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.