My girls are huge fans of the Groovy Girls line of products. Not only do we own multiple dolls plus accessories like clothes, tents, chairs, cars, etc. but we also own the freaky "real-girl-sized" Groovy Girls doll. I currently covet the Troop Groovy Girls dolls, I get verklempt just looking at them they are so dang cute.
Let me get this out there because Groovy Girls are often mentioned as an alternative to Barbie dolls: It's true. They are a kinder, gentler alternative to Barbie, and because we are not a "Barbie household," we appreciate that. That's not to say we don't own any Barbies: we own two, I think, plus a couple that came with a Happy Meal, and we have a couple of the $5 Target movies. We just don't go out of our way to seek out Barbie products which is fine because our girls have also never really shown a strong interest in playing with Barbies. I didn't play with them as a kid and so I am not wrapped up in nostalgia about Barbie. (Although, I did have the Barbie make-up head and that was totally boss.)
Am I disturbed by Barbie's huge, smooth rack and lack of genitalia, sure. Does my anti-Barbie-ness run deeper than that? Not really, at least not in any hard-core way. I have heard and understand all the positive reasons to play with Barbie's as well. I guess when it boils down to it, they're not interested and we don't push it. In the end, parents have to make a choice that is best for their family and we'd rather our girls play with toys that relect their muti-culti-ness, not miniature (mostly white) adult women.
But Groovy Girls? Groovy Girls are a whole 'nother story altogether.
Like with most of the toys we own, our Groovy Girls were given to my girls by beloved family and friends. Like any toy, they sit in a box, basket, or shelf waiting to be discovered and loved. Once Bunny got to be the age where she enjoyed pretend play, she started becoming interested in her Groovy Girls, but it wasn't until Wallie was old enough to enjoy playing with dolls that their love of Groovy Girls skyrocketed to whole new level. Groovy Girls is one activity that my girls enjoy playing together. They can get lost for long stretches of time in a world of Groovy Girl pretend. The nice thing is that because the dolls are so soft, they play in a gentle way which includes lots of hushed tones, lots of cuddling, lots of hair-brushing, and tucking into beds.
Playing with their Groovy Girls is definitely a favorite in our house, and this new line of dolls and pets (which Groovy Girls kindly sent to me for review) is no exception. From the site:
To celebrate the 10th Birthday of the Groovy Girls brand, Manhattan Toy is introducing the Groovy Girls RSVP.com collection! Each doll comes with her own special code to a superfun and totally rad online party as well as fun activities for parents and their daughters to share. What are you waiting for? RSVP and JOIN THE PARTY!
What I like about them: They are the same squishy and cuddly Groovy Girls you know and love. I love the clothes, the hair, the unique names, their cheery smiling faces, and that they come in every color of the rainbow. The pets are a cute touch and definitely a sweet way to lure in the Littlest Pet Shop crowd.
What I don't like about them: almost nothing, except that the RSVP girls come with a code (a la Webkinz) to foment an online experience. We won't be "RSVPing" for a while. As I've said before, I'm not a fan of getting my 6- and 4-year-old hooked on the computer. We have Webkinz and they prefer to play with them, not interact with them online. While my kids are still relatively disinterested in computer games, we're