Pick of the Day: Corolle’s Rag Doll

Corolle's Large Rag Doll

If you’re looking for a first doll for a baby or toddler, take a look at Corolle’s Rag Dolls–they are extremely huggable, sweet and soft.

Read our review.

Barbie, Cankles and Picasso…

Fun story circulating today about whether shoe designer Christian Louboutin really suggested that Barbie has cankles.

Here’s a shot of Three Musketeer Barbie…one without her fabulous purple boots and one with the boots (because I love them).  I’m still waiting for my legs to grow to these lengths…but I don’t see an issue with her ankles.

In fact, looking at the length of her thighs they look more like Picasso’s bathers….elongated, no basis in reality.  Although I can’t even imagine what Christian Louboutin would say about the extra pounds on these women!

Pick of the Day: Dressable Madeline from Kids Preferred

I’ve been playing with a lot of talking toys lately…they’re fun to videotape.  The whole “look what the toy can do thing” is pretty seductive.  Rocky the Talking Truck is  a conversation starter…even with the other toys, he knows how to get the games started.  He is really much like the cool, “it” kid from elementary school.  The one you wanted to pick you for his kickball team.  Ok, maybe that’s stretching it…but there is something that happens when these high tech toys are around.  I’m reminded of our own warning to bring home toys that do not dictate the play..your child should always be at the center of her play experiences.

Dressable Madeline

Which brings me to Madeline…she’s back from Kids Preferred.  If you’re in the Madeline book zone…the doll makes  a lovely present.  She’s well-crafted and even though this particular doll doesn’t talk…just watch her with your child…she’ll have plenty to say.

For a full review, visit www.toyportfolio.com

Dolls Wars…they’re heating up

Which side will you be on?

Dolls Wars…

stay tuned…

American Girl introduces Rebecca Rubin

Rebecca Rubin will join the collection of award winning historic dolls from American Girl. Her story line is set in 1914 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan- she is the first Jewish doll in the collection. We look forward to reading the six books that will be available at launch at the end of the month.

Barbie and Tatoos

Not sure how we missed this at Toy Fair…but there’s a new Barbie that comes with a variety of body art. Totally Stylin’ Tattos Barbie comes with 40 pieces of art and a tattoo stamper.  We haven’t seen this doll in person yet–to see how well the tatoos stay on (or to see what the tatoos say).  Perhaps this is a teachable moment—”now dear you have to think about what that tramp stamp will look like when you’re 50.”

Beam Me Up Scottie!: New Star Trek Dolls

We’re in countdown mode here for the new STAR TREK  movie (yes I already have my tix for the IMAX) — so I was happy to see these new dolls cross my email (I haven’t seen them in person yet).  I really hope the movie is good.

Top Ten Green Toys

With Green Day hours away, we are certainly pleased with the trend in the toy industry to go green.  It seems like every week there are new organic doll collections, toys made of recycled materials, and toys/games that have an empowering (but not obnoxiously heavy-handed) green agenda.  More good news-the packaging also seems to be more friendly to the environment-with fewer toys trapped in a sea of plastic.

Here is our current list of top ten green favorites–happily the list keeps growing!

blabla dolls (blabla)

Earth Mates (Mary Meyer)

My Natural Collection (Hosung NY)

Organic Joobles (Fair Indigo)
Recycling Truck (Green Toys) 

Recycling Truck (Playmobil)

Eco-Trucks (Sprig Toys)
Busy Bugs (Mudpuppy)
Green Dollhouse (Plan Toys) 
Elia Mini Chair (eliafun.com)

I Can Be…Barbie Gymnastics Coach

Barbie is not the gymnast herself this time–but the coach – a welcome and empowering message for girls.  Set comes with Barbie’s kid sister Kelly who spins on the balance beam (a fun feature).  Of course there is a hairbrush, a medal and Barbie’s purse (with a bottle of water).  Will be a hit with young gymnasts in training…