I read there is a new fashion doll being introduced this season and being targeted at the primary school set.  My stomach turned. Yes, I owned the ubiquitious Barbie Dolls (Ken, too) when I was growing up, and I do not get crazy when my tween daughter gets one as a gift.  However, I will admit to placing it under her other dolls hoping she does not find it. Do I really think curvaceous dolls will influence her  standards of beauty?  To some degree, yes.  I think all tween girls aspire to be beautiful just as their dolls are beautiful.  If we are really honest with ourselves, we know our dolls had an impact on our beauty standards.  That’s why it is critical to provide tweens with a context and a healthy plan to coincide with these aspirations. 

Sorry, I need to spend a few more words on what I find most troubling with some of the dolls I see being promoted as holiday gifts.  When has encouraging your tween daughter to become a ”fashionista” or condoning being mean become aspirational? Is having moxie or being a brat cute?  What message is being sent to tween girls if these are the dolls they are given to play with?  I just can’t find context for these dolls.  A lot of mothers agree.   What do you think?

The good news is there are a lot of great dolls out there for holiday giving.  Whether they encourage healthy beauty and body standards, inspire friendships, provide historical information, have a charitable component or are just plain silly, look at these dolls if you are thinking about dolls as a holiday present:  Karito Kids, Corolle Dolls, Middleton Dolls, Brownstone Buddies, Madame Alexander Dolls, the un-doll, The Ugly Dolls, and of course, the American Girl dolls.  All of these dolls can provide tween girls with charming choices in which they can indulge in creative play and dream.

And to help with those beauty aspirations, introduce your tween daughter to a healthy regime of daily skin and hair care.  Ottilie & Lulu skin and hair care formulas have been created for tween girls’ delicate skin and hair.  Encourage face cleansing twice a day with Clean Skin Face Wipes.  A great holiday gift is Ottilie & Lulu Hair Essentials.  The wild mint fragrances of the Feel Good Shampoo & Body Wash and the Shiny Silky Detangler & Conditioner will have girls loving their shower or bath time.

One mom’s suggestion to others for smart holiday gifts……….