It is impossible to say when the dolls appeared. It is likely that they were the first toys of our ancestors.
In ancient times, twigs and dry grass, rags of homespun cloth and thread, goat and sheep’s wool and cotton bolls were used for their manufacture. Crafts developed, the level of skill grew - the folk toy was modified. For the manufacture of dolls used beads and lace, embroidery and macramé elements. Nowadays, there are also many who answer the question of which doll is the best: folk, made with good hands with love.
But fans of toys in other styles have many choices. Modern technologies make it possible to make magnificent toys, safe, high-quality, and also very beautiful, like living fairies.
Today, the doll is no longer perceived solely as a little girl’s toy. Some copies are intended for wealthy collectors.
Of course, within the framework of one article it is impossible to describe all the diversity and magnificence, but we will try to mention the most outstanding options that customers of different ages have come to love.
Baby dolls
Baby doll, like a baby, was and remains one of the most coveted toys for little girls. In secret, by the way, many adult men admit that in childhood they participated in games of girlfriends with pleasure and were busy with small dolls.
Such a toy can be a great gift for a baby aged 1 to 5-6 years. What are the best baby dolls? Based on customer reviews, manufacturers such as Antonio Juan and Paola Reina can be distinguished. It is the creations of these brands that lead many ratings. Toys from these brands cost a lot, but, as buyers say, the price is justified by a wide set, excellent quality, detail and realism. These baby dolls really look like little kids. They can be changed, bathed, taken for a walk.
Interactive dolls
The best toys are the ones to talk to. Many girls over 4-5 years old think so. It is for them that interactive dolls are created that can sing, recite poems, and walk by the hand; can help learn the alphabet, remember the days of the week and colors.
Such a toy has built-in software. She “hears” and analyzes the information, depending on the answers of the little housewife she performs certain actions.
The disadvantages of such toys include the need for careful handling and relatively large weight (therefore, they are not recommended to be purchased for very young children).
One of the best series of interactive dolls, buyers call "Sisters" from Zapf Creation.
Lol
These funny toys appeared on sale relatively recently, but many now call them the best dolls for girls over 3 years old.
The idea is based on surprise. All children love the exciting expectation of a gift. LOL dolls are packaged in a cunning way inside a bright ball, and the girl has to unpack the gift in layers. Inside the surprise gift, she will find accessories and various attributes until finally she gets to the little doll. Parts of the ball will also serve as games - they can be assembled in such a way as to make a small room.
The disadvantages are many include an abundance of small parts. Some buyers find the price unreasonably high.
But the reaction of the children is quite homogeneous: the vast majority of girls are delighted with LOL, which also means a lot.
Lalaloopsy
The first Lalalupsi dolls appeared in 2010, immediately after the release of the cartoon of the same name. Distinctive features of these funny girls: eyes-buttons, soft hair-springs, cheerfulness, bright characteristic outfits.
Most dolls are 33 cm tall, and for toy lovers a special mini series has been released (doll height is 7.5 cm).
Lalalupsi dolls look as if they are made of textile, but in reality they are plastic. The company MGA invented and launches these toys, which is rightfully considered one of the best doll makers in the world.
In the reviews, buyers note such advantages as an affordable price, an interesting legend (each doll has a name, character, history), the presence of pets and excellent build quality.
Disney Animators
The series includes characters familiar from Disney cartoons: Pocahontas, Cinderella, the little mermaid Ariel, Rapunzel and others. But they are presented not in the form of adult girls, but in the images of children. These babies can be confidently called the best dolls for girls of preschool and primary school age. They do not have fragile and small parts; they can be easily changed and washed if necessary. They have long and thick hair, it is convenient for them to do hairstyles. Dolls are 41 cm tall.
In the reviews of the babies in this series, some parents argue that the facial expressions of individual dolls are too sad. But to many, they seem cute and charming, so they take their place in the ranking of the best dolls. The girls have high-quality clothes, hair firmware is excellent, all colors are resistant. Such a doll can be a good gift.
“Girlfriends” by Paola Reina
These are schoolgirl dolls in beautiful detailed outfits. Parents speak very well about the quality of workmanship and the beauty of the dolls. It's nice to play with them, I want to treat them with care. The relatively high price, according to most buyers, is completely justified.
Those who are looking for a good and high-quality toy should pay special attention to the products of this brand. Not without reason, many argue that the best dolls in the world are Paola Reina. There are different series in the lineup: “Princesses”, “Mulattos”, articulated. Dolls differ in height, the availability of clothing (there is a budget series Nude - only in underwear).
Barbie
Today there are many adult ladies who are deeply convinced that the best dolls are Barbie. For many children of the 90s, such a gift was a dream come true.
Decades have passed since the first Barbie was released. But interest in these dolls does not think to fade away.
The Barbie brand is owned by Mattel, one of the best manufacturers of children's toys in the world. Fans of the brand can enjoy new releases several times a year. In 2018, several series were also released, including Super Mobility, which included dolls with excellent articulated joints.
