
Pros
Aesthetic Appeal: The Renee doll has a modern, chic look with her long black hair and purple highlights, giving her a vibrant and stylish personality. This makes her visually appealing to kids who love dolls with trendy looks.
Posability: Renee is fully posable, allowing kids to create a variety of fun and dynamic poses. This makes playtime more engaging and allows for creative storytelling.
Themed Accessories: The playset includes 11 food and video-themed accessories, such as a laptop, toast handbag, slice of pizza, pretzel, chips, a smoothie, a cell phone, and a phone case. These accessories enhance imaginative play and allow kids to build unique scenarios.
Cons
Hair Quality: Some users have reported that the quality of the doll's hair could be improved. Issues such as tangling and frizzing have been noted, which can detract from the overall experience.
Clothing Durability: The quality of Renee's clothing, while fashionable, may not be very durable. Some users have pointed out that the top could be better made and may not withstand rough play.
Limited Articulation: While Renee is posable, her range of movement is somewhat limited compared to some other dolls. This can restrict certain poses, which may be disappointing for those looking for full articulation.
L.O.L. Surprise! Lights Glitter Doll with 8 Surprises Including Black Light Surprises by MGA ENTERTAINMENT
Unbox 8 surprises, including a sparkly doll with black light surprises with glitter doll is a new character. Shine the included black light on your doll to reveal black light surprises.
Feed or bathe your doll for a water surprise, including color change.
Hasbro Pulls Trolls Doll After Complaints 2020 by HASBRO INC.
Troll dolls were originally created in 1959 by Danish fisherman and woodcutter Thomas Dam. Dam could not afford a Christmas gift for his young daughter Lila and carved the doll from his imagination. Other children in the Danish town of Gjøl saw the doll and wanted one. Dam's company Dam Things began producing the dolls in plastic under the name Good Luck Trolls. It became popular in several European countries during the early 1960s, shortly before they were introduced in the United States. They became one of the United States' biggest toy fads from the autumn of 1963 to 1965. The originals were of the highest quality, also called Dam dolls and featuring sheep wool hair and glass eyes. Their sudden popularity, along with an error in the copyright notice of Thomas Dam's original product, resulted in cheaper imitations.
Go! Go! Sports Girls Soccer Girl Cassie Read & Play Doll and Book Set by DREAM BIG TOY COMPANY
This Read & Play includes: your very own Soccer Girl Cassie doll with her soccer ball, backpack, and towel, and a fully illustrated story book. Children find out who wins the big game as they learn fun facts about soccer in this entertaining story written for beginning readers. Awarded Dr. Toy's 2014 10 Best Award and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's Platinum Award. Go! Go! Sports Girl products are designed as a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, smart eating and sleeping habits, self-esteem, and overall healthy life skills for girls. The books and dolls in the series encourage all children to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals—and have fun while doing so.
Groovy Girls Noelle with Celessence by MANHATTAN TOY
Noelle has a fresh peppermint scent. From our award winning Groovy Girls collection. Soft 13" doll features embroidered facial features and hands. Outfit is removable and attaches with a Velcro-like closure on back. Scent Technology by Celessence - an innovative micro-encapsulation delivery system. Gently hug doll to release scent.
Girls can build their very own unique structures with the Roominate Chateau! Using the included building pieces that easily snap together, girls can tap into their imaginations to design two-level structures, bunk beds, balconies, a house on wheels, and other endless possibilities. Teaches important STEM skills: hands-on problem solving, spatial and fine motor skills, self-confidence, and creativity. Electrical circuits enhance designs so girls can watch their creations come to life with real movement, including spinning windmills, carousels, lamps, and more. Included in this 131-piece set are 8 wall/floor panels, 52 furniture building pieces, 32 connectors, 4 arches, 4 wheels, 2 axles, a motor, string of 4 lights, 2 switches, 2 battery packs, a screwdriver, doll, pet, and 20 sheets of craft paper. Requires 4 AAA batteries, not included.
