About My Doll Best Friend
I set up My Doll Best Friend because I believed passionately that many children I knew had lost out on something vital that I was lucky enough to have had in my childhood, and I wanted to bring it back.
After my daughter was born I watched her test out toys for their ability to entertain her, and she did this for years. She pushed a button, it made a noise, she discarded the toy! That was always the pattern. I often wondered what would keep her entertained longer, better, in more absorbing and developmentally beneficial way. Was there something I could introduce her to?
So I thought back to how I played as a child, absorbed in long hours of imaginary play with my brother and children in the neighborhood. I had a few dolls, some teddies, a pram and a toy camper van with little people inside. These toys had quite simply kept me happy until I was almost a teenager. By contrast, my daughter had so much more, so many more expensive toys, more high-tech toys and yet seemed to have nothing of any interest that I could say hand on heart was stimulating her imagination, that would give back to her a joy I remembered so well.
Instead, her toys had no scope for creative thinking where play could really evolve. Her toys were never going to last for the years they had done for me. She wasn't going to learn the art of storytelling from a feeling deep within her soul.
When I set about addressing the imbalance I found teddies in the British shops but I couldn't find the sort of dolls that would be treasured, cherished, dreamed of under the Christmas tree....
Fundamentally, this really bothered me: how could children tell their stories without a main character that they could see resembled them? A fuzzy bear is lovely and cuddly but it is a poor comparison to the realism of a doll for processing in play what happened that day, or dreaming of the future.
Imagination is important to health and well-being, and dolls nourish the imagination from an early age. The benefits of early creative thinking last a lifetime. Dolls are toys that have existed for thousands of years, what does that alone say about the decisions of generations before us to share doll joy from one generation to the next?
Even now, as an adult, my imagination is a place of happiness, hope and inspiration. My imagination is my constant companion and where my indestructible resilience comes from. It energises and restores me. It gives me confidence to take a risk, embrace a challenge and make things better. I still enjoy dolls and find myself escaping from the mundane to surround myself in a world of artistic beauty.
When I started the business I wanted parents to introduce their children to dolls again, to a toy that seemed to be forgotten along with all those self-discoveries. I opened this online shop more than ten years ago. I've filled it with beautiful curated artisan dolls sourced from toy valleys and hillsides in Europe and elsewhere, to provide the most credible relatable dolls, and start to tell the story about the relationship between a child and a doll, and the journey they share.
When my daughter went to school I heard her talk about her 'first' best friend, her 'second' best friend. I heard "my first best friend is Amelie, and today Amelie and I....." and I thought, as I picked up her doll, I have in my hands her 'doll' best friend. It's her story, she'll be home from school soon and will busily play out what has happened today.
I really see a need for us to nourish our imaginations at every stage in life and throughout our whole lives. It's vitally important. And so is storytelling. It connects us with each other.
The whole team is passionate about this, and we would like everyone to find a relatable doll, to "Start the story...", because in our experience it is as if the story is within that special doll.
Maxine
Founder, My Doll Best Friend
Introducing] My Doll Best Friend: Where Imagination Meets Quality Playtime
Over a decade ago, My Doll Best Friend was born out of a desire to revolutionize children's play experiences. Founded by a visionary young mother who was disenchanted with the uninspired toy selections found in traditional stores and online shops, the journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to provide children with more than just toys, but with lifelong companions that ignite their imaginations and nurture their creativity.
At home, amidst a sea of push-button noisy toys, the founder's daughter sought something more engaging and stimulating. Recognizing the timeless appeal of dolls, which had been her own childhood confidants, the founder was inspired to create a space where children could find dolls that truly resonated with them—dolls that looked like them, shared their stories, and became trusted allies in their adventures.
Reflecting on her own childhood experiences, the founder, Maxine, reminisces, "Dolls were more than toys to me; they were practice little people. They sparked my imagination, taught me problem-solving skills, and served as companions through every story I dreamed up."
With a commitment to quality and authenticity, My Doll Best Friend embarked on a mission to curate the finest selection of artisan dolls sourced from toy valleys across Europe and beyond. Each doll was handpicked for its exceptional craftsmanship, relatability, and ability to inspire imaginative play.
The name "My Doll Best Friend" was inspired by the founder's realization that dolls aren't just playthings—they're companions, confidants, and storytellers in their own right. As children form bonds with their dolls, they embark on a journey of friendship and discovery, creating stories that unfold with every playtime adventure.
Today, My Doll Best Friend stands as a beacon of quality and creativity in the world of children's toys. With a diverse range of dolls that celebrate individuality and foster connection, we believe that best friends aren't born—they're made. Join us at My Doll Best Friend and embark on a journey where imagination knows no bounds, and every playtime is an opportunity for magical storytelling and endless adventures.
A vision where every one of us has a best friend.
Where Imagination Meets Quality Playtime
At My Doll Best Friend, it is our mission to help parents and collectors discover the very best dolls; crafted for a discerning eye, for a snuggle, for endless play, or even display. Our dolls will stir positive emotions, bringing developmental and health benefits.
From birth to any age, a beautiful doll is a worthy companion. Your doll best friend to skip into the next happy beat of life with.
At My Doll Best Friend, our mission is to curate a diverse selection of the best dolls that serve as loyal companions and catalysts for imaginative play, catering to individuals of all ages. We are committed to offering meticulously chosen dolls that inspire empathy, encourage storytelling, and ignite endless adventures for both children and adults alike. Through our dedication to quality, inclusivity, and timeless appeal, we strive to provide families, doll collectors, and individuals with trusted partners in fostering joyful and enriching experiences with dolls. Our goal is to be the go-to destination for finding the perfect doll companion that enhances every person's journey, whether they're embarking on the magic of childhood play or indulging in the joy of collecting and cherishing timeless treasures.
Our collection of baby dolls, fashion dolls, collectors dolls, and dolls' clothes has been chosen with exceptional care to ensure unparalleled quality and uniqueness. Each doll is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the essence of individuality and charm. Our range includes exclusive designs and limited-edition pieces that you won't find anywhere else, making each doll a cherished addition to any collection. From the intricate stitching on their outfits to the lifelike expressions on their faces, our dolls stand out as timeless treasures, perfect for play, display, and creating unforgettable memories.
Our vision at My Doll Best Friend is to create a world where every individual finds enriching experiences through their interaction with dolls.
By consistently providing a diverse range of high-quality, inclusive, and timeless dolls, we aim to cultivate an environment where every person's imagination thrives and every interaction with dolls brings joy, wonder, fun and the enduring magic of friendship. Whether you're a family seeking playful adventures with unique gifts for your little ones, an adult indulging in childhood nostalgia, or a collector cherishing timeless treasures, we are committed to being your trusted partner in finding the perfect doll companion to enrich your journey.
Our Story
Over a decade ago, My Doll Best Friend was born out of a desire to revolutionise children's play experiences. Founded by a visionary young mother who was disenchanted with the uninspired toy selections found in traditional stores and online shops, the journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to provide children with more than just baby dolls and rag dolls, but with lifelong companions that ignite their imaginations and nurture their creativity.
At home, amidst a sea of push-button noisy toys, the founder's daughter sought something more engaging and stimulating. Recognizing the timeless appeal of dolls, which had been her own childhood confidants, the founder was inspired to create a space where children could find dolls that truly resonated with them—dolls that looked like them, shared their stories, and became trusted allies in their adventures.
To further this mission and serve our customers with our expertise, we are proud to introduce our store in the EU, Pop In The Doll Shop. This local establishment ensures that our cherished European customers can easily access our diverse and thoughtfully curated doll collections, providing them with the same enchanting and imaginative play experiences that have defined My Doll Best Friend.
Our Team
At My Doll Best Friend, our team is the heart and soul of our mission. Comprising passionate doll enthusiasts, experienced collectors, skilled artisans, and dedicated customer service professionals, our team brings a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to excellence. Each member of our team is devoted to the art of doll-making and the joy of doll-collecting, ensuring that every doll we offer is a testament to our dedication to quality and creativity.
Our team of curators travels the world to discover the finest dolls, seeking out unique pieces that tell a story and inspire the imagination. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of craftsmanship, our experts meticulously select each doll for its exceptional quality, charm, and potential to become a beloved companion. From sourcing exclusive designs to collaborating with renowned doll artists, our team’s expertise ensures that our collection is as diverse as it is delightful.
At My Doll Best Friend, it is our mission to help parents and adult collectors discover new dolls; crafted for a discerning eye, for a snuggle, for endless play, or even display. Our dolls will stir positive emotion and sensitivity reaping the rewards of health benefits. From birth to 100 years, a beautiful new doll is joy; your doll best friend to skip into the next soothing, inspiring beat of life with.
My Doll Best Friend was set up over a decade ago by a young mother, uninspired by children’s toy selections in toy stores, and the low availability of quality dolls, in particular, in the few online shops.
At home, a host of push button noisy toys had been lazily discarded by her daughter in search of something more stimulating. What was missing was an unending play activity.
Thinking back to her childhood, one toy in particular had been something of a friend, and this naturally meant she spent more time playing with it. The toy was, a doll. Unlike other toys, a doll looks like us and is extremely relatable, enough to be the confidant of an unspoken infant secret.
But, in 2012 in the UK, shops were full of dress-up teddy bears. As much as teddy bears, dressed in clothes and wearing wigs look appealing, they do not look like children. A best friend in their image and likeness to shape and share their stories, and be a companion, can be very compelling.
Reflecting on her own childhood experiences, the founder, Maxine, reminisces, "Dolls were more than toys to me; they were practice little people. They sparked my imagination, taught me problem-solving skills, and served as companions through every story I dreamed up."
The founder of My Doll Best Friend, Maxine, recalls,
”To this day, I have a good imagination that gives me a lot of happiness. It all began in childhood, surrounded by dolls who obligingly played my games. I learned when I was young to have the confidence to think my own thoughts, embrace a challenge in the moment, and to process conflict in a peaceful way. Doll play helped me solve problems.
I think dolls really were alive to me!
Now I understand storytelling is a viable means of communicating an idea, and a valuable way to intentionally nurture the culture we want.
Dolls were my practice little people.”
More than eleven years ago, My Doll Best Friend served its first customer from a website with a small selection of dolls, carefully chosen for their quality to become a best friend.
Today it is filled with beautiful, crafted, artisan dolls, sourced from toy valleys in Europe, and elsewhere. It provides the widest choice of credible, relatable dolls, for children to find that special friend, and start the story.
The business gained its name from one little girl.
“When my daughter went to school, I heard her talk about her 'first' best friend, her 'second' best friend. I heard "my first best friend is Amelie, and today Amelie and I....." and as I picked up her doll one morning when she was at school I thought, this is her doll best friend.
At My Doll Best Friend, we are quite sure that best friends aren't born, they are made.
My Doll Best Friend
With a commitment to quality and authenticity, My Doll Best Friend embarked on a mission to curate the finest selection of artisan dolls sourced from toy valleys across Europe and beyond. Each doll was handpicked for its exceptional craftsmanship, relatability, and ability to inspire imaginative play.
The name "My Doll Best Friend" was inspired by the founder's realization that dolls aren't just playthings—they're companions, confidants, and storytellers in their own right. As children form bonds with their dolls, they embark on a journey of friendship and discovery, creating stories that unfold with every playtime adventure.
Today, My Doll Best Friend stands as a beacon of quality and creativity in the world of children's toys. With a diverse range of dolls that celebrate individuality and foster connection, we believe that best friends aren't born—they're made. Join us at My Doll Best Friend and embark on a journey where imagination knows no bounds, and every playtime is an opportunity for magical storytelling and endless adventures.
Our values
Passionate
We have great passion for sourcing the very best dolls.We are committed not only to selling a curated range of top quality dolls and accessories, but also to giving our customers an enjoyable experience when shopping with us.
Expert
Our expertise within the doll industry means our customers are guaranteed a professional standard of knowledge. This is evidenced through our carefully selected product range as well as the specialist insight and advice we’re able to share.
Inclusive
We are proud to welcome customers from all over the world, regardless of location, age or gender. Our website provides a wlecoming platform that doll lovers can visit to find out more about and purchase beautiful dolls.
Crafted
My Doll Best Friend sells a collection of beautifully crafted dolls. Each one is made with love and attention by numerous artisans. Like works of art, these dolls are designed to be admired and treasured.
Specialist
Our offering is unique, curated with care thanks to our team's specialist knowledge of the industry. Our range includes many sought-after doll brands, as well as exciting limited edition releases and in-demand Chosen exclusives.
Innovative
Our offering focuses on customer needs, benefiting customers by solving their problems, meeting their needs, and creating value. By identifying their needs we identify opportunities to innovate and deliver solutions that delight customers. Our culture is one of continuous improvement.
Empowering
My Doll Best Friend provides a welcoming and inclusive community where doll lovers and collectors are where doll lovers and collectors are encouraged and empowered to share their passion with like-minded enthusiasts. Customers are provided with relevant information regarding their purchases or queries, and with news and features to develop their hobby.
Stimulating
We are passionate about creating learning opportunities for children through creative play. The Pop in the Doll Shop range is designed to stimulate the mind and give children the opportunity to develop important social skills.