With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
For the sixth year in a row, specialty store owners interviewed by TDmonthly Magazine have named COROLLE DOLLS' Calin as their best selling doll, followed by Groovy Girls from MANHATTAN TOY. Five of the eleven retailers named Calin their top seller in our May 2012 survey, while two of the eleven mentioned Groovy Girls.
Those long running favorites were followed by an assortment of dolls including the 20" Toddler line from ADORA and mass market Disney dolls from MATTEL.
Take a closer look at all of the best sellers, 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.
Thanks to its cuddly soft, beanbag body, Calin Sorbet can be posed just like a real baby. Calin baby dolls can wear any fashion from the Mon Premier collection. Corolle also offers a wide selection of nursery accessories specially sized for Calin babies. 12 inches tall. Blue sleeping eyes. ― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 5 out of 11 retailers said that Corolle's Calin line of dolls was their top seller.
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.
This adorable soft-bodied baby doll comes complete with its own feeding bottle and soft bunny. Thanks to the mini picture book that is also included, little girls can learn how to take care of Bebe Do Mode just like a real mommy. Dressed in a bright new outfit for the new year, this classic 14" Corolle doll will be treasured for years to come. Launch date: January 2004. Awards: 2011 Oppenheim Platinum Ableplay ― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 5 out of 11 retailers said Corolle was their best selling brand.
A 2010 addition to the Groovy Girl line, Aqualina easily transforms between mermaid and girl with a clever removable tail that covers her legs. This cloth doll is made of soft, bright colored, coordinating fabrics that include fun prints and textures for fun, fashionable details. She has multi-colored yarn hair and a shiny satin fish friend. ― “Groovy Girls would definitely be [our best seller]. We do really well with those,” said Lesa Smith, owner of Whiz Kid Toys in San Luis Obispo, when discussing best-selling dolls in May 2010. ― Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., told TDmonthly, “Groovy Girls seem to making a comeback, especially the new mermaids and ladybugs.” Eleven of 43 retailers surveyed in May 2010 said Groovy Girls are their top-selling doll.
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.
Disney Tangled Favorite Moments Doll - Welcome Home by MATTEL INC.
Beautiful Rapunzel is the only Disney Princess that has beautiful golden hair that touches the ground. This doll assortment showcases the Rapunzel doll and her 12-inch-long hair. Includes 2 of the signature fashions from the Rapunzel movie. Doll features packaging with a long tower shape to showcase Rapunzel doll's super-long hair. ― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that she sells 54 units of Mattel's Disney Princess Favorite Moments dolls each month.
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
