18 Diverse Dolls for Children of All Skin Tones
Earlier this month I began surveying my home library for different skin colour representation, something I didn’t really think too much about prior. I then thought what about expanding past just the bookshelf to our playroom. This is where I felt we were lacking. From the food in our play kitchen, to the dolls on our shelves … We begin exposing children to new things through play, experiences, and books and a great way to do this is by creating a diverse playroom. It is important to intentionally expose children to diversity.
I began my search looking for black and brown skin dolls and it was much harder than I thought. I discovered that most of the dolls I found were created by mom’s who started hand-making dolls out of necessity, and to fill a hole in the market. They wanted their children to be able to have a doll that looked like them. Many of the dolls that I have found are beautifully handmade, often one-of-a-kind, or custom made to order. Therefore, they come with a high price point and are not accessible for most. It was especially hard to find dolls by Canadian makers and available in Canadian shops. This was all both surprising and sad.
I included as many diverse dolls as I could in this round up and tried to include a variety of price points. I’ve included Instagram handles (where applicable) so you can follow along! So here it is: 18 Diverse Dolls for Children of All Skin Tones:
1.
HarperIman™ Dolls
Handmade linen keepsake dolls - these are my ABSOLUTE FAVE! Like obsessed!! Each one is more special than the next. Next restock: AUGUST 2020
Follow them @harperimandolls if you’re not already!!
2.
Olly Olly Littles One 🇨🇦
Rad Little Boy Cloth Doll: handmade eco-friendly dolls made with organic cotton in Toronto.
Follow along @ollyolly_radlittleones
3.
Hazel Village - William
Dress and customize your own organic handmade dolls #myhazelvillage #hazelvillage
Follow them @hazelvillage
4.
From the Seeds 🇨🇦
Began making bunnies, now Amber is making heirloom handmade linen BIPOC dolls. She is located in Richmond, BC.
Find them on instagram @fromtheseeds
5.
Clarke’s Closet
Handmade dolls that represents every child in every shade. Made in the UK by mama of 4. They are made with the goal to close the gap and to change the narrative!
See more adorable creations @clarkescloset
6.
Cuddle and Kind - Maya the Mermaid 🇨🇦
Adorable handcrafted dolls. For every ethically produced, hand-knit doll sold, 10 meals are provided to children in need.
Follow along on their journey @cuddleandkind
7.
BokunoShop
Mama of two striving to be inclusive and eco-friendly making handcrafted whimsical linen dolls out of the UK.
Follow along on their journey @bokunoshop
8.
MiniKane - African Baby Girl Doll - Blue Eyes
These dolls come in so many different colours and ethnicities. The most diverse and inclusive line of dolls I have seen to date.
You can find MiniKane dolls at a variety of online shops.
9.
Me-Charis Handmade Dolls - Girl in Gingham
Beautiful handmade brown skin dolls. These dolls are so stylish - #outfit goals
They have a beautiful instagram feed - so follow along @mecharisdolls
10.
Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends - Harper
Manhattan dolls makes a wide variety of soft dolls and can be purchased at many local and small shops like Kol Kid 🇨🇦
11.
Wildflower Liberty League
Handmade goods advocating diversity and inclusivity by a transracial adoptive mother in Boulder County, CO. These dolls are so soothingly beautiful, each reflecting a child’s unique beauty. I love how you can “purchase” a set of free skin tone fabric samples when designing a custom doll.
See more of these adorable dolls @wildflowerlibertyleague
12.
Kaya Made 🇨🇦
Handmade black and brown dolls made in Winnipeg, MB. Small batch with release dates and custom orders. Follow along @kaya_made
13.
Fable Kids Handmade 🇨🇦
Small batch and one of a kind heirloom dolls handcrafted using sustainable practices. The dolls are created from remnants from fellow small Canadian shops, OEKO-Tex and GOTS certified fabrics, and thrifted, vintage fabrics. It all matters. When you buy a doll you can take pride that it's been made with our children's future in mind. Next doll release is June 22. 2020
Make sure you are following them @fablekidshandmade for all the details
14.
Olliella Dinkum Doll 🇨🇦
A diverse collection of baby dolls that are gender neutral. So your child decides if their doll is a boy, a girl or neither. Up to you!! How cool?
15.
Miniland Paola Reina Ruby Doll 🇨🇦
Made in Spain and sold at Canadian Shop Mini Mono, these life-like dolls come naked ready to get dressed (if you choose!) They come in a variety of skin tones and a wardrobe available larger than my own!
16.
Kaloo Eliott Tendresse Doll 🇨🇦
Available on Well.ca, they have a low price point - these sweet and cuddly Kaloo dolls with be a favourite for sure!
17.
Healthy Roots Dolls - Zoe
Made for girls with curls, Zoe is the first and only natural hair doll. It is the only doll with hair you can style. This doll is so cool, I had to share but unfortunately they are only shipping in US right now. Follow along and fingers crossed they expand their shipping to Canada @healthyrootsdolls
18.
O P A L + F I G
Gorgeous range of skin toned handmade heirloom dolls. Black owned business that donates 60 pounds of food to feed the hungry for every doll sold.
Their next drop is July 3, 2020 - more details @shop.opalandfig
We will continue to search for diverse dolls to keep our playroom inclusive. Please share any other dolls, brands, or toys you think we should know about!
#TMLFaves