There are some toy matters on which I have very little or no opinion. For whatever reason, various toys leave me unmoved. I don’t dislike them, I just don’t really care about them one way or another.
Then there are the toys I just cannot stand. Invariably, these are the same toys my children want. Or, more properly I should probably say these are the toys my children waaaaaaaaaant. That makes for really fun conversations. Like the one about how Santa has to get through me before he’s allowed to leave stuff under the tree. That sort of stuff. Woo, it’s fun being the mommy! Not!
I just don’t know that I can adequately express to you the joy I feel deep down in my heart over the the Play Along Club dolls here in the brand new Play Along Club Store. Just look at them. Hmmm, they seem familiar, somehow. Why, they look like… little girls. What a novel concept!
I just love this bit from a recent press release:
“With the recent increase of dolls on the market that are too sophisticated and inappropriately marketed to young girls, there is a need for an engaging doll experience that supports the positive values that parents want,” said Susan Evans, VP of Marketing, Play Along. “The Play Along Club reminds kids that it is okay to be who you are and not grow up too fast.”
Can I get an amen? Maybe a hallelujah? How about just “It’s about time!”
They go on to describe the line this way:
[T]he Play Along Club doll line represents the ideal childhood for a young girl: a time in life when problems are solved with chocolate-chip cookies and hopscotch is serious business! Each character –– Sophie Kate, Olivia Reese and Zoe Madison –– is curious and bright and has her own distinct personality.
Hopscotch, you say? Not who has the coolest iPod? I think I’m in love.
My daughter’s previous doll options include: fashion-centric teen/women dolls which I will not allow her to have; soft rag dolls which she deems either too babyish or which are, again, fashion-centric and not endorsed by The Meanest Mom In The World (that would be me); or educational doll/book combinations where the books are good and the clothes for the dolls are appropriate, but the dolls themselves cost an arm and a leg. (Go ahead, ask me if she has one of those dolls.)
But now there’s the Play Along Club; great books to go along with dolls who are little girls just like your little girl. And the price ($19.99 each) makes a lot more sense than some other dolls which I shall not name because my mother always told me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say I should stop talking.
The Play Along Club site is under construction but will soon have fun activities for fans to go check out. I feel confident guaranteeing you that none of the stories or activities will involve boyfriends, pierced navels, or lipstick.
Welcome to Ty’s, Play Along Club. This mom is very, very happy to see you here.
Mir, have you seen the Only Hearts Club Dolls? They’re like a step-up from these, being pre-teen girls, AND they have books. I thought for sure I’d find them here.
Yes, I’ve seen those at Target and they’re very cute! And I like those as well, though I’d say those are an alternative to Barbies/Bratz while these are more like an alternative to, um, those dolls that rhyme with Shamerican Curl.
I love your review!! Very amusing and I agree with every word! And I’ve purchased the complete set for myself. These dolls are made very well and there’s nothing quite like them. Very unique. The collectors in my Club love them, and their children love them. In fact, the little girls are crazy about them. Of course they play hopscotch with the dolls, because that’s what the chalk is for! One grandmother had to go buy some more of these dolls for herself because her granddaughters took them home and assumed it was a permanent arrangement.
I just bought one at Toys r us while looking through all the dolls- these just caught my eye- I had a hard time buying just one. There was only one outfit to change her ( Sophie) into so I got that too. I can not wait for my little girl to open her on Christmas!!! I did not like the sculpt on the face of any other doll there. Yours kinda gave me that sweet and cozy feeling that the Muppets gave me as a kid. The eyelashes were a great detail. I did not know that she was jointed and bendy untill I read your story. The bottom line is I think I bought her more for me than anyone else. Thank you for not retiring. I love your dolly.
I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your doll and your story. I worked in the Gift Industry for awhile, so I am very sympathetic. I just thought you might like to know that as I was reading your story, my seven year old daughter walked in and said “Oooooh! She’s so beautiful, I love her!” You have struck a chord, congratulations and thank you.
Sincerely,
Laurie
After wandering the toy isle for hours, I found and fell in love with these dolls. Sophie came home with us for my 2 year old’s birthday and she loves her. She carries “Nofie” around everywhere but the great thing is that my 5 year old loves her too. She was excited about the website. I think there might be another under the Christmas tree.
I am so happy to have an alternative to Hoochie Mama dolls and Pansie Pricey dolls. Now if they would just come up with a line of children’s clothes…
I first saw Zoe Madison on e-bay modeling a nice outfit for babyface dolls. I then contacted the e-bay seller and inquired about the doll and she indicated I could buy her at Target. I now have Zoe and Sophie. These dolls are very well made, I love them. I’m a BabyFace collector and I will now be one for Playalong Friends.
Please keep making these wonderful play dolls.
Hi I am a doll collector and I love these dolls so much! I can’t wait for a few little boys to be made, I think Zoe needs a brother and call him Joey.
) I am looking forward to more of these dolls on the store shelves.
Love the dolls! They are sweet and little-girl-like and completely adorable, and the story behind them is amazing. When an Asian doll is added to the collection, I’ll purchase an Asian doll and a white doll and any accompanying accessories for my daughter. I’m already thinking about little outfits to sew and furniture to make for the dolls! They are just so cute.
I LOVE these dolls!!! They are just what a baby doll should be- Sweet, so Soft, adorable clothes, innocent and posable. The flocking reminds me of Baby Dreams from Ideal – one of my all time favorites- the texture just makes you want to hold them and hand them to your own real sweet, soft little one. MANY THANKS for your determination and consitantcy to get these dolls produced..my only problem is that I can’t find them anymore and Toys R Us said they were no longer carrying them- help ) :
I love these sweet little dolls, they make me smile….I got Zooe Madison, Olivia Reese and Zoe Madison from Prilly Charmin and I am on the look out for more adorable faces….I find the Baby Face clothing fits them nicely as do real newborn baby footwear (wider styles ;0)
Keep up the great and wonderful work!
A child a heart forever….Cheryl
Oh my goodness, I was so excited about my dolls I mentioned Zoe twice and left out Sophie Kate! I do have her and love her.
still a child at heart, Cheryl
I saw Zoe on e-bay modeling clothing for baby face dolls. I just had to have one or two or three. I went out right away and found them — yes, I have them all. I love the way their limbs move and the feel of them. I also, like that I can maneuver them to stand alone. The concept of these dolls is great for imaginative play. Thanks not retiring and giving us this gift. (Where is that little boy who has been mistreated? I’d like to give him a home too.)
I am a mad keen doll collector, have your three Play Along girls and extras, wish you had developed the smaller sized boys and girls. Also have your COD’s, and ofcourse a huge collection of Baby Faces. Thankyou for giving us the pleasure of enjoying your wonderful dolls.
Why are these dolls no longer being produced. They are wonderful and I have six of them (2 of each character) I pray the company makes more of them.