Some of our favorite dolls: 2025
Having a baby doll helps children make sense of the world around them. For a toddler heading off to daycare or drifting to sleep, a doll can be a comforting link between home and the unknown. Through pretend play, preschoolers get to take charge—trying out roles, feelings, and words they might not yet express in real life. Dolls and teddy bears say whatever your child wants them to say—and they’re always patient listeners. You may even hear your own words echoed back as your child steps into the “parent” role during play.
Safety is the first concern, though. A doll that is cute, but age inapporiate, can be dangerous, even a fatal attraction. Watch out for pieces that can be swallowed. Keep in mind that the thread that holds button-eyes in place, for example, can be chewed through by baby. A doll that is too large for a young one's small muscles to manipulate is just frustrating. A doll made of hard plastic may hurt baby. So, start with smaller, soft dolls with stitched features, and then, as your child ages up, so too will the complexity of the dolls you bring home.
Dolls for babies
Cuddle + Kind has expanded its Baby Animal collection (from $37 each) this year, and it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite among these adorable 7" hand-knit dolls. They’re on the pricey side—but truly special keepsakes. This season, if you buy three, they come packaged in a charming gingerbread gift box at no extra cost. The pre-selected trio in the Newborn Collector's Kit comes at a welcome discount ($110).
Dolls for Toddlers
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Sleepy Time Scents Soft Doll Set, 12",Peach ($36.99) and Manhattan Toy Brightfuls Jayde Dragon 11" Stuffed Animal Plush Toy ($30). Your toddler's first huggables should be soft and safe. Dolls for this age group should have stiched features so that baby can't swallow them with awful results.
Hokey Pokey Elmo ($31.49) My mom helped start the Tickle Me Elmo craze when she debuted the doll on the Today Show more than 25 years ago. The latest animetronic Elmo does the Hokey Pokey, enccouraging kids to get up and dance with him (in Spanish and English).
FurReal Coco the Tumbling Panda
Dolls for older children
Corolle Poupée Cleopée and Corolle Poupée Maëlys ($90)
Corolle’s new Poupée collection includes a blonde, a redhead, brunette and African American dolls. A bit of a splurge—but destined to become a favorite companion, these deluxe dolls are so cute.
Cleopée is a beautifully styled 14" doll with a navy tulle skirt sprinkled with silver metallic polka dots. She wears a cozy sweater featuring a heart design in a delicate floral print that’s echoed in her matching headband. Maëlys, also a 14" doll, is sure to charm young fans. She’s dressed in a layered chambray skirt and a soft pink hoodie with a unicorn design, complete with a matching headband and shiny silver sneakers.
American Girl Doll Julie Albright ($135) American Girl Dolls have traditionally featured historically dressed dolls from America's past. Imagine my shock to see that the latest doll looks like the teens of my youth. I guess I'm an antique, too. Like her sister dolls, she comes with authentic accessories and clothing and a book that helps set her in context. A warning though: This doll could be a gateway drug to a life-long habit of expensive accessories and doll clothes. Another word of caution: Some dolls in the AG line are much more expensive than the others. Should you visit the store or look on-line with your youngster, be sure to set expectations first or you may have tears.
