I still have mine. Cloth dress, yarn hair, soft body, thirty{ish} years of love and wear…my first doll. Along with my first baby blanket, these two items had a special place on my bed growing up and have special places in my {grown-up} home today.
It is impossible to save everything, especially toys. My childhood boxes have dwindled over the years but my first doll always makes the cut. Not only do I save her, but she doesn’t get organized in a carefully labeled box like all of those photos. She has attended tea parties, slumber parties and sat in the cribs of my daughters as I awaited their arrival. She is a reminder of where I came from and a sweet memory I am able to share with my children.
When purchasing gifts for children, I try to always be practical. However, I also search for meaningful gifts. I look for things they will enjoy AND use AND {hopefully} value for years to come. With two little ladies at home and a new baby niece, I have delved into the world of dolls, specifically: rag dolls. I love them. They are beautiful and they are timeless.
Favorite Rag Doll Shops
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The popularity of rag dolls has brought many options! They can be animals, flip dolls, and more. Some have simple designs or boast the most intricate details, and you can have them fully customized! The hard part is choosing the perfect one for the special little lady or gentleman in your life. Here are a few of my favorite dolls from my favorite big retail and small business shops:
Pottery Barn Kids- These designer dolls and mini designer dolls are made of linen. Choose from a variety of sweet designs with lovely classic names. My daughters have two and we have been pleased very pleased with their sweet details and durability. Be sure to keep an eye out for 20% off coupons as well as free shipping options, or visit retail stores to choose in person and skip shipping fees altogether :).
Sophie & Lili– I ran across this sweet little online shop this summer. Her dolls are super sweet and super affordable! I purchased four ballerina dolls for the littles at our family reunion this summer and they were a big hit! Follow the owner on Instagram and be in the know when she runs sales: 10%, 20% and sometimes 30% off! There are many in stock dolls to choose from, including flip dolls, ballerina dolls, mermaid dolls and mini dolls. Or, send a photo of your little lady and receive a custom doll!
Etsy- If you haven’t visited Etsy. Do it. Right now. Etsy is like Pinterest. But you find what you need ALREADY MADE! I love supporting small businesses and Etsy is a great place to locate new ones. Search “rag doll” or “cloth doll” and you will find a plethora of sweet little shops. A few of my favorites are: piggyhatespanda, CleoandPoppy, PalookaHandmade and rileyconstruction (pictured above).
Blabla– The softest, sweetest little knit dolls appeal to the little ladies AND gents in your life. Blabla dolls offer many options of both feminine and more masculine animals and people. Suzette and Socks the Fox, Fleur the Bunny and Theo the Cat are some of my favorites from the collection. Go directly to their site to view the complete collection of dolls, giant dolls and costumes {doll clothing}. You could also try your luck at finding deals on Amazon and Ebay.
The Land of Nod– The Wee Wonderful dolls are simply precious. Their color combinations and beautiful patterned clothing make them unique. With a little ballerina at home, Agnes Ballerina Doll has been on the top of my list, but the Avery Fairy Doll is a very close second. Visit the online store to also choose from a few sale styles.
Jess Brown– These heirloom quality dolls extremely pricey but worth a look. All dolls are cut to order and for that reason no two dolls are alike. Choose between three different skin tones and dozens of designs. If these dolls are way out of your price range {as they are mine} you may be interested in her book The Making of a Rag Doll: Design & Sew Modern Heirlooms, available on Amazon. Inside, Brown shares patterns and instructions for making a doll of your very own. I cannot think of a sweeter, and more personal gift.
Do you have a cherished doll from your childhood? If you could choose, which one of these rag dolls is your favorite?
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