Encourage Pretend Play With Dress Up Dolls

By Jenny Talorman

In an era where high-tech childhood toys are increasingly in vogue, one thing remains certain, classic toys will never go out of style. The toy doll is one example of such a classic toy, it has been a little girls favourite confidant for many generations and that trend looks set to continue.

Little girls will always welcome play with the ultimate classic children’s toy, a doll or collection of dolls. With a vast array of dolls, ranging in size from handheld to more of an infant-sized offering along with accompanying accessory product lines, parents and gift-givers alike will welcome the presence of a doll in their child’s life. Playing with dolls fosters imaginary play, allows a bridge between mainstream culture and the imagination, encourages creativity in dressing up and will provide a little girl with their own confidant. Dolls truly represent the ultimate classical girls’ toy.

One of the biggest challenges in raising a little girl is fostering imaginary play. Classical toys, with their no frills nature, are the best way to encourage this important developmental milestone. With vast collections of interactive toys available for purchase, childcare providers should endeavour to present frequent access to classical toys. A doll is a perfect vehicle for parents to accomplish this goal. Dolls typically become an extension of a little girl’s person; expect to witness role play with the new best friend, nurturing behaviour, dress-up, secret sharing and most moments – both waking and sleeping shared between confidants. As little girls age they will often read to their dolls. These activities all promote and encourage developmental milestones absent in most trendy mainstream toys. One of the best gifts a caregiver can provide a child is the freedom to develop a strong sense of imagination which will ultimately foster creativity.

Dolls can also serve as a crossover toy from pop culture to imagination. With many dolls modelled after current television personalities or book characters, little girls will quickly embrace their newfound friend(s) with a sense of long-ago forged friendships. Bridging mainstream culture with classical play can encourage educational development through reading, interaction and discussion. A doll often represents a common bond shared between two friends, each having their own endearing qualities to their respective owner.

Dress-up and tea parties are a timeless long-standing sweet tradition between little girls and their dolls. The innocent child-play between a girl and her doll will continuously evolve as a young child ages. Initially, the fun of dressing the doll will come with the challenges and frustrations of manipulating buttons, snaps and fasteners. On occasion, the doll’s owner will seek out adult assistance to complete the desired task. With maturity and development, a girl will begin to dress her doll on her own and unique outfit combinations will begin to evolve. Countless articles of clothing will be added to the doll’s wardrobe over its lifespan which will help a little girl frequently reinvent her toy’s appearance.

As long as there have been little girls, dolls have been a mainstay fun classic toy and source of comfort. While dolls have evolved over time, from simple classic babies and girls to replicated television and book characters, they all still hold the same allure to their young owners. A doll will quickly endear itself as a little girl’s best friend. Countless secrets will be shared and parents typically welcome the openness that a little girl will share on behalf of her doll. In an increasingly stressed society, many parents, guardians and gift-givers are returning to an era of classical toys. For little girls, dolls represent the ultimate classical gift. As probably one of the longest standing historical toy traditions, dolls represent the perfect gift and staple in any little girl’s toy box.

About the Author: Jenny Talorman is an amateur writer with a special interest in education, young development and educating others on a range of topics which include; education, the role of children’s toys (

dress up dolls

) in development, young peoples’ issues and even baking. If you have any feedback on this article please feel free to get in touch.

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