Doll play is a primary way children develop empathy and perspective-taking. By acting as the caregiver, they step outside their own needs to consider the needs of another, even if that 'other' is a toy. Changing a doll's clothes is also one of the best ways to practice self-help skills like buttons, zips, and velcro without the pressure of getting dressed themselves.

Our curation focuses on diversity and usability. We look for dolls that represent a range of ethnicities and abilities so children can see themselves and others in their play. We also test the clothing accessories rigorously—if an adult struggles to put the doll's shoes on, a child will simply give up. We choose outfits and accessories that offer the right level of challenge for developing hands.