does the "color" of a doll matter?

Question

I am purchasing gifts for a child in need this xmas. I chose a 6 yr. old girl. I do not know the girl, and I have no idea what her ethnicity is.
when I was growing up, you got white barbies, or barbie's friends, who were also white. Today, they have all kinds of Barbie- hispanic, asian, black. there are also now baby dolls of color and different ethnicities.

My question is this- do I buy a "caucasian" doll, or should i pick someting up? i hate to be ignorant, but i have no idea if children really prefer to play with dolls that look like them..or if it doesn't matter.

Sorry if this question is ignorant. it's been many years since i played with a doll, and i just don't know what it is like "today"

sorry- thyat should have said "pick something else" not "pick someting up"

thnaks

sorry- thyat should have said "pick something else" not "pick someting up"

thanks

Answer 1

I am white and most of my daughter's dolls are white, but I certainly don't see a reason for her not to play with dolls of other colors. There is a doll she loves in the toy store that is black. If my daughter got a doll of another race I would be totally fine with it. She goes to daycare and already plays with kids of every race.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you mean! Remember just a few years back when Swan Lake Barbie was hot! I took a name off of a wish tree and it was that! Anyway , I later found out there was an African American and Caucasian barbie at my Target! Your thoughts exactly crossed my mind! I liked them both! After some long head scratching, I chose the Caucasian because the dress was prettier! I am not a racist, in fact I am not even Caucasian! Just pick the one you like best. It's that simple!

Answer 3

MY little sidter and I are both white, and I have to protect her a lot because my mom doesn't like to be in charge. Gosh, if being a mother is like this, I am going through a good boot- camp. I certainly see no reason why she shouldn't play with other color dolls. I know that some people do have problems but that is like 1 out of every 1000!

Answer 4

it doesnt matter to the kid unless you make it an issue.
i'm white, and had a black doll that an auntie gave me. im telling you kids do not know the differnce, they don't see color - this is proven at a playground when kids play together regardless of nationalities.

anyways my black doll laurie, i never knew the difference and was confused when people made a comment about it - she was my doll yes, but so what if it was a different color? if the doll is for a girl no doubt she will love it. great choice for a gift!

Answer 5

Parents can be sensitive about this issue. But, young girls usually aren't. They play with any shade of doll. But, in doubt, opt for a cloth traditional Raggedy Ann doll. The original comes in a wonderful display box. Before you wrap it, look under her blouse and see the little heart on her chest. I always tape a smaller present hidden there of an inexpensive heart locket necklace to add to the delight of getting a Raggedy Ann doll. Merry Christmas to you.

Answer 6

Barbies are no longer as popular as they once were since psychologists have pointed out the negative effects of girls who relate their own bodies in comparison with that "perfect" shape..

Anyway, I don't think the race of the doll should matter. It might matter to the parents.... there's the problem. Children don't notice or care. They haven't been taught to be stupid yet.

Six year olds like to be creative. How about a little art set with crayons, paints, etc.? There are some nice inexpensive things out for kids now.

God Bless you for your kindness to a child who is a stranger to you, but no stranger to God. :o)

Sue

Answer 7

I do something like this also at Christmas time, but all we're given is their name/age and their choice of toy. I usually look at the name and try to determine what kind of doll to get. I mean if she's Ann Smith or Ana Gutierrez, you get the idea right? It's a sketchy topic really, I mean I am sure the children are just grateful to get anything. But then again, I want them to be HAPPY with their gift too. Good luck. :)

Answer 8

It has been awhile since I played with dolls, but I never cared what color they were. My mother in law has foster kids, and she buys dolls for them all the time. They are all sorts of different colors and the little girls never seem to notice. Kinda nice, they are too young to have their little minds corrupted by something that petty.

Answer 9

well i would get two dolls of different colors like one brown skinned and one white skinned or maybe a white one and an Asian one or something kind of like that but if your not sure about doing this answer keep trying them until you succeed!

Answer 10

First of all bless you for taking your time and money to buy gifts for children who are less fortunate and who you do not even know.

Secondly I never cared what color my dolls were.