Mon Premier Bébé Bath Baby Doll & Accessories by COROLLE DOLLS
Specially designed for bathtime play, Corolle's Mon Premier Bébé Bath Baby Doll & Accessories is soft, poseable and so light it floats in water. In this boxed set, the doll comes complete with 8 accessories, including a snorkel mask with two different frames, floaties and flippers, too, for enhanced water play fun. Filled with polystyrene beads that dry quickly, this Bébé Bath Baby Doll will be your child’s favorite playmate out of the tub, too. When bathtime is over, simply air-dry the doll by hanging it from the tab on the back of its neck. Bébé Bath Baby Doll features quality materials and careful attention to detail. Her face and limbs are made of soft, supple vinyl that is delicately scented vanilla -- a Corolle signature, and her blue eyes close when you put her down for a nap or at bedtime, just like a real baby. From waking to sleep, Bébé Bath Baby Doll will be your child's favorite companion.
La Newborn - Pretty in Pink Knit by JC TOYS GROUP INC
The La Newborn Collection of Real Life Baby dolls introduces its newest addition. Dressed in a beautiful pink knit set, our La Newborn is as sweet as can be. This precious La Newborn features a new delightful expression and striking baby blue eyes that are sure to melt your heart! She is a 15" all-vinyl Anatomically Correct “Real Girl" with moveable arms, legs and head. She is made completely out of vinyl for easy care. This sweet little girl is all dolled up in a cute pink knit romper, matching chic cloche hat and booties. This amazing set also includes a matching knit blanket, so your child can swaddle her to keep her cozy and safe. JC Toys is the leading online source for lifelike baby doll girls and accessories, and you’re going to love the incredible value that we offer for this adorable newborn baby doll set! She is made in Spain and perfect for children ages 2+.
Your Babblebaby™ doesn't talk yet...but it does have a language of its own! When you talk to your baby it will talk back! Babblebabies™ uniquely responds to your voice with over 80 different real baby sound combinations including babbles,coos,cries, and giggles! It’s designed to be the perfect baby doll for little parents.This baby has light skin, blonde hair baby and blue eyes.It looks, feels, and sounds like a real baby.
My Friend Cayla is a one of a kind interactive doll. She uses wifi to connect to Google, giving her the ability to answer kids questions. She can also talk to them conversationally.
Lennja is a big sister! Her Elin don't always get along but they are the best of friends and they love to play. They will play and help teach your little one what being as sister means. Lennja and Elin have soft bodies and are 12" and 8" respectively.
For the first time ever, Goldie comes to life as an action figure! More than just a doll, her articulated shoulders, hips, knees and joints along with specially designed hands and feet are designed for action. With the included construction kit, kids learn how to build Goldie a 13' zipline and send her soaring! Encourages spatial skills, basic engineering principles (suspension), and confidence in problem solving. Kids can now bring Goldie along and place her in the middle of the action with specially designed feet that fit on axles and hands that grip. New pieces! The GoldieBlox action figure comes with newly designed pieces that are compatible with all existing GoldieBlox construction sets. Includes: 1 action figure with articulated shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, 1 action figure tool belt, 1 action figure wrench, 4 wheel ends, 4 elbow joints, 4 T joints, 6 mini axles, 2 short axles, 2 spacers, 4 washers, 1 4-meter long zipline.
