A Little History On Dolls

The doll is perhaps the oldest type of toy in human history. Evidence of doll making can be traced back to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including ancient Egypt and Rome. In modern times, baby dolls continue to hold a great deal of fascination, for both children and adults. They are still one of the most popular toys for children today and millions are sold each year around the world.

Over the centuries, baby dolls have been made from a variety of materials. Throughout most of history, the vast majority of these toys were made from either wood or some variation of pottery. They were often made by hand, by either a parent or relative of the child, and many of these dolls would be passed down from one child to the next. Paper dolls have also been very popular for many centuries, but due to the nature of paper, they generally did not last as long. During the 18th century, porcelain dolls became quite popular and were largely preferred to the older wooden or clay designs.

Shortly after World War II, the introduction of plastics would have a significant impact on the doll industry. Plastic was much less expensive than porcelain, and could be easily molded into nearly any shape imaginable. These characteristics allowed manufacturers to create plastic dolls on a mass-scale, and allowed them to do so for a fraction of the cost of the more traditional materials. Today, most of the toy dolls that are sold through local toy stores are almost always made from plastic, regardless of their design.

Modern baby dolls are available in a seemingly endless variety. Sizes can range from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, all the way up to life-size models. They can be found in both male and female designs, as well as with any number of ethnic or cultural identities. Many of today's doll manufacturers also create entire accessory lines that are intended to enhance the appeal of their products. Clothing and jewelry are commonly sold as accessories for dolls, as are strollers, changing stations, and even furniture.

Most local toy stores are literally stocked full of dolls, of all shapes and sizes. However, if for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for through a local source, there are many online resources as well. These Internet retailers are often the best place to find something truly unique.

Jennifer R. Scott has been writing for over ten years on a broad range of topics. She has a background that includes such diverse areas as environmentalism, cooking, animal care, and technology. If you would like more information on baby dolls, please visit this site.