Reviews (6)

Great toys! BOTH races are available!
My daughter plays for hours with her Loving Family--BOTH caucasian and african-american versions. There are indeed both available, and we have a mixture because our circle of friends includes people of different ethnic backgrounds. We want our children to value diversity. Try Fisher-Price.com--I have had to order items that we want but cannot find in the stores. Or go to the Wal-Mart in Greenville, Mississippi, where the ONLY loving family dolls available are the african-american version!! Perhaps that is because the majority of the population there is african-american--but they do not stock the caucasian dolls. Don't blame Fisher-Price--they do make BOTH!!

Race IS an issue
I have tried to buy a black family with the house and found none, not even in the store. While I don't want to raise children to be prejudiced, I truly believe self-esteem and identity can be greatly affected, especially in the early years, through play and the stereotypes presented. Most toy manufacturers automatically include white dolls with their toys.
Mattel and Fisher Price have both had problems with this in the past. The Toys R Us in our neighborhood caters to mostly black and Hispanic, yet quite often, TOO often, the only families available are white. Maybe Amazon, who caters to a WORLD market, could influence this situation.

My daughter Loves the Loving Family
I read a review about the race of the dolls in the Loving Family house only being caucasion, not true. My daughter is 4 years old and and caucasion, but I bought the house with an African-American family to teach her about other families in the world. I think Fisher-Price does a great job of showing children the different types of people in this world. I am not a bias mother and don't want my children to feel that caucasions are any better than any other race--we should all be treated equal. My main reason for buying this set was because I raise my children at home and feel that through play she will learn to appreciate other races before she goes to school. Thanks to Fisher-Price for helping me teach my daughter how to appreciate other people.

Once again disappointed with fisher price
I am really tired of fisher price/Mattel continued insults on this matter. Not all children who purchased the loving family doll houses are caucasian, so why do you continue to make caucasian families for the doll houses and no african american or different ethnic figures, you discust me. Stop being bias, I want to see an african american doll giftset from your company and so does every other ethnic person. If you are going to make a caucasian family, make families of color as well, just don't make a few pieces. Or do you want only to do business with some people and not all?

Item Photo doesn't reflect the inclusions
To be fair, I wrote to Amazon to ask for a clear explanation of this item, why it was priced so high. In fact they had no answer but to say what is pictured is what you get. This in fact is not an accurate picture of the inclusions. The price is high because in fact you get several other figures. You get a Grandma with kitty and carrier. You get a baby-sitter with little girl, as well as the sister and brother in the picture which alone sell for $6.00. This picture is misleading. You get a few more figures then lead to believe. I took the chance and liked what I got for my $16.00. The quality is very good and will be tons of fun for Santa to leave under our tree. ... Read more

Editorial Review

There’s a party goin’ on at the Party Pad, and everyone’s invited! In an effort to raise money for a local animal shelter, Barbie, Madison, Chelsea, and the rest of the My Scene gang decide to throw a masquerade party in the DVD movie, Masquerade Madness. And what a party it is! My Scene followers will be thrilled to see this 23-minute DVD, and even happier to find Barbie all dolled up as a very sexy Butterfly Punk, complete with sparkly brown and copper wings, pink faux-fur jacket (at least we hope it’s faux; it is an animal shelter fund raiser, after all), belly-revealing top with lace front, sleek hip-hugging purple and pink camo cargo pants, and spiky high heel boots. Plus she has a costumed puppy, lots of accessories, and a whole other outfit, presumably for the after-party party. You fly, girl! Warning: Girls, don’t try these outfits at home--you’ll be grounded for a month! --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Editorial Review

Rock-a-bye baby--when this doll is patted, the crying will stop. Rock A ByeChou Chou makes lots of cooing and burbling sounds, and just like a real baby, she criesfor attention, too. She can be comforted by patting her firmly on the back or by giving hera bottle or her own pink pacifier. When Chou Chou is placed on her back to sleep, herblue eyes close, and she "falls asleep" with gentle, regular breathing sounds. When she'spicked up, her eyes pop open and she "wakes up" with giggling or crying. The 19-inchdoll has the same high-quality materials and construction of all Zapf dolls, with a pretty,hard-vinyl face, molded vinyl hands and feet, and bean-filled arms and legs for a cuddlyfeel. Rock A Bye Chou Chou wears a pink and white sleeper with a matching cap, andshe requires three AA batteries (not included) to power her coos and cries. --MarcieBovetz ... Read more

Reviews (152)

What a WONDERFUL doll!!!
Santa brought this doll for my 18 month old daughter last Christmas. I know that the appropriate age starts at 3 years old, but we have had no problems. In examining the doll, I found nothing that could be hazardous to my daughter. I think the manufacturer put that age on the box, because they thought an older child might get more out of the doll. However, my daughter has learned quite a bit herself, and I am sure it is a doll that will grow with her.

This doll is a big bone of contention when her five year old cousin comes over to play. They both want the doll at the same time. My daughter gets really protective, and tells her older cousin: "MY BABY". It is really neat to see her mothering instincts come alive with this doll. She carries it around everywhere with her, and gives it lots of hugs. She loves to hear the sounds it makes when she gives the doll a bottle or pacifier. I am extremely happy she received this doll.

