After watching Oprah debut the new American Girl Doll of the Year for 2008, Mia, on TV last week, I decided to go see what other toys she recommends for kids. After checking out Oprah’s Best Gifts for Kids, I think she must love dolls – three different doll lines made list. On her list:
My Twinn
My Twinn: the just-like-me dolls are individually handcrafted by specially trained artisans who create thedoll’s face and style the doll’s hair based on customer-provided selections and photos. They personalize each doll with the customer’s choice of skin tone, eye color, hair color and hair length. The artisans will also hand-paint special featureslike freckles and birthmarks. The 23″ dolls have vinyl heads, arms and legs and cuddly fully poseable bodies.
My Twinn dolls have an extensive line of clothes for dolls and girls, furniture, accessories and baby dolls as well.
Karito Kids
Karito Kids dolls have a heart!! These ethnically accurate dolls, which come with accompanying chapter books, are designed to give kids an appreciation for different cultures and giving. Every doll comes with an activation code that allows kids to go online and designate a portion of the price to one of four children’s charities.
There are five girls that represent different cultures from around the world. Wan Ling is a panda lover from China, Lulu is an aspiring soccer star and co-host on a children’s TV show in Kenya, Zoe is a bohemian songwriter from New York, Gia is a fashionista and budding designer from Italy and Pita is a medal-winning equestrian from Mexico. The dolls and their adventure books will take you around the world where you will learn fun and interesting facts about different cultures and countries.
Bonus: Send e-cards or print out fun coloring pages at the Karito Kids site.
American Girl
Oprah debuted the new Mia, Girl of the Year doll, last week and she gave all of the lucky girls in her audience the new historical collection dolls, Julie and Ivy. She also took the audience on a tour of the factory and has even visited the American Girl Place.
American Girl has it all – a line of well made, 18″ dolls for play and collecting. They have historical characters modeled after girls in significant eras of American history, complete with a series of books for each. They have dolls that you can choose that look like your favorite girl, and then there is Bitty Baby and the Twins – 15″ dolls for the younger set.
Bonus: Check out American Girl’s site for lots of fun activities for girls and trailers of the upcoming Kit movie.
It is so nice to see a celebrity of Oprah’s stature supporting creativity, imagination, and good role models for girls. Notice, no Bratz, MyScene or Soda Pop Girls on the list!!
I’ve heard of all three of those types of dolls. The Katrio Kids I think I found in the Constructive Playthings catalog while I was thumbing through the pages. It never occured to me ( until about 10 minutes later when I decided I wanted one for Christmas) That they were $100! American Girl, however came in November 2004 and I kept going back and fourth through the pages to see the pretty things and about 20 minutes later, I too, wanted that right away! But I saw how they were $84 and about a year later I ended up with my first doll, Marisol. ( I now have 4 ( Marisol, Kirsten, Emily and Nicki) and soon to be 5, Samantha!)
So as you can tell I am a doll fanatic. But I am an especially big fan of historical costumes.
I’m really glad Oprah didn’t pick Barbies and Bratz. My Twinn and Karito Kids are not as good as American girl. Write now I have 7, Kaya, Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Jess (2006 American girl) and Nicki (soon Mia!!!!!!!!)
I can’t wait for Mia to come out!
I’m going to get Mia for sure. I’m glad also that Oprah didn’t pick Barbies or Bratz, especially that she didn’t pick Bratz.
The new doll Mia,
I so can’t wait to see Mia. I wish i could have seen the new doll named Mia! The only thing that i know about her is that her name is Mia. I just can’t wait to see her in January, 2008.
SEE YA!
Mia is a redhead with hazel eyes and is an ice skater.
I have a kailey of 04 and jess and nicki doll, but i also have more, i have 9!
I took kailey to colorado with me!
I have 9 too!
i don’t like my twinn dolls.
I love the “Karibbean Kids” dolls that are made in the US Virgin Islands. I sold them in my store on Catalina Island. They are made in school uniforms there or you can have them made in your uniform choice. Check them out it even helps with school projects.
http://www.karibbeankidsvi.com
HEY YALL!
I’m so glad Oprah reccomended these
A.) the dolls teach good lessons and reflect other girls
B.) They are dressed APPROPRIATLEY (cough) Bratz
and C.) OPRAH’S MY HEROOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!