Disney Princess Palace Pets Magic Dance Pumpkin - Cinderella's Puppy by BLIP LLC
I'm Cinderella's Puppy and I love to get dressed up and go dancing at the ball. Place a tiara on my head and I magically come alive and begin to speak. Using your magic wand, we can practice our dance moves together. I will respond to your commands - watch me bow, swish my tail and twirl and whirl on the dance floor. When Cinderella found Pumpkin on the palace balcony, she was very surprised to discover that she was actually an anniversary present from the Prince. This glamorous puppy loves to attend royal balls and she twirls and dances with the elegance of a princess. Enter the magical realm of the Palace Pets, a world of loveable animals who adore spending time with their favorite Disney Princesses. These sweet pets are all different, but each one loves to be pampered, cuddled and cared for and can't wait to experience fantastic new adventures with you. Style their hair with bows and ribbons, feed them a tasty treat and take them on a royal walk. they'll be as happy as can be. With the Palace Pets, every day is full of magic. Remote controlled. Interactive with dozens of phrases. 2 Pre-programmed dances. Dimensions: 9" x 7.5" x 12". Recommended ages: 4 years and up. Batteries: Puppy 4 "AA" Not Included. Wand 2 "AAA" Included
The Snow Glow Elsa will light up your children's face with its special brand of interactive magic. With just the touch of her necklace she can produce 15 different familiar sounds and phrases. Your children can work on memory skills as they sing along with the songs this Disney Frozen Elsa Doll sings. Raising her arms will light up her dress and necklace. One of the highlights of this Disney Frozen Doll is listening to the hit song "Let It Go" from the movie. Your kids can build their creativity and imagination talking and singing along with Elsa as they reenact scenes or invent new ones while they play. Enjoy listening and watching your children role-play with one of their favorite dolls. This Snow Glow Elsa will be a treasured companion for many years to come.
20" Dk. Brown hair/Brown eyes. Dorothy, from Adora's 75th Anniversary THE WIZARD OF OZ toddler collection is definitely not in Kansas anymore. This gorgeous version of Dorothy Gale and her trusty companion, Toto are ready to follow the yellow brick road. Dorothy is costumed in her unmistakable gingham checked dress with a ruby red sparkling tulle underskirt over a soft cotton blouse, pantaloons, satin ribbon hair bows and her trademark glittering red ruby slippers and headband. She comes with a special commemorative 75th Anniversary antiqued pewter tone medallion necklace. Click your heels and say, "There's no place like home". For 75 years nothing has compared to the wonder and charm of the WIZARD OF OZ. With its beloved characters, unforgettable music and inspiring message of hope, friendship and home, the original film remains the gold standard for a timeless classic. Product Features: Beautiful hand set brown eyes, hand painted details and hand applied eyelashes Gorgeous brown hair set off beautifully with satin ribbon hair bows. Baby powder scented, high quality vinyl toddler doll for hours of playtime fun. 20" from head to toe with a weighted body to feel like real baby, complete with diaper. Special 75th Anniversary Edition. — Bebe Feimster from Big Smile Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that Wizard of Oz from Madame Alexander are their best-selling dolls.
This huggably soft 13" dolly is the perfect take-everywhere companion for baby! With embroidered brown eyes, the sweetest face and just a tuft of brunette hair, My First Dolly is extra lightweight? making her easy to take everywhere! — Helen Ulrich, sales clerk at Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that My First Doll from Gund is one of their store's best-selling plush items.
Kidoozie Cozy Cutie On-The-Go-Baby by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
An ideal baby doll for busy little girls, the Cozy Cute On-The-Go-Baby is a fun friend she can take everywhere she goes. The adorable carrier makes it extra-convenient to keep the doll in tow no matter where the day takes her. — Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that the Kidoozie Cozy Cutie On-The-Go-Baby is one of their best-selling dolls. — In a June 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Cozy Cutie was their best-selling doll.
The Stackhouse Home comes with a room and a slanted roof. The room has two walls with large openings, one wall with a door opening and one closed wall. The balcony is detachable. The room has a stair case opening with a cover. Every room comes with a ladder. The solid wall can have different illustrations. The slanted roof has an opening on two sides. The roof has a staircase opening with cover. Product dimensions (room): 14"x14"x19", 12 pounds. Material: Birch Plywood.
A Girl for All Time® Collectible Dolls by A GIRL FOR ALL TIME
A Girl for All Time® is the award winning series of British collectible dolls, novels and keepsake books that bring the past to life with exquisite fashions, exciting stories and original activities.
Three-time winner Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 'Platinum' award, nominated ‘ Play doll of the Year 2013’ by Dolls Magazine, and winner of Creative Child's Gold Seal, the range now adds The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval to its cache of awards.
A Girl for All Time® is the premier doll range in the UK and one of the most sought after play-doll and collectible brands in Europe. Now available in the USA, the brand is growing steadily in popularity with an ever expanding fan base of collectors young and old on both sides of the pond.