Since my niece loves the doll so much, I am purchasing one for her today. Now, maybe I can have some peace when she comes for a visit.... HIGHLY recommended from me. No problems at all...

MIKELLA BEST EVER
I GOT BABY CHOU CHOU FOR MY GRANDAUGHTER'S 3RD BIRTHDAY<br /> SHE HAS OWNED HER FOR 1 YEAR. NO PROBLEMS SHE IS GREAT

Seems great but NOT
She seems like an amazing doll but my two little girls (ages 2 and 4, who love dolls and take good care of their toys) just don't like her. And she's already broken about a year after purchase. Her eyes just open and close continually when turned on. I tried new batteries so that wasn't the problem. The clothes were really awful. They looked old and worn out quickly, so I purchased her some new ones (not cheap) that weren't terry and that solved the problem with that. I paid full price for her so I am terribly disappointed. Also, beware that the bottle is very sharp for those who still put things in their mouth, especially toy bottles. But there is a pacifier to use if you must hide the bottle. I wish I hadn't wasted my money. Now my daughter wants a baby you just push her tummy to make her talk. Get one of those instead.

A must have for little mommy's/daddy's
My daughter begged Santa to bring this baby to her - and when he did she has been the best little mommy ever since! The doll is weighted just right and makes all the cute baby noises that baby's do - but she's not too loud. We don't care for the bald head/sculpted hair look so we jumped online and bought a baby doll wig for less than $10 and she's even more adorable and unique. This baby is well worth the money!! Zapf always makes such good quality toys we have never been disappointed. We highly recommend this baby for any aspiring mommy or new big sister or brother, our three year old son likes to take of the baby too. PS - she's very sweet with her bald little head, the wig was just something we did.

Lasting item
I was searching for additional outfits for my daughter's chou chou doll when I decided to add my comments. Two years ago I searched for a realistic first doll for my daughter's 2nd birthday. Chou Chou is what I found and she has lived up to every expectation. My daughter seems to have gravitated toward the smaller dolls such as the madeline 8 inch collection and now even smaller the polly dolls and accessories. But she continues to have Baby Chou Chou on hand sleeping in her own bed nearby. She loves to change doll clothes, so I try to always have accessories for all her favorites. One thing I must say is that for a doll who is approaching the end of a 2nd year with us, she has remained in excellent condition. No signs of wear. She doesn't go through tons of batteries either. We've replaced them once a year or so. I would highly recommend this doll. I agree with one of the other comments about the velcrow on the terry. Snaps might have been a better idea. I think the accessories for this doll are nice but a little pricey. My daughter loves to feed chou chou her bottle and give her pacifier to her. Sometimes she's had to bring her to me to stop her crying. Takes a firm pat on the back. She loves it and that's all that matters to me. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Imagine a combination spa and playground…this is life in the Littlest Pet Shop! A bobble-headed puppy and hamster have the run of this folding plastic play set, with a clear tube for the hamster to run through, a hydrant/sleeping loft for the pooch, a fish tank with "swimming" fish, an exercise wheel, and lots more. Magnets imbedded in the pets and some of the accessories allow magical action: running hamsters, a toy box that pops open, and the convertible hydrant. Puppy and Hamster can invite over some of their other Littlest Pet Shop bobblin'-headed friends (not included), and let them spin in front of a window, preen in the bathroom or hang out on any of the various perches and nap spots throughout the shop. Cute and clever--sure to inspire hours of absorbing entertainment! --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Editorial Review

Kids who wear this fancy dress-up piece will obviously not be playing the "pauper" side of the Barbie-influenced fairy tale, "The Prince(ess) and the Pauper."With a quilted felt bodice and three layers and textures of skirt, it's a pretty, pink expression of 19th century couture. Details include raised trim with gold stitching at the neck, waist, and forearms; a pink rose at the waist; and a "Princess Anneliese" portrait (actually of Barbie) at the chest. Kids up to a smallish 5 years old can wear it, and get it on and off easily thanks to Velcro closures in back.Diane Beall ... Read more

Editorial Review

Too many craft projects end up in the drawer; this paint-it-yourselfelectric bedside lamp kit can light up a room. Included are a small ceramiclamp, a plain white shade, and the basics for decorating them. There's a six-potset of mixable paints, and also a 20-inch strip of pink pompoms for the shade'sfringe, complete with glue. Obviously, these can be supplemented with othercraft materials of your choosing. The lamp and shade together are 10 inches highand a 15-watt candle-style bulb is already included. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Project!
I bought this lamp for my 7 year old daughter when her baby sister was born. She decorated the lamp for her sister and put it in her nursery. She was very proud of herself and it was a great way for her to be included in getting ready for the baby. Her sister is 2 now and her lamp is still on her dresser. She had a great time putting it together and it is very well made as well. A great project for girls!

looks cool!
I gave it 4 not 5 because I don`t have it yet. It looks really cool, and I bet it really is all the box shows! which is more then I can say for alot of toys these days,sadly. Well I will do another review if I get this.

