I visited the Toy Fair at the Javits Center and was generally dissappointed at the lack of new multicultural toys; although I did find a couple of new products worthy of note. Language Littles (makers of our talking Latino, Japanese and Chinese dolls) have a really cute new talking African American "dress-me" doll - you know, the ones that teach little ones to button, zip, snap, tie and dress themselves. She's absolutely adorable and we will be carrying her - very soon.
A new line of biracial fashion dolls aimed at the "tween" market is coming this summer from Younique Gemz a new Canadian company. Theses 9 dolls, named Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, Opal, Sapphire, Amber, and Turquoise capture every imaginable multiethnic combination. Each doll comes accessorized with necklace, earring and bracelet that reflect the doll's name. According to Younique, "Each doll represents a growing segment of the population that share two or more distinct ethnic backgrounds." The dolls vary in skin tones so there is sure to be one that resembles each multiracial combination. Younique promises a wardrobe soon. They are expected in stock by August, just in time for holiday shopping. Once they are in stock, DollsLikeMe.com will provide free ground shipping for the first 30 days.