These realistic newborn baby dolls have bright, sparkling eyes and subtle hand painted facial features. All Los Bebitos baby dolls have articulating arms, legs, and heads and can be placed in a seated position. Los Bebitos vinyl baby dolls are soft to the touch yet durable, feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and are phthalate free. Los Bebitos dolls stand 17.5inch (45cm) in height.
18" Becca Plush Doll by BECCA & BAS THE KNOWLEDGE TRACKERS
Plush 18" African American Doll with a wavy, interchangeable plaitnap of synthetic hair. This doll is soft, plush and cuddly and comes without the internal framework. A favorite doll to enjoy for years to come. Protectors of Knowledge. Time Traveler.
Welcome to Wonderland. A beautiful place where children can be themselves. Minilotta will inspire any child with the world of imagination. Everyone needs that special friend and share their dreams and secrets with. Each of these soft plush 30cm dolls is cuddly soft and will make every little person want to give them a snuggle. In case of a bit of extra loving, each Nici Wonderland doll is machine washable. Minilotta can even be taken into the bath. Nici Wonderland dolls are made of high quality materials and follow very strict safety guidelines.
Yana™ is the protector of the oceans and all its marine inhabitants along with her dolphin friend Serena; together they work hard to protect the oceans from pollution and its species from over fishing. Yana™ herself is made of recyclable materials and comes with a fashionable brush to style her hair, a luggage tag, a colorful bracelet, her dolphin friend Serena and a doll stand is included as well.
This doll is part of the Silver Star Friend collection of dolls. These are birthday wishing dolls. Silver wishing stars are located at the bottom of one of the dolls feet.
Aurora’s two new activity dolls feature enough buttons, zippers, knots and Velcro to keep any child happy and busy for hours. The dolls are squeezable soft and their open arms and warm smiles beg for a child’s attention. The precious girl doll has a pretty pink dress with embroidered butterfly while the boy’s yellow shirt features a red car with buttons as tires. (size: 15 inches).
Cyanne is wearing sweet candy fashions to celebrate Dee’s 16th birthday. She got super inspired by Peppermints and designed candy-striped leggings and a crinkly candy wrapper skirt to match her crimped pigtails. This whole look is minty-fresh. Each Peppermint inspired Cyanne Doll comes with a fashion activity book with a Dee-licious craft idea.
Triple Bunk Bed Linen Set-Pink Stripe by LAURENT DOLL
18 inch doll bed linens feature pink and white stripe cotton and white accents. Triple Bunk Bed Pink Stripe Linens Features: (3) mattress covers, (3) pillow cases, (3) coverlets. 100 % cotton. Quality crafted.
Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check Up Doll by JUST PLAY LLC
It's time for a checkup with everyone's favorite doctor. With the Disney Doc McStuffins Time For Your Check Up Doll kids can use Doc McStuffins magical check up tools to make Lambie talk. Check Lambie's heart, ears and temperature. Doc also talks and sings the "time for Your Check-Up" song. Doc McStuffins is an American animated television series produced by Brown Bag Films, which premiered on March 23, 2012 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. The series is about a six-year-old girl, Dottie "Doc" McStuffins, who can "fix" toys, with a little help from her stuffed animal friends, Stuffy, Hallie, Lambie and Chilly. During ending credits, Doc gives advice to viewers about staying healthy. Launch date: 2012.