TERRIFIC !! We buy this for gifts too. GREAT PRODUCT !
I can't say enough about this lamp. It's QUALITY, a good project for a child 6 years and up. We bought one for a gift for an 8 year old too and she loved it. My granddaughter has a lamp that we made together, for her bedroom. What a good feeling she had when it was complete. By the way, the ONLY thing I did with her was help with glueing on the ball fringe. The only thing I would recommend is that Imaginarium also include other color fringes, like white, black, blue.....or ?? With a PINK fringe, it's clearly earmarked as a girl's project and I think a boy would enjoy a lamp too. I could see a camo lamp with a black fringe too.
GREAT PRODUCTS COME FROM IMAGINARIUM. I HAVE MANY ON THE CRAFT SHELF!

Groovy and FUN too!
I bought this toy for my seven year old's birthday and she had the best time with it. It comes with paint to paint the base and other arts and crafts to decorate the lampshade...and it really works!! It's definately worth the money! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A little girl's best buddy
My daughter, Avery, who is 3 now has carried this dora with her for a year now. Dora's hair is a wreck now, but other than that, she is up for the trip. We also have Boots and Swiper, but Dora is my daughter's pick every time. If we need a toy to entertain her while I have an appointment, for example, Dora is there! This was completely worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice little bedroom set
The parent's room is a good value compared to some of the other loving family furniture sets. It comes with a bed, table, lamp, mirror, tree, and breakfast in bed tray that flips over to be a reading table. The bed has two pillows and a blanket so your kids can put their dolls to bed and cover them up. It's a lot of fun for little imaginations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Doesn't Fly
I bought 2 of these, and the rip cord keeps getting caught and can't be pulled-then after a lot of finagling it pulls again-I can't even get it to work, much less my 6 year old.

great toy
I got this toy as an addition to my 5 year old daughters easter basket...She loves this toy and has a lot of fun with it..Its a great toy. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

I HATE IT!!!
This doll is a waist of money. If I would go back in time and know about this doll, I would think about flushing MY money down the toylet before buying this HUNK OF JUNK!

A Beautiful Character Study
I saw her in the store today. I just had to get her. She is very good education, the clothes are realistic to the time period as well. I thought she looked so gorgeous. I love herface, whicht he photo makes look European. But my doll is very Asian looking. She is the only WORLD doll i have. I only am getting the Asian ones, they are the mos beautiful.

Anyway you wont be very dissapointed in her. She is beautiful.

One flaw is that her hands are in a 90 degree angle for good.
Her legs can bend. The suit is one piece.

i give it on a scale from 1 to 10
9/10

fantastic doll.

A bit dissappointed at first, but then....
When I first saw the picture on amazon I thought this doll was a *must have* for any Barbie collector. When she arrived, though, I admit I was dissapointed that I didn't get that same "Wow" effect. However, after a few minutes of checking her out I determined I was indeed thrilled with my purchase! Being that I collect the Princess Dolls of the World collection, (and would have bought her anyway) I must say she is definitely one of the nicer dolls in the collection (and I am even considering buying a second to remove from the box!) Her hair, though not braided like in the pic Amazon shows, is indeed long (maybe somewhat braided or wavy, it's hard to tell) but gorgeous!. The dress (if you open the box) is not as nice,all one piece as opposed to the way it looks in the pic, but sadly, these DOTW dolls are simply a cheaper end doll and for the price, the dress is fine... overall I would give her 5 out of 5 stars for her appearance. The face looks more unique than many of the other Princess dolls and I personally think she does have a foreign look to her. Her eyes are hazel and her lips a nice dark color, her skin is also not so pale as typical barbie and definitely next to the Russian Princess, you can see her skin is certainly darker (perhaps not truly olive, like most Italians I know, but definitely not white). The box is a dissappointment on these as well. The new design makes them easier to open, however, most collectors will not even do that! I think it allows for dust to creep in easier..and when I did (I couldn't resist) open this one up I noticed the inner 'box' with the Italy backdrop on it was starting to warp already!? Brand new, huh...what will it look like in, say, 5 years!? Hmm... All in all, a must have for the DOTW Princess collector and a even a nice doll for any little girl (or big girl) to remove and play with!

What's with Barbie?
Admittedly, the idea of POTW is great. However, it is disappointing that all the Barbies look the same. The undeniably European characteristics used simply further promote the idea that European traits are beautiful and should be held as a standard. The Ancient Mexico doll looks nothing like a real Princess would look like. Would it be so hard to focus a little more on the physical traits of the doll instead of merely dressing the same old Barbie with different clothes?

Honestly what is Mattel thinking?
When I first heard of the Princess of Imperial Russia I was thinking along the lines of Anastasia... maybe they weren't exactly in the same time period, but so what. The point is that this doll is suppose to be a princess and she looks like an over glamourized peasant or an assassian playing dress up - Le Femme Nikita anyone? What's really good?! She doesn't even look all that friendly. I also agree that Mattel needs to stop playing the blonde hair card... not all Europeans/ Euroasians have blonde hair. I think that if they just change her hair color to a brown or raven color she would look SO much better - like mysterious or sexy. And get rid of the peasant duds also... it's cramping her style. She is a princess after all. ... Read more