Toys and Dolls for Multicultural Families

by Pam Connell | More from this Blogger

19 Dec 2007 04:28 PM

Today I'll share some truly unique websites for ordering multicultural gifts, such as dolls of different ethnicities and disabilities, art supplies, books, puppets, videos, ornaments and more.

I realize some of you organized folks are done shopping, but I'd still like to share what I've come across and suggest that you bookmark these sites for next year or for your next birthday or "Gotcha Day" celebration.

Started by an adoptive mother of girls from Vietnam, Mandy's Moon features ornaments that you can customize with a message and with faces (up to four) with nine choices of skin and hair color. It also features Korean and Vietnamese treetop angels. The site carries a wide variety of Asian dolls, both boy and girl dolls. They have soft dolls for the very young and realistic-looking baby, toddler and older girl dolls. There are First Communion dolls who are Latina, Asian, African-American. There are Precious Moments dolls from around the world and musical dolls. They carry a line of "Children of the World" T-shirts, mugs, stationery, etc. that shows a group of children in different costumes. I was impressed to see not only 30+countries represented, but with there being several dolls of different ethnicities wearing "USA" T-shirts. The site also carries Vietnamese handicrafts and will personalize "I'm big brother/sister" shirts with faces of children with the hair and skin colors of your children.

Asia for Kids is one of the most wonderful sites for books for both adults and children, covering many countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines, the Middle East, Korean, Japan, China, Vietnam, and more. It has language learning resources and software designed for kids, as well as a specific section of adoption books. In addition to books they carry Chinese and Korean stamps (both boy and girl), sumi painting brush sets, abaci, Angels of the World ornaments. The Dr. Yue-Sai doll is a great role model of a doll (about the size of Barbie) who comes with a doctor's coat and stethoscope as well as office furniture depicting both Western and Eastern medicine.

Culture for Kids is similar to Asia for Kids but has Russia and other countries as well as Asia rice paper and brushes, Chinese knotting cord. Doll clothes: Vietnamese, Korean for American Girl Dolls and Language Littles.

Stay tuned in the next day or two for two more blogs covering books and gifts for children of different cultures and ethnicities.

Please see these related blogs:

20 Gift Ideas for $10 or Less

Using and Modeling some Sensitivity

Learn more about Pam Connell

Pam Connell is a mother of three by both birth and adoption. She has worked in education, child care, social services, ministry and journalism.

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mcmama (51978) 19 Dec 2007 04:37 PM

Thank you for these resources. I am sure that child care providers will also appreciate these.

Pam Connell (2658) 19 Dec 2007 04:57 PM

Thanks Janet. I hope it will help.

Heidi (5269) 19 Dec 2007 05:06 PM

These are great for girls who want a "baby" who looks like them!!!

When my aunt adopted a girl of mixed race (18 years ago) she didn't have this many options!! She ended up buying "dolls of every color" since "that's the way the world looks", but it's so much nicer knowing there are many more options now than back then!

Richard_1 (5) 28 Dec 2007 09:31 PM

Here's another resource for families with internationally adopted children or for families that are interested in promoting cultural diversity: JamboKids is a new toy company that was founded in late 2007 by a husband and wife team to inspire and encourage their adoptive daughter from China. JamboKids celebrates cultural diversity and promotes positive character development in children ages 3-8 with a new line of exciting adventure storybooks, huggable soft fabric dolls, a fun interactive website, and educational resources for parents and educators. The JamboKids characters represent children from many different backgrounds from all over the world. They serve as culturally relevant role models for their young readers and viewers, exhibiting positive qualities of character that are universally recognized by people of many religions and cultures. Check them out at http://www.JamboKids.com

Pam Connell (2658) 29 Dec 2007 02:09 PM

Thanks Richard--I recently found this site and included it in another blog, "Gifts and Books for Adoptive Families". It's great to hear from someone who has tried more of their products than I have. Please continue to share resources and thanks for reading!