The Best Dolls of 2008 are in. Dolls, dolls dolls, everywhere. No matter how technologically advanced the world gets, the magic of dolls will always remain alive in the imagination of little girls. Dolls help children to develop their nurturing instincts and encourage role play. Whether its playing house, having a tea party, cooking or dancing, little girls can roam the vast expanses of their imaginary worlds with their dolls. From environmental dolls that encourage conservation to interactive baby dolls to princesses, this year’s top dolls have it all. Here are the Best Dolls of 2008.
1. Bindi Outback Adventure Talking Doll
Wild Republic
The Best Dolls of 2008 list would be incomplete without the Bindi doll. The Bindi doll from Wild Republic which is inspired by Bindi Irwin combines conservation with fun. Recorded with Bindi's real voice, the doll recites several different environmental phrases. These send a powerful and relevant message directly to children and empower them with the knowledge that they can make a difference to the world.
2. Marie Interactive Doll by Corolle
Marie Interactive Doll by Corolle
Corolle's 17 inch Marie doll is almost like the real thing. Her capabilities will have little girls swooning in delight. Marie is a unique interactive doll with international roots as she says "I Love You", "Tell Me A Secret" and more in English, Spanish, French, German, Greek and Italian. To add to the icing on the cake, Marie can record personal messages too making her a definite hit with kids and parents alike. Corolle's Marie is a perfect fit for the Best Dolls of 2008 list.
3. Hasbro Baby Alive Learns to Potty
Hasbro
Most parents remember those dreaded "potty training" days all too well. Some kids learn to go on the potty fairly easily, but for others, it's a task. This "oh, so adorable" Baby Alive doll will make things smoother during the potty training phase. When your child sees this doll talking about "going on the potty" and actually doing so, he/she will get encouraged to do the same as well. Baby Alive Learns to Potty does other things too, in case you're wondering. She feeds from a bottle, eats from a bowl, naps and says the cutest things.
4. Bebe Cheri Doll by Corolle
Bebe Cheri Doll by Corolle
Top quality construction, a lightweight soft body and wonderfully vanilla scented vinyl arms, legs and head with life-like baby features perfectly describes the 20” Bebe Cheri Doll by Corolle. This adorable doll is dressed in a simple but tasteful one piece outfit. A true work of art. Corolle also makes other beautiful dolls, all of excellent quality like this one.
5. Madeline Doll by Madame Alexander
Madeline Doll by Madame Alexander
Alexander Doll Company has brought back the beloved French character of Madeline. The naughty but lovable little girl can now be yours in her trademark blue coat, plaid dress and yellow hat on her red yarn hair. She’s 18” tall, all fabric, with stitched features. Her coat and dress come off, but the rest of her clothing won't. This is safe enough for toddlers but appealing to preschoolers who will know Madeline’s stories from books and videos. The Madeline doll also picked up an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award this year.
6. Holiday Barbie Doll 2008
Mattel
The holiday Barbie Doll is a vision in silver. When you look at this beautiful Barbie doll, you'll be reminded of winter and sparkly snowflakes. She even has snowflakes on the bodice of her "oh, so gorgeous" gown. I loved all the details right from her diamond chandelier earrings to her red lipstick and matching nails. The Holiday Barbie 2008 doll is truly a breathtaking sight.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
7. Karito Kids World Collection - Piper Whelan Doll & Book from Sydney, Australia
Karito Kids Piper Whelan Doll
All the way from down under, the new environmental friendly doll from KidsGive is revealed. Piper an 11-year-old is an avid surfer and life guard who takes it upon herself to educate others about how they can make a difference in the environment. With her magic book to aid her, Piper will help to start a change so that our world can be saved. Every doll and book comes with a passport that invites the child to log onto their website and experience the joy of giving to other kids who are not as lucky as them.
8. Uglydoll Babo's Bird by Pretty Ugly
UglyDoll Babo's Bird by Pretty Ugly
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In today’s world so obsessed with outward appearances, Ugly Doll Inc. has brought out their unique line of dolls. These dolls teach kids that everyone is lovable despite their outer appearance and allow kids to celebrate their differences. Ugly Doll's Babo will definitely be a wonderful companion to kids who will love to cuddle with this simple but cute toy.
9. Cabbage Patch Kids 25th Anniversary Doll
Play Along
When I saw this Cabbage Patch Kids doll from Play Along Toys, I was transported to my childhood days. The doll is just like the original Cabbage Patch Kids dolls from the '80's, complete with a birth certificate and a unique name. There's also a silver commemorative spoon included.
10. Fisher-Price Dora the Explorer Prance and Fly Pegasus
Dora the Explorer Prance and Fly Pegasus
Dora is partnered up with the magical winged horse Pegasus in the Dora the Explorer Prance and Fly Pegasus set from Fisher-Price. This adorable set features a horse which transforms into Pegasus once Dora is mounted on the saddle. You can press the star button to hear phrases while the Pegasus prances in place and flaps its wings. With Dora in her beautiful dress and Pegasus with its long mane, this set is designed to appeal to the sense of little girls who will love to fuss over their cute new playmates.
