There's something special about getting a doll that looks "just like you." It's one of the many reasons Cool Mom Picks loves companies like Corolle who make baby dolls of color as well as boy dolls for our sons to love. Of course it's partly why American Girl Dolls became so beloved. And it's the reason I was stoked to stumble upon Naturally Perfect Dolls at this year's Toy Fair this week.
The idea for the Naturally Perfect Dolls line, created by parents Angelica and Jason Sweeting, was inspired by their young African-American daughter asking for yellow hair and white skin -- for herself -- so she could look like the dolls she saw around her.
They saw it as an opportunity to give children of color a line of dolls that reflect their own beauty and offer an alternative to the more homogeneous look of most of the dolls that dominate the shelves.
Related: A look at the brand new curvy Barbie: Will you buy her?
The 18" dolls in the Naturally Perfect Doll line celebrate fuller facial features and hair with kinks and curls. Plus, the hair is meant to be washed, twisted-out, and curled into styles that will look and feel more like the hair on lots of girls' own heads. Or, just wash and go. Love those curls!Photo via @naturallyperfectdolls on Instagram, via @alwayzdrea.
Also fantastic: each doll comes with a career story that goes far beyond "fashionista" or princess. Their original doll, Angelica, which launched after an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, is an entrepreneur. Dolls Brielle, Camryn and Kennedy have careers in journalism, public relations, software development and engineering -- just like lots of moms! (For uh, decades now.) It's one of the things I love most about these dolls; young girls can find a companion who not only looks like them, but also shares their interests or has a career they can aspire to. Because no one without a trust fund or a reality show makes a real living being a fashionista, right? But the best part might be a quote from the founder's own Instagram account: I have never seen my daughter with so much self confidence and love for herself! She has a new standard of beauty and I'm forever grateful! Naturally Perfect Dolls are currently available to pre-order for $85 each,for shipping around June, 2016.
