With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
When TDmonthly interviewed 14 retailers in early Summer 2011 about their best-selling doll, a whopping 71% of them named Corolle Dolls as their best-selling brand. Corolle's Calin got the most nods, with some retailers selling up to 12 per month during the holidays. Other best-sellers included Pink Check Huggums from Alexander Doll Co. Inc,and similar dolls that retailers said made good gift items for toddler and preschool girls. See the entire list of Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls below.
No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
This 12” charmer is designed to encourage hugs and capture hearts. Dressed in a bright polka dot dress with coordinating headband, Calin has a soft “beanbag” body that can be posed just like a real baby. "Headquartered in the Loire Valley, the storybook region of Langeais, France, Corolle is a brand that embodies all the values of childhood. The extraordinary attention to detail in all their dolls and accessories reflect the company’s reputation — established over three decades — for quality materials and classic design. Each doll’s expression, hair, skin tone and limb features are realistic and natural, and a light scent of vanilla is added to the vinyl for sensory appeal. Designed for durability and playability, Corolle dolls are created for a lifetime of hugs," Liza Grando, Account Executive, Moss-Tucker Associates, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. — In a Summer 2011 survey, 5 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Calin from Corolle was their best-selling doll. Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, Va., said she sells a few Calins a month, and a dozen a month during the holidays. — As of 06/27/2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; well-made; machine washable. Cons: Two reviewers said the doll's teeth were yellow.
This plush doll is ready for a garden party in her perfectly coordinated hair and outfit. Her jewel-toned hair is styled into a bun and echoes the bright hues of her flower-adorned dress. — In a Summer 2011 survey, 2 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls were their best-selling doll. Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthlythat she sells about 5 Groovy Girls each month. — Five percent of 40 specialty retailers told TDmonthlyin early summer 2010 that Groovy Girls dolls are a top seller for girls ages 4 to 12. ― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 2 out of 11 retailers said that the Groovy Girls line was their best seller.
Specially designed for bathtime fun, Tidoo is soft and posable and so light that it floats. Filled with polystyrene "beads" that dry quickly, Tidoo can play out of the tub, too; it can even suck its thumb. Tidoo baby dolls can wear any fashion from the Mon Premier collection. Corolle also offers a wide selection of nursery accessories specially sized for Tidoo. 12 inches tall. Blue sleeping eyes. — In a Summer 2011 survey 10 of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that dolls from Corolle were their best-sellers. Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said they sell 6-10 Corolle dolls per month, and that Tidoo is the best-seller. — Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that dolls from Corolle are in her top-three best-selling products. — In a June 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthlythat Corolle makes their best-selling dolls.
From Summit Entertainment's hit film "Twilight" comes Tonner's Bella Swan, sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 15” tall and includes 15 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, waist, hips, knees and ankles). She has hand-painted features and rooted saran hair. Bella comes dressed straight from the movie in a tank top under an embroidered peasant top, boot-cut corduroys, socks, shoes with working laces, and a detailed jacket. Launch date: March 2009. — In a Summer 2011 survey Lucille Island, owner of Doll World and Surroundings in Columbus, Ga., said that Tonner dolls were among her best-sellers.
Wearing a soft, two-piece pastel outfit, Baby Stella has embroidered facial features, a belly button and a round tummy. She comes with a pacifier that magnetically attaches to her mouth. ― “I sell a lot of Baby Stella. She's so darn cute,” said Jean McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho, when asked about best-selling dolls during a May 2010 survey. ― Four of 43 retailers told TDmonthlyin late spring 2010 that Baby Stella is one of their best-selling dolls. ― Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly in a May 2012 survey that Baby Stella is their best selling doll. "This is a good first doll for kids. They come in different skin tones, and they're not awfully expensive," she said.
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.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
