21 Toddler Dolls + Toys that Foster Diversity & Inclusion in 2021
To complement the last blog post featuring books that foster diversity and inclusion in 2021, here’s a list of 21 dolls and toys that better represent the different colors, shapes, cultures and abilities of the human race. For your convenience, I organized them from cheapest to most expensive 😚
1. Barbie Fashionistas Line (approx. $10)
Barbie dolls with various body types, hairstyles, and two recently launched differently-abled dolls.
2. More Than Peach Palette Packets ($12)
“The Palette Packet was developed to spread not only multicultural crayons but critical messages of empathy, leadership, and inclusion. Proceeds help support the mission of Bellen’s More than Peach Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.”
3. Musical Instruments from Around the World (pricing varies)
A great way to teach your kid about other cultures is through music. Here are some affordable instruments to start with:
- Indian Folk Drum ($8.50)
- Natural Wood Music Percussion Toy Set ($29)
4. Mattel’s Creatable World Gender-Neutral Doll Kits ($20+)
You can select a hairstyle and fashion look for whichever customizable doll kit you choose.
5. Qai Qai doll ($22)
The doll’s creator Serena Williams said: “When we first opened @RealQaiQai’s account on Instagram…it was just supposed to be an inside joke, but we’ve come to realize that Qai Qai could be the beginning of a new kind of toy story…”
6. African American Soft Baby Doll ($24)
From 101 Mama Courtney: “These baby dolls have great diversity options, and are high quality. Sawyer loves hers!”
7. Lottie Dolls ($25)
Lottie Dolls offers a number of dolls that highlight diversity, including the Mia doll, a wildlife photographer that also has a cochlear implant, and the Sinead doll, the world’s first doll with dwarfism.
8. The Pattycake Doll Company ($20 — $30)
“Half of America’s kids are Black, Asian or Hispanic’ right? Of course, half are boys! So where are all the Black, Hispanic and Asian Baby Dolls? The Biracial Dolls? Dolls for Boys? They’re Right Here. Welcome to The Pattycake Doll Company!”
9. Playdate Friends ($25)
“Have a play date with Harper and her little bear friend! Harper features a built-in onesie with whimsical bow design and a removable floral dress with boots.”
10. Wonder Crew Dolls for Boys ($30)
“Wonder crew combines the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a stuffed animal to give children a best friend!”
11. Lakeshore Learning’s People with Differing Abilities ($35)
“Inspire discussions on diversity and acceptance with figures representing differently abled children and their adaptive equipment! Set features 5 figures made of squeezably soft plastic perfect for toddlers.”
12. Snuggle Stuffs Soft Plush Around The World 8" Dolls, 8 Pack ($40)
“Each doll has an adorable embroidered smile and comes dressed with a colorful outfit that resembles the traditional clothing for the culture which they represent: Latin, Polynesian, American Indian, African, Eskimo, Asian, Indian and Dutch.”
13. Positively Perfect Dolls ($40)
“Our sculpts are one-of-a-kind pieces of art with custom blended skin tones, authentic facial features of beautiful full lips, noses, and gorgeous eyes, and bodies more representative with fuller hips and thighs.”
14. MyFamilyBuilders ($40 — $70)
“Multiracial families, same-sex families, single-parent families, and adoptive families can now construct dolls that capture the beautiful reality of their households. This is a unique, educational wooden toy that is stackable and magnetic to create the perfect doll.”
15. Color-in washable map tablecloth ($42)
“The tablecloth can be colored in while the kids discover all about the places and icons or animals they are coloring — it’s perfect for keeping kids busy and happy at the table during family or celebration meals.” Bonus: This is from a North County SD local woman-owned small business Threadspun 😃
16. Peg Dolls — The Trail Blazers + The Peace Makers ($45 for set of 4)
“Handmade, classic wooden peg dolls hand-painted with USA-made non-toxic water-based paints…hand-chiseled from sustainably-harvested, Urapan wood in Bogota, Colombia. Each doll is entirely unique and safe for little hands.”
Bonus: These are sold out most places, but still in stock at North County SD local woman-owned small business Threadspun 😃
17. Dinkum Doll ($69)
Recommended by 101 mama Kathleen, the Dinkum Doll is “worthy of heirloom status, soft enough to sleep alongside yet made to last a lifetime.”
18. Healthy Roots Dolls: Zoe ($80)
“Zoe is the first Healthy Roots doll and she is far from average. Zoe learned to love her after she did the big chop with her mom. Together they learned step by step how to love every single one of her curls…She is a beautiful black doll with naturally curly hair.”
19. Worldgirl Dolls ($89)
“More than just dolls, Worldgirls is the ultimate team representing girls from different countries and backgrounds who come together to learn, break down barriers, and have fun while doing it!”
20. Handmade Keepsake Dolls from HarperIman ($100+)
From the mother-daughter duo behind the brand: “We are dedicated to creating dolls that reinforce to children of color how important they are, how smart they are, how beautiful they are, how talented the are, how creative they are, and dolls that provide positive affirmations of themselves that they can actually identify with.”
21. American Girl Truly Me collection ($110)
“With dozens and dozens of looks to choose from, your child can bring home an American Girl friend who brings out exactly who they are.”