The World of Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration (World of EPI) was formed by Dr. Lisa Williams, a dynamic mom/former professor whose mission is expressing joy by providing children access to dolls that encourage dreams, promote intelligence, challenge perceptions, and open their hearts to all types of beauty. Abrielle is modeling her satiny lavender princess dress with a matching headband, slippers, and silvery studded earrings. Her high ponytail with long luxurious tresses perfectly complements her regal attire. She has beautifully bronzed skin and golden brown eyes. Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys
Make It Mine is now offering a revolutionary new line of dolls that are a first-of-its-kind line of high-quality, fun, fully customizable, poseable, play dolls and accessories. This innovative combination of features make the dolls stand alone. They are 16-inch premium ball-jointed play dolls, with changeable wigs, changeable eyes and 15 articulated joints that separate to allow for changeable parts. From the dolls’ faces to their eyes, wigs, torsos, hands, feet and clothing, These dolls’ parts and accessories are interchangeable, so a girl can make her doll a black-haired, brown-eyed soccer player one minute and a pink-haired, purple-eyed mermaid the next. Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys
Cutie Pops are trendy fashion dolls who love to decorate and accessorize everything in their world. They’re inspired by everything girls love from hearts, neon colors, rainbows, sweets, parties, surprises and more. Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys
21" Baby Loves Playtime doll. Soft baby doll comes with soft building blocks and soft stacking rings. Launch date: February 2011. Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Toy of the Year Award
This dollhouse features a balcony, sliding doors, and space to create four roooms. Made of eco-friendly PlanWood and solid rubber wood. Launch date: August 2012.
The Savannah Dollhouse is an elegant, large six-room mansion designed for children ages three and up. The dollhouse is decorated like a true southern mansion and is fully furnished, with beautiful, handcrafted wood furniture. With four levels and six rooms of open space, the Savannah Dollhouse is decorated in a southern style, and includes wide-open windows for easy visibility into the rooms from outside the house. The Savannah Dollhouse fits any 12-inch fashion doll. There are 14 pieces of handcrafted, hand-assembled, and hand-painted wood furniture included with the house to furnish the six rooms. The beds have actual linens, while the couch and love seat come complete with cushions. — In a May 2012 survey, Mary Horne, owner of J. Christopher Toys in Jonesboro, Ark., told TDmonthly about the Savannah that she sells "upwards of 20 during the holiday season, but it's only a holiday item."
The first collection of 6 dolls is an edu-fun tool for parents to teach and bond with their child. Each doll has a unique virtue for the child to adopt. The interactive website compliments the doll, encourages learning and presents the child with challenges. "There is no other product on the market that has coupled play with character building in a life size doll," Brenda Katz, President of Great Divide Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Paper Dolls - Baker & Painter " A Day in Paris" by eeBoo corp.
"A Day in Paris" is the latest in eeBoo's award-winning Paper Dolls' series. The set comes two 8 1/4" tall dolls - one is a baker, the other a painter - and a colorful 2-sided stand-up scene featuring a bake shop on one side and a Parisian street on the other. Two sheets of re-usable electro-static sticker clothes and accessories suit up the dolls to bake, paint, or stroll cobble-stoned city. Launch date: January 2012.
A full, tulle skirt and delicate flowers sweetly accent this dancing doll's ensemble. She shows off her grace while holding a favorite teddy bear. An ideal recital gift. Includes doll stand. Launch date: July 2011.
The House that Jack Built Cassie Dollhouse Kit by MELISSA & DOUG
The Cassie brings plenty of charm to a doll's neighborhood. The second floor has two dormers with gable windows, while the first floor features a transom-lit door and three-over-four windows for well-lit living spaces. An open back makes designing and decorating easy. This superior-quality dollhouse comes as natural, unpainted wood, and is ready to be assembled, shingled and decorated by its owner. Shingles and paint not included in kit. 1:12 scale. Dimensions: 18" x 20.5" x 24" Assembled — In an October 2011 survey, Robert Lightburn from Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that "Collectible doll houses, like Melissa and Doug's House that Jack Built," are their best selling keepsake items.
A classic tale revisited to amaze, captivate and amuse. All 3 heroes can be found in just 1 creation. In a flash, Little Red Riding Hood transforms into Granny or the Big Bad Wolf. The path through the woods taken by our adventurous heroine is shown on her dress. Launch date: June 2011. Awards: 2011 Seal of Excellence Award Creative Child Magazine; Tillywig Toy award - Best family fun 2011.
Le Toy Van Tutti Frutti Doll House by HOTALING IMPORTS
White two story house with red roof. Fully painted and decorated with strawberry motif. Side opens up for easy access. Doors, windows and shutters open and close. Includes deluxe starter furniture set. Furniture includes sofa, coffee table, lamp, dining table with chairs, oven/stove, buffet, bunkbeds, end table with lamp, toilet, toys and more. People are not included. 13 ¾ x 24 ¾ x 17 ¼. — Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells one of these high-ticket items each month.
Cute and cuddly, these 6.5 inch soft-bodied dolls have vinyl heads, arms and legs. Assorted outfits. Come in a case of 24. — In a Summer 2011 survey Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, Va., told TDmonthly that she sold about 24 Mini Babies each month. — In a Fall 2013 survey, Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that Mini-Babies from Toysmith were one of their best-selling novelty toys.
The My Natural Ballerina is a 12", earth friendly rag doll made from natural (unbleached, unprocessed) cotton and colored with miYim's proprietary PureWaterWash process that uses plants and minerals in soy water for the dye bath. Her pink dress, hair bow and toe shoes are sure to please dancers of all ages. Awards— A Dr. Toy Best Green Product for 2011
Dress Your Doll is a unique fashion designer craft kit. The doll is actually a fully articulated fashion mannequin. The clothes come in an assortment of patterns with different difficulty levels, and are $15.99 each. One pair of scissors indicates a low difficulty level, two indicate a medium difficulty level, and three indicate a high difficulty level. The patterns in each kit can be reused with different fabrics or leftovers from another project. The kits are designed to use very basic stitching patterns that can be sewn by hand, so even youngsters who have only a basic understanding of sewing will be able to participate. The scissors, needles, and threads are not provided with the kit.
Parent Dolls are Mom and Dad's real life face and voice- parents upload their photo and snap the image onto the head of the doll. Then, parents can record their voices and when the child presses the doll, the parent's voice comes out. Includes four re-recordable mailboxes with almost 8 minutes of total recording time, so parents can leave different messages in order to connect with their child, even when they are apart.
These expandable, retractable dollhouses are designed to fit in any room, large or small. The dollhouse can be folded up into its small box, or expanded to turn an entire room into a dollhouse for fashion dolls 12" and under. No tools required for setup, no small parts. Set-up time- Approx. 10 minutes. Expands up to 108"W x 72"D, Weighs 5 lbs. Made in the US of recycled materials.
Living Dead Dolls Plush Series 1 set of 2 by MEZCO TOYZ
These little imps are creepy and cuddly. They measure 8inches tall and are stuffed with mischief. The first assortment includes two of Living Dead Dolls’ most popular characters, Sadie and Eggzorcist. Sadie sports her signature black dress, while Eggzorcist features her fluffy bunny costume and noose. As both stare at you with their unblinking eyes, you can’t help but wonder what terrifying plans they have in store for when the lights go out. Launch date: June 2011.
Justin Bieber Real Hairstyle Doll by THE BRIDGE DIRECT INC
The Real Hairstyle Dolls feature fashion collections based on Justin’s lifestyle from beachwear to performances to red carpets, and each doll comes with several cool accessories such as a skateboard, backpack or sunglasses.
This set features a Fairy and her magic light wand. The toy features a color wand that uses a patented technology to collect color from any object. Once captured, the color can be shared with other toys in the product line. The magic wand also can play three interactive games. Different playsets are available. Launch date: Fall 2011.
Writer's Bio: Virginia Davis is a freelance writer who is considered an expert in the area of dolls and collectibles. She has written hundreds of articles on dolls and toys, as well as other subjects, for numerous publications. She lives in Georgia. Read more articles by this author
“I'm looking for something like American Girls” for older girls, David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly Magazine.
WHAT’S SELLING
“I find it very difficult to get dolls for baby girls where the doll does not look angry,” commented Marilyn Sipila, owner of Toys Etc. in Poulsbo, Wash. “I have a lot of mothers and grandmothers coming in and saying that as well.” 
“Doll sales have been trending down slightly because of the effect of Webkinz — same consumer,” added Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Winchester, Mass.
Writer's Bio: Virginia Davis is a freelance writer who is considered an expert in the area of dolls and collectibles. She has written hundreds of articles on dolls and toys, as well as other subjects, for numerous publications. She lives in Georgia. Read more articles by this author
