Announced today is a new genderfluid doll line by Mattel called Creatable Worlds. The dolls will be completely customizable and allow kids to create their own character. There is an extensive wardrobe and accessories like wigs so that you can choose to have your doll with short hair and a skirt or long hair and boy shorts. It doesn’t matter with this doll, it’s all ok!
“Toys are a reflection of culture and as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity, we felt it was time to create a doll line free of labels. Through Research, we heard that kids don’t want their toys dictated by gender norms. This line allows all kids to express themselves freely which is why it resonates so strongly with them. We’re hopeful Creatable World will encourage people to think more broadly about how all kids can benefit from doll play.”
Kim Culmone, Senior VP of Mattel Fashion Doll Design
The dolls can be purchased from Amazon, Target or Walmart and run just under $30. And they are available right now!
Along with this line they are also talking about releasing dolls to represent the differently abled. “We’re going to be introducing a doll in a wheelchair and a doll representing physical disabilities, she has a prosthetic limb,” Kim said of the new dolls.
Why This is a Good Thing
While some are opposed to this kind of doll being made available it speaks to just how limited our imaginations are. When we are young there is no limit to what we can come up with. Sometimes we want our toys to be male, sometimes female. For kids who are more empathetic sometimes the same toy will change characteristics based on what they are feeling at that moment.
This is a very healthy way for children to learn about not only themselves but others as they can emulate different situations and it’s ok to put themselves in different shoes. Mattel has done extensive research into this and have spoken with may physicians and psychologists who specialize in kids and have come up with this solution for all kids to be able to play with dolls.
For a long time little boys have been buying girl Barbies and Monster High dolls, and they are almost always looked sideways at. If this toy line does what it aims to do there will eventually be no double standard and girls and boys will be able to play freely without worrying about being judged. Doll play is actually one of the most healthy ways to work out feelings about things that children wouldn’t normally be able to talk about.