Barbie has a well-thought-out legend, there are girlfriends, a beloved, pets, children, houses and many accessories.
Today, these dolls are of considerable interest not only for children, but also for serious collectors. "Mattel" does everything possible for this, releasing limited series and special releases dedicated to any events. The price also includes dolls in the images of celebrities. From year to year the value of collectible rare items is growing.
If you have an original Mattel Barbie doll (especially those made in Indonesia), handle it carefully. There is every chance that in a couple of decades it will be very expensive.
"Monster High"
Consider another creation "Mattel", which created a real sensation in the puppet world. We are talking about the Monster High series, which was released several years ago, immediately after the premiere of the animated series of the same name.
According to legend, these girls are children of legendary monsters: Werewolf, Dracula, Mummies, Bigfoot, Phantom of the Opera, Boogeyman and others. They have excellent thoughtful images, each has its own style.
Not everyone liked the series, but MX fans are many times more than opponents. According to the company, the main idea is that fears can be overcome and even made friends with them; as well as the fact that each of us is different from all, and we don’t be shy about our features.
The best Monster High dolls are considered the base series. The set includes a doll in a rich outfit with good head firmware and a complex make-up, pet, diary, stand and accessories.
As in the case of Barbie, the most rated and expensive are the "limits", issued once a limited edition.
Ever After High
This series is in many ways similar to MX, but dolls are more anthropomorphic. According to legend, the characters are the offspring of famous fairy-tale heroes: Cinderella, Crazy Hatter, Little Red Riding Hood, Evil Queen and others.
EAH dolls fell in love with those who did not accept the "monsters". They have cute faces, a large number of accessories, thoughtful whole images. Each character has its own story, which is very attractive to both children and adult fans of dolls.
Moxy Tins
The main competitor to Mattel, the company MGA, which produces the Moxie and Bratz series, several years ago pleased young fans with an incredible series of large dolls with glass eyes - Moxie Teens. These are teenage dolls, each of which has a thoughtful image and hobbies.
In the reviews, parents praise excellent articulated bodies, pretty faces with gorgeous eyes, a stylish outfit and high-quality detailed shoes.
Blythe
When asked about the best dolls, many collectors mention Blythe. And she has a really amazing story that deserves attention.
The first doll with a large head and a special mechanism that allows you to change eye color and direction of view was created in the early 70s of the twentieth century in the United States. It was intended for children, but they did not like its strange appearance. For many years, Blythe was forgotten.
At the beginning of the XXI century, a Japanese company bought the franchise. The doll was finalized, modernized, equipped with an updated body. Popularity in Japan has reached incredible heights. Little time passed - and the world opened its arms for a strange big-headed baby.
Today, not a single series is designed for small children. This doll is the subject of adult dreams. Especially valuable are the so-called OOAK - custom versions with redrawn faces, refreshed hair, in the original designer outfits.
BZD
Speaking of cult dolls, it is impossible to ignore the Belarusian Railways. This is a collective name, which means dolls on articulated bodies with good detail.
The cost of collection items from famous masters or cult brands can reach hundreds of thousands of rubles. For those who are not ready for such spending, there are many budget offers in Asia.
Dolls usually go on sale without clothes, makeup, hair, and often without eyes. Among connoisseurs, the option of buying individual body parts is popular, from which you can assemble a copy yourself. Every self-respecting collector seeks to acquire at least a couple of copies of Belarusian Railways.
We can say that this is a real cult. Photos of the best dolls of Belarusian Railways are often used for advertising, placed on calendars and postcards. A huge number of masters “grew up” in this field: puppeteers, designers of doll clothes and shoes, specialists in makeup and wig making.
The budget version can also be purchased for the child. But the main task of the Belarusian Railways is to please the heart of an adult connoisseur.
Handmade designer dolls
This is the next step after custom BZD. We are talking about dolls made from scratch.
Today, many masters offer their creations, but a handmade doll is not a guarantee of a high price. Truly high-quality and unique pieces, with recognizable authorial style, sophisticated costume and movable joints, can cost a fortune - hundreds of thousands of rubles.
It is impossible to list all the wonderful masters, but it is worth mentioning at least a few big names. Creations of Marina Bychkova, many call the best dolls in the world. They have expressive, lively faces and magnificent mobility, the hand of the master is felt in every stroke.
No less famous are the magnificent dolls of Larisa Isaeva, who has come a long way from textiles to complex articulated bodies.
How to choose the best?
Let's be honest: the best doll does not exist. Someone considers socialite fashionista Poppy Parker as such, for some, the old Barbie, donated back in the 90s, still remains the main favorite. Someone is prettier than the soft textile Walford baby, and for another, the colorful motanka in ethnic style seems ideal.
True connoisseurs say that dolls sometimes cause incredible feelings in the soul. And if, having picked up or looked at the photo of the doll, you feel an irresistible desire to take it to your house - feel free to make a purchase.