The Multicultural Toybox» handmade dolls

Finding an Asian rag doll

Leslie — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:54:44 +0000

A friend writes,

i can’t believe this but i’ve been searching for a asian rag dog for [my son] and i came across a site called the multicultural toybox. when i clicked on the about tab, guess whose name is there?? you’re awesome!! now help me find an asian rag doll for [him] that doesn’t have slanty eyes and wear oriental clothing!!

My response (which I’ve expanded a bit for this blog entry):

This is indeed a frustrating search. You have my sympathies!

Your best place to look might be Etsy, though of course there are a ton of stereotypical Asian dolls there, too. You’re going to pay a bit more than in a chain store, but if you see a doll you like there–of any ethnicity–you might be able to get the creator to make a custom doll for you with the characteristics you want. It’s very common for Etsy sellers to make custom items. Definitely do a search for “Waldorf dolls” because I’ve seen those in all kinds of skin tones, hair types, and clothing styles. They tend to have this general shape:

photo by Céline, and used under a Creative Commons license

I also like this Etsy shop a lot — – though of course you’re going to want to be sure to get a doll w/o any detachable parts like buttons. If you like her style, but you’re crafty yourself, you definitely need to check out Hillary Lang’s Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love. Lang also offers relatively easy-to-sew–and very cute–doll patterns on her website.

If you’re looking for a baby rag doll, Amazon offers this Rosy Cheeks Baby:

Amazon also sells a girl version of the same doll:

Multicultural Toybox readers, what would you recommend to my friend or to others looking for similar dolls?

More terrific handmade multicultural dolls

Leslie — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:00:23 +0000

Via Strollerderby: Check out these fabulous handmade ethnic dolls from Warm Biscuit:

Links: doll above, doll below. Each costs $65.

Etsy finds: adorable ethnic dolls and multicultural dolls

Leslie — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 02:40:34 +0000

Found on Etsy.com

These two adorable ethnic dolls are available in germandolls’ Etsy shop:

If you purchase these ethnic dolls, please let the artist know you saw them on MulticulturalToyBox.com! Thanks!

Etsy finds: Indian dolls and Hindi doll

Leslie — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 02:16:55 +0000

Check out these cute handmade multicultural dolls and ethnic dolls I found on Etsy.

Vintage bride and groom dolls from India, $15, available at safsgallery:

Folk-tale Indian princess doll, $90, available from dollydrops:

Hindi girl – Funky Folks ragdoll, $55, available from YourFunkyGrandma:

If you give these dolls a home, you’re not only purchasing some one-of-a-kind dolls, but you’re also supporting artisan doll makers instead of the toy monopolies that recently have exposed our children to lead-based paint and other dangers.

If you do buy the Indian dolls or the Hindi doll, please let the artists know you saw them on MulticulturalToyBox.com! Thanks!