Interracial Cards are "In"

I've been thinking for a very long time that Biracial and Interracial greeting cards should be readily available. Well I got my wish. Two biracial sisters (biological) in California have formed a greeting card company called Mix it Up. Check out their new line at dollslikeme.com. They are beautifully photographed cards featuring interracial relationships (primarily African American and Caucasian). They have blank interiors - making them appropriate for just about any occasion. Mix it Up will introduce an illustrated line next year - as soon as they come in, I'll let you know.
Look for Latino greeting cards (en Espanol) in the next two weeks - just in time for the holidays.

Forever Friendz Added to Line-Up

We were asked to locate smaller dress-up dolls. We found them. They are adorable. Their names are Jada and LiAnne and they are from the Forever Friends collection by Consolidated. Left is Jada, visit www.dollslikeme.com to see Lianne, who is a gorgeous Asian doll.

Shipping...Well gas prices are through the roof and so are shipping fees. The good news is - you can save gas by shopping online. They bad news is- no matter where you go, you cannot escape rising gasoline prices. Donald Trump says he can fix it. I say "Trump for president."

Talk to you soon.

Thanks for the Warm Welcome

I have met such wonderful people so far: an African American woman who lives in China (although most of the dolls are made there, she cannot find a single African American doll); an “admittedly gay” (his words not mine) parent raising an Asian daughter; and at least 50 “thank you’s” from African American parents who are pleased that I decided to open DollsLikeMe. Kudos to everyone and a special shout-out to Eleanor at HBCUconnect.com – they have been so helpful – and nice. I have just added Forever Friends by Consolidated to the lineup and have been asked to add porcelain collectibles – a business I know very little about. That’s all for now, if you have any requests or suggestions (other than lower the shipping fees which, unfortunately, I cannot do a thing about) please drop me a line at info@dollslikeme.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards    

Grapevine News

Word is out on the street that several new biracial dolls are coming this spring from Real-Kidz. I know that they are very busy over there, because I had a time getting my order in. Nevertheless, they are in and they are really cute – I particularly like Remsen (her mom is Asian, her dad is African American). We will also be adding the Earth2Jane dolls to our line. These are really cute fashion dolls from RC2. DollsLikeMe.com will carry the African American and Latina beauties Paris and Liberty. I promise, if you want the others, they'll be available everywhere.

I am off to the Javits Center today (Fall Toy Show) to see what is on the horizon for next year. I hope that I will be able to find quality Native American play dolls. I have had several inquiries.

Next week we will be releasing a poll, conducted on our behalf by UB. Look for it in the news. We’d love to get your feedback.

Finally Open, But Having Hard Time Finding Native American Dolls

We're finally open! Want to make a special shout out to all the loyal visitors who kept stopping by to check on our progress. Although most of the store stock is in, we're still having a difficult time finding mass-produced Native American play dolls. We'll investigate producing a line ourselves (for Fall 2006), if nothing shows up at the Fall Toy Show, October 24-27 in New York City. I'll keep you posted.

Take the Dolls Like Me Poll on Self-Esteem

Take the Dolls Like Me Poll

We’re tracking (unscientifically) responses to the question of how important it is for children of color to have dolls and puppets that look like them. We’ve had the opportunity to chat with several child psychology experts who tell us that all children are fragile and that looking for and finding acceptance is part of growing up healthy and whole.

We’ve learned that when children of color are presented (by unknowing and unwitting adults) with dolls and puppets that look like someone other than themselves, they subconsciously question their importance and acceptance in society. This leads to a host of identity and self-esteem issues. When coupled with the way the media portrays people of color, the subtle denigrating terms that are inculcated in the language children hear, and their virtual invisibleness on television and in movies (i.e. Latino children should see themselves as often and in as many different ways and rolls as Caucasian children), the problem becomes even more serious. This is often exhibited by children of color wanting to look white, not liking their hair or their skin color, or perhaps only wanting to play with white children. In the most serious cases it can lead to self-loathing.

Often parents – particularly white parents of children of color – like to pretend there is only one human race or culture and that their child is no different than any other person. In fact they never discuss culture, race or heritage at all. This is perhaps the most denigrating opinion of all. Every time that child looks in a mirror, he or she sees African American, Biracial, Latino, Asian or whatever their particular heritage is. To say it doesn’t exist or that it is not important is to say the child doesn’t exist or the child is not important. When that child grows up, it steps into a world where culture does exist, it is important, and everyone else belongs – somewhere.  For expert opinions on this topic, visit the Parent Resource Center at DollsLIkeMe.com.

We’re not saying that buying a doll or a puppet will change things – but you’ve got to start somewhere. So, take our poll and let us know how important you think it is for children of color to have dolls and puppets that look like them.

The Dolls Like Me Team
info@dollslikeme.com

Almost Open

After months of hearing "lost at sea," "stuck in customs," and "out of stock on that one," DollsLikeMe.com will finally open it's door October 1. Shipments are arriving daily. The dolls are soooo cute. There is a grand opening special for our friends who have stuck by us - $5.00 off your first purchase over $25. Use this code DLM647Y. It's good through December 31. All of the Furnis dolls are in, as are the Russ Berrie and Duckhouse dolls. The Real Kidz biracial dolls are en route along with the Well Made line of African American, Asian and Latina rag dolls - both lines should be here by Saturday's opening. Most of the furniture and doll clothes are also in. ALL of the books are in. Puppets promised for next week. The great little Small World "Baby and Blankie" featured on our main page won't be in for another 2 weeks. The custom wall hanging/doll blankets are gorgeous. Language Littles are also "on the way." We expect to be fully stocked by October 15. We have the greatest red wool winter coat and hat set for the Duckhouse dolls - wish I had one. The Furnis carrying case fits most of the small cloth dolls beautifully. I highly recommend it. Look to hear from us again in the next few days. If you get a chance to stop by the store after the 1st, let us know what you think.

Grand Opening Doll Line Update

The 2005 doll line is almost complete and more than 80 African American, Biracial, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hispanic/Latino dolls will be available when we open. They include: Molloy Toys: Real Kidz: (I have it from an inside source that they will be introducing ten new dolls this fall); Fanny's Play House: Baby Bottoms w/Potty (anatomically correct), Pose 'n Play Families and Japanese and Korean Girls; Russ Berrie: Amber, Amirah, Samara & Josie; Green Tree: My Dolly; Furnis Puppen Dolls: Selwyn, Newton, Tina & Bob (anatomically correct); Language Littles: Lizzie, Ricki, Ling, Yumi & Young He; Duck House Dolls: Devon, Denica, Giselle, Danay, Veronica & Ebony; Dolls by Consolidated: Forever Friends - Jada & Lianne; Fashion Angels: Bebe, Izzy & Debo; Brio: Jack, Miki, Tim & Sara; Well Made: Teenie Sportster, LaBella Ballerina, Diva, Sabrina Society, Melinda Mine, Pretty Petunia & Fickled Felicity; and Gund: Dora & Diego.

Look for puppet information next week.

Store News

Well, our site is starting to take shape and we anticipate an August 1 Grand Opening - just in time for holiday shopping. Our furniture and accessory line is almost complete. We've ordered a wonderful solid wood armoire with matching bed, a wrought iron crib and a clothing rack. We are looking for a quality trunk to match the ensemble and plan to have a special package deal. We are also carrying a coordinated deluxe stroller, umbrella stroller and EZ stroller. Still no luck finding a line of quality biracial cards. Don't forget to visit our site for information on transracial adoptions and building self-esteem in children of color. We'll keep you posted.

Welcome

Welcome to the DollsLikeMe.com blog. Here you can tell us about products you'd like to see stocked, how well a product performs (durability, ease-of-cleaning, etc.), and introduce us to new children's books and articles on raising children of color. We are particularly interested in carrying a greeting card line for biracial children and their families. We hope our blog family will help us find a quality greeting card line. We look forward to hearing your comments.