If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
If you walk down a toy store aisle today, you might be tempted to ask what year it is, because some stores still insist on labeling their aisles “boy toys” and “girl toys” (just like some grandparents insist your daughter would really like a miniature vacuum cleaner for her birthday while your son needs a train set). But guess what: Kids don’t care about gender stereotypes! And if they do, it’s because they have learned to — from us or from someone around them. If a toy is fun, they play with it; if it’s not fun, they make it fun using their imagination. After all, kids are the very best version of humans.
My son likes to play with robots, LEGOs, cuddly stuffed animals and dolls. We have a play kitchen and a train table, plus dolls galore. And guess what? When given the chance, most boys will play with dolls. And this type of play reaps huge emotional benefits. Dr. Lindsay Henderson, a psychologist who treats patients virtually via telehealth app LiveHealth Online, says boys can actually improve their emotional literacy and practice real-life skills by picking up a doll.
“By playing with dolls, children are exploring and developing skills related to caretaking, nurturing, and even parenthood,” she tells SheKnows. Boys may pretend to be a dad when they nurture a plastic baby doll, but even if their imaginative games have little to do with parenting roles, the type of play associated with dolls is beneficial to all children’s growth and development. “The long-term benefits of playing with dolls are not restricted to future parenthood; empathy, responsiveness, love, and caretaking can be applied to any relationship or interaction throughout life,” Henderson says.
The fact that empathy can be developed is a neurological fact, according to a small study conducted in 2021 by Barbie-maker Mattel and Cardiff University. The research, which included 33 children, showed that even when kids were playing with dolls solo, the area of their brain that is responsible for empathy was activated. It also showed that dolls are instrumental in helping children develop empathy.
“As leaders in the dolls category, we’ve always known that doll play has a positive impact on kids, but up until now, we have not had neuroscientific data that demonstrates these benefits,” Lisa McKnight, SVP and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel, said. “The findings of this research highlights that playing with dolls, such as Barbie, offers positive benefits in preparing children for the future through nurturing social skills like empathy. As we continue to inspire the limitless potential in every child, we are proud to offer dolls that encourage skills we know are highly valued by parents and are determinants in children’s future emotional, academic, and social success.”
And boys need to develop empathy, too. Not sure where to start when it comes to buying a doll for a boy? This list, which includes racially diverse and body-positive buddies, will help. And your little guy will love them.
Cabbage Patch Kids 14″ Skateboard Boy Blonde Hair Blue Eyes
Cabbage Patch Kids dolls are a fantastic 1980s throwback that still appeal to kids today The line offers a huge variety, from the traditional yarn-hair designs to twins and kids with glasses or other accessories. Each one is packaged along with their special adoption certificate.
Sebastian & Sophia twins
It’s double the cuddles! Beloved kids’ brand Melissa & Doug have done it again with the adorable Sebastian and Sophia twins, a brother-sister duo (because boys can play with “girl dolls” too!) suited for kids 18 months and up. They can be dressed up, loved on, and given their pacifier, and the cuddly little newborns can even have bath time — well, sort of. They can easily be wiped clean, helping your child connect with the importance of hygiene.
HABA Snug Up Soft Doll Mason
HABA’s Snug Up doll is perfect for babies (as young as six months) to clutch for comfort. They won’t lose the clothes because they’re sewn on and the doll is machine-washable.
Barbie Careers Ken Soccer Player
This soccer player Ken for your sporty guy proves that Ken can do more than just “beach.” He’s more than “Kenough!” And we have more Kens to come …
Barbie Fashionistas Ken Fashion Doll with Prosthetic Leg
Mattel has made their Barbie and Ken dolls increasingly inclusive so every kid can see themselves (and/or their friends!) in their dolls. That’s why we especially love this Ken who proudly shows off his prosthetic leg.
Barbie Fashionistas Ken Fashion Doll with Cropped Hair & Vitiligo
OK, one more Ken! Once again, we’re so impressed with the commitment to diversity. This Ken is totally ready to “beach” and is not afraid to show off his vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose color.
Truly Me Doll
Despite the name, any child can happily play with an American Girl doll. They are not cheap, but they’re the sort of high-quality item a child might treasure into adulthood. (I certainly have!) The Truly Me doll comes with a blue-and-gray collared shirt emblazoned with the American Girl logo, a pair of blue jeans, boy briefs, and sneakers.
Madame Alexander doll
This Madame Alexander doll was designed to look and feel realistic, right down to his molded legs, arms and head with sparkling blue eyes. He comes with all the fun accessories too, like a blanket and bottle, and he even has an adoption certificate for your child to fill out.
Wonder Crew Superhero Buddy – Will
Wonder Crew was developed by Laurel Wider, a psychotherapist who understands how important it is for boys to practice their emotional literacy.
These dolls come dressed as superheroes and come with a matching cape and mask for your kiddo to wear, helping them bond even more with their new buddy.
Playskool Dressy Kids Boy Activity Plush Stuffed Doll
This Amazon Exclusive doll for kids ages 2 and older helps kids practice getting ready for school by showing how to zip, button, and fasten clothing. Aside from polishing their motor skills, kids will have fun experimenting with this squeezable toy.
Hazel Village William Doll
One of the most perfect dolls to cuddle up with is an inhabitant of the mythical Hazel Village, a land where dolls and animals coexist joyfully. This Hazel Village doll, safe for kids three and up, is handcrafted of soft cotton by artisans in Nepal and is Fare Trade Certified.
Baby Born 14” Interactive Lil Boy Baby Doll
Your child can practice his nurturing skills with this 14” adorable baby boy that kids can feed with a bottle using real water, bathe, and give diaper changes. The doll’s body is also flexible and his eyes can close, all of which makes for a more life-like experience.
Pin It!
Leave a Comment