With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
In a June 2013 survey about best-selling dolls, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that MANHATTAN TOY and COROLLE were their top brands.
From Manhattan Toy's Baby Stella and Groovy Girls to Corolle's Tidoo and Calin, you can see all of the Top-10 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.
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.
Now, Baby Stella can talk. Features three sounds: pacifier sucking noise when pacifier is attached, giggling when foot is squeezed, and saying "mama" when hand is squeezed. Doll comes with pink ruffled onesie with Velcro-like closures in back and magnetic pacifier. Comes with 2 replaceable AA batteries. Launch date: January 2012.
A peaceful slumber full of sweet dreams are on their way with the Baby Stella™ Dreamy Bedtime Set™. With a cuddly soft blanket, a plump pillow and snuggly little lamb friend, Baby Stella is sure to get a good night's sleep. The soft lamb is attached to an elastic strap that fits snuggly around baby Stella's wrist for easy attachment. Tuck Baby Stella in tonight with the Dreamy Bedtime Set and watch her slip into a simply serene slumber.
Katrina is always the most fashionable at the party. Her colorful dress has features one of her favorite colors, purple. Not only is her dress purple, so is her hair; purple highlights are cleverly mixed in with a brownish-red color. Her appearance is striking her trendy outfit and her ultra-sweet personality. Launch date: 2012. — In a June 2013 survey, three out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls from Manhattan toy were their best-selling dolls. — In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls are their best-selling doll.
Groovy Girls Gabriella is quite the social butterfly. She is always looking for new friends to meet. Her satin eye-catching pink and purple satin gown match the pink highlights in her rich chocolate colored hair. Launch date: 2012. — In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls are their best-selling doll.
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.
Baby Doll, 12 inches tall, with a flexible, lightweight body that is soft to touch. Thanks to its cuddly soft, beanbag body, Calin Laughing Blueberry 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. Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval — In a June 2013 survey, two out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Corolle's Calin is their best-selling doll.
New from the Les Classiques collection is Bebe Amour, a huggable baby dressed in a cute corduroy dress, print blouse, striped leggings and knitted hat. Like all Corolle dolls, she's softly scented with vanilla. Launch date: 2011. — While the latest high-tech toys offer new ways to amaze and sometimes educate children, the fundamentals of doll play have been around for centuries,” said Liza Grando for Corolle. “Whether it's dressing it, styling its hair, or having a conversation, these tasks allow children's creativity to flourish, offering them a constant companion and creating memorable play that will last a lifetime.” — In a summer 2011 survey, Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthlythat Corolle Dolls are her best-selling line of collectibles.
Stuffed toy, 24 cm/9.5 inches tall with a smooth vinyl face and body made of soft velvet fabric. The cherry Lutin doll is very charming in its vibrant-colored clothing. Very lightweight, this adorable stuffed toy with its life-like face will attract both babies and their mummies. The pointed hat makes it easy to hold for babies. Additional features: a label to write the child's name and a small bell to stimulate the senses. — In a June 2013 survey, five out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Corolle is their best-selling doll brand.
Share the joy of friendship with an Adora Doll Friend, each with her own unique style just like you. Unlock the magic of a true-blue friend with your very own Adora friendship bracelet. They are fun to wear and have a special meaning…handmade by one friend and given to another as a gift. The color of the friendship bracelet also has a special meaning among friends. Launch date: Spring 2013. — Phyllis Stroud, owner of Rocking Horse Toy Store in Natchitoches, La., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that dolls from Adora are their best-sellers in the category, especially around the holidays. — Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that the Adora makes one of their best-selling doll lines.
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
