Dolls Won't Let Up

These Cuties Appeal to All Generations

By Virginia Davis
October 2007

“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.

For the latest fashion dolls, read Fashion Passion. For more on baby dolls, see Hot Babes.

Here are some of the latest and greatest new dolls:

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