Checking Our List #37: Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll Review & Giveaway

As Kaelyn gets older she enjoys pretend play more and more. I could sit and watch her for hours on end, mothering her babies, 'cooking' a meal, etc. As Christmas draws near I want to look for toys like this that she enjoys, but also want them to be something unique and meaningful. That's why I was especially thankful when introduced to a brand new doll line from the toy company, Playmates Toys.

One of the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry, Playmates Toys has been around for over 40 years developing several brand franchises and distributing its products in over 60 countries worldwide.

Conceived of, designed and manufactured within a 10 month period, the Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls just arrived in the U.S in time for the holidays! They have already won an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award and Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Toys and 100 Best Products! There are six dolls with different multi-cultural personalities, all created with exquisite details, and best of all....an amazing story to share. Each doll represents a girl who is working to change the world in ways unique to her home country. Story booklets included with each doll show young girls how their peers in other countries live, and how they can can help make a difference too.
I love the idea behind the Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls and couldn't have been more excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one. What a great message to teach young children that they can make a difference, even at a young age. As we looked through the different dolls (Consuelo (Mexico), Lilian (Belarus), Dell (United States), Nahji (India), Rahel (Ethiopia) and Tipi (Laos)), Kaelyn was immediately drawn to Tipi, an artistic ten year old girl from Laos. She loves to draw, dance and help her father tell the rich stories of her country. She leads her school in mural contests in hopes of winning much-needed books for her class.

Tipi arrived in a nice box with a lot of information about her. I love the way these dolls are packaged...making them very appealing and great for gift-giving.


As I pulled her out of the box, I realized there was not only a doll, but also a comb, a bracelet, and several accessories she was wearing (clothing, bracelets, etc). Because of the smaller pieces, these dolls are recommended for 6 years old and up. Kaelyn is not that old yet, but with supervision I feel comfortable with letting her play with Tipi.


I was amazed and how life-like she is. She has a vinyl body with movable arms, legs and head. A lot of thought went into making the Hearts For Hearts Girls very realistic. Everything from her striking eyes to her beautiful thick hair reminds me of a real person. Not only that, but each of the dolls are each dressed authentically to their own country which is neat as well.

Kaelyn was in awe from the moment she saw Tipi. In fact, the first thing she did was ask if Tipi wanted to 'meet' her other dolls. At 14" tall, this is a doll that's a very nice size. It's not too small and not too big either. Kaelyn especially loves her long black hair, bracelet and earrings. She hasn't wanted to put her down and carries her around wherever she goes. Even at 3 years old, she enjoys hearing Tipi's story. Over time I'd love to get her more of these Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls. They're fantastic quality and I love their message of "Changing the World, one heart at a time".


I have been very impressed with Tipi and the other Hearts For Hearts Girls. Not only is she fantastic quality, letting me know that she'll withstand many years of play, but unlike other dolls Kaelyn has...the Hearts For Hearts Girls help teach a valuable lesson. Kids learn about challenges children face in areas of the world where these dolls are from. This is the type of unique and meaningful gift I've been looking for! One that gives me the opportunity to teach Kaelyn about the world around us, compassion and so much more!

There is even a place on the Hearts For Hearts Girls website where older children and school-age girls can go to engage in educational activities and games, and read real stories about other girls making a difference around the world. A special code from each doll purchase will unlock a free online membership, but all girls are welcome. It's just another way these dolls will connect girls to each other and the world.

If you're looking for a great gift for a young girl on your list this Christmas, I would definitely recommend checking out the Hearts For Hearts Dolls!

Buy It: Each Hearts For Hearts Girls doll retails for $24.99 and can be purchased online and in several retail locations. When you purchase Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls, a portion of proceeds goes to help solve these real-life challenges, directly to the doll's country.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll of their choice!

Mandatory Entry - Visit HeartsForHeartsGirls.com and leave a comment letting me know which doll you would choose if you won.

Extra Entries: Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Hearts For Hearts on Facebook

3. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Hearts For Hearts Girls) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

5. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Checking Our List 37: #WIN a Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll (ARV $25)! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/hsREaU Ends 1/7

6. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

8. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter any of my other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways running now. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete. Be sure to leave your email address with your comments or make sure it's visible in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win.

This giveaway will end January 7th and is open to US Only!

**The product for this giveaway was provided by free by Hearts For Hearts. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**