Toy companies are finally starting to offer more inclusive doll options. People of color and those with disabilities have been historically underrepresented in the toy aisles, so this is a big win for kids.
Studies show that poor representation in a child’s toy selection can lead to a negative psychological impact. Giving kids dolls with varied ethnicities and abilities will likely increase their capacity for empathy in real life. This makes sense.
In a society where people of color and people with varied abilities are often are pushed to the side or left out of the conversation, it’s important to give a shout out to those that are working (and playing) hard to restore balance. Here are a few companies doing great work:
Melanites
This killer new startup – the first-ever line of boy dolls of color – invites all kids in on doll play. Because, honestly, who doesn’t want in on slumber parties and wild adventures in fantasyland with a mini-me. For even more details you can read our story on them.
Toy Like Me
Toy Like Me is an organization advocating for the toy industry to get more woke. They offer resources where you can get bespoke dolls made with, say, the exact birthmarks or prosthetics, that a real kid has.
Weesie pals are customizable stuffed animals with cleft lips or microtia – a congenital deformity where the ear is underdeveloped.
American Girl
Yep, that’s correct. American Girl is on it when it comes to inclusive toys. Their dolls can have crutches, allergy-free lunch sets, mini-hearing aids and pretend diabetes kids.
Dominika poses with her American Girl doll, who also has a hearing aid. Photo: Kevin Irvine/NPR
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