There are literally thousands of dolls lining the shelves of stores this holiday season, all asking for your hard-earned dollars, and all claiming that they'll give the children on your gift list endless joy and hours of play. This list of the Hot Holiday Dolls 2004 will help you choose just the right doll or doll-related product for the special little girl (or boy) on your holiday list.
1. Barbie as Princess Annelise
This doll is from the new "Princess and the Pauper" movie just released for this holiday season. She is a Barbie and she is a Princess--need I say more? Actually, the doll also sings two songs (Barbie doll makes here singing debut in the movie!) and, if you also purchase my #3 pick, Barbie as Erika, the dolls will actually interact and sing a song together. Too cute!
2. Bratz Tokyo A Go-Go Dance and Skate Club
If Bratz is more your cup of tea than Barbie, then this year's hot "must have" Bratz is a play set, the "Bratz Tokyo A Go-Go Dance and Skate Club." This elaborate playset is a retro-disco roller derby with five areas for party fun, plus a dance floor that lights up, a DJ booth that revolves in place, and an automated roller-rink that actually lets your Bratz roller-boogie and spin in circles around the cafe. Set includes a doll plus a generous assortment of accessories.
3. Barbie as Erika, Princess and the Pauper
It seems a shame to split up Princess Annaliese and Erika on the list this year, but that pushy Bratz doll simply had to have her playset as #2! And, well, Erika is the pauper doll from the "Princess and the Pauper" movie, and paupers just don't sell as well as princesses. Realizing this, of course, Mattel has Erika decked out in princess style just like Annaliese! If you buy Erika, you'll also want Annaliese since the dolls interact and will sing a song together.4. Cabbage Patch Kids
They're baaaaaccccck! As I reported this summer, we've hit the second Cabbage Patch craze. Not as crazy as the first time around, but people have been going bonkers at this second coming of the original Cabbage Patch dolls. These dolls are the most similar to the earlier Coleco Cabbage Patch dolls--former reincarnations don't even come close. So what are you waiting for--you KNOW you want to adopt and name one!5. Nellie, an American Girl Doll
American Girl dolls are always high up on the Christmas lists of little girls, and this year many of them will be clamoring for Nellie, the latest of the historical American Girl dolls. Released just this summer, Nellie O'Malley appears in the American Girl movie, and she is a friend of Samantha. Nellie features bobbed strawberry-blond hair, freckles, and blue eyes, and she is also featured in the new American Girl's Book, Nellie's Promise.6. Only Hearts Club Dolls
Just released this summer, the Only Hearts Club dolls are stealing the hearts of little girls and their moms everywhere! These diminutive, 8 inch tall dolls have lovely set (not painted!) eyes, ample rooted hair, and bodies that can be posed in endless ways. All the dolls have a personality--one wants to be a vet, another loves sports, another cooks. There are books, clothing, and accessories, and nearly everything in the line is priced under $15.00!7. 4-Ever Best Friends Dolls
Friendship is so important to little girls, and the 4-Ever Best Friends dolls celebrate friendship. The dolls are sold in pairs, holding hands, in a heart-shaped box, with 2 of everything--2 hairbrushes, and 2 of each accessory. After all, its easier to stay friends if you don't have to fight over your things! The dolls also come with 2 charm bracelets girls can share with their best friend. Be forewarned--the dolls DO have a bit of "attitude" and clothes can be cropped and with slogans.8. Polly Pockets Relaxin Resort Roller Coaster Hotel
If you have a girl, your house may be like mine--Polly Pockets everywhere--in the rug, in the potted plants, under the couch. You can buy the Polly Pockets Relaxin Resort Roller Coaster Hotel and send them all on vacation! The resort comes complete with shops, a cafe and a rollercoaster that slides Polly right into the lobby. Polly's suite has two beds, a TV set and a secret compartment that opens to reveal a deluxe closet. Additional sets can be added on, sold separately.9. Disney My First Princess Dolls
As mentioned above, little girls cannot get enough of princess-themed dolls. The Disney My First Princess dolls are perfect for the very little ones on your list. They feature soft bodies and long, brushable hair (combs are included). Bedtime Cinderella is a cuddly take-to-bed doll and quick-drying Bathtime Ariel is the perfect bathtime buddy. Funtime Jasmine is for playtime, and Partytime Belle is always ready for a tea party.10. FurReal Friends Luv Cub
Ok, ok...not a doll. But, these lifelike, moving bears are closer to a doll in play value than to your average stuffed bear. The FurReal Friends Luv Cubs are animated--they move when you hug them and they play peek-a-boo. Each bear also makes sounds. They yawn, sniff, snore, hiccup, sigh and coo. Make sure to feed the bear when he "sniffs" for food. In need of a hug? Press his little foot, and he'll open his arms. There's a polar bear, a panda bear, a brown bear and more to choose from.