Top 5 Dolls for Girls

1. Kanani - American Girl Doll

When I was growing up, I had a favorite baby doll. It looked JUST LIKE a real baby. So real, that when I packed it in an overnight bag to ride a plane when I was around 8, some bystanders thought I was really packing a baby into the bag. Ha! It was the coolest doll, but after years and years of moving, packing and storage the doll ended up getting a little bent out of shape and I finally had to let it go.

The thing is, dolls are just a part of growing up for girls. Most girls just seem to naturally nurture them and love to collect them. The more dolls they have, the better the tea party, I suppose. Anyways, if you are looking for a doll to gift to a little girl – here are my top 5 dolls for girls.

1. Kanani (American Girl Brand): I love the American Girl dolls. They are 18″ tall with brushable hair, a soft body and fun accessories. All of the dolls have a story to teach girls to be the best they can be. The 2011 American Girl Doll of the Year is Kanani from Hawaii. I just love her long wavy hair! And she is very out-doorsy! You can purchase the Kanani Doll and Book Set for $100. These dolls are HIGHLY collectible for girls. You can even buy matching outfits and pajamas for the girls to match their dolls.

2. Barbie Basics Model (Mattel): I don’t care what anyone says about Barbie proportions. I think most dolls have unrealistic proportions one way or another. But Barbie has a spark that has lasted generations, as she recreates herself more times than Madonna! She has had countless jobs, been in a break-up and single, has had fabulous outfits all in the name of helping girls build a creative storyline. I am loving the Barbie Basics Models, which actually don’t really look like Barbie. Funny, right? But that’s why I like them – they aren’t the standard blond, blue eyed figure. Instead all of these sassy dolls, both male and female, are modeling denim jeans and simple tees so that their individual features stand out. There are asian, red-headed, black haired dolls with bangs, dolls with short and curly hair, African American and Hispanic. I am sure I am leaving something out – but the collection is fabulous. They are around $19.95 per doll.

3. Monster High

3. Monster High (Mattel): I was walking down the Target toy aisle the other day and saw these chic dolls that look like a mix of Bratz and Twilight. These dolls range in height from 10.5 – 11″, are fashion-forward and resemble werewolves, vampires, mummies and other horror figures. They are completely over-the-top and right up my niece’s alley. They are around $17.

4. Lalaloopsy (MGA Entertainment): I really love these button-eyed, 12 inch dolls. She looks like a quirk ragdoll, but actually has a plastic head, arms and legs that you can pose. They retail for $24.99.

5. Potter Puppets (CraftGirliePies on Etsy): If you are a fan of the Potter Pals, an offbeat version of what’s really going on at Hogwarts, then I am sure you are dying to get your hands on some Potter Pal puppets. Well, they don’t sell them. But I found this seller on Etsy that DOES sell Potter Puppets that look amazingly like them. They are a must-have for any Potter fan. Purchase one (or all) to see the final Harry Potter movie this summer! Her puppets are approximately $25 each. If you buy one, tell her theMomBuzz sent ya!

5. Potter Puppets from CraftyGirliePies on Etsy

Those are my top 5 picks for dolls for girls! What did I leave off the list that you think is a must-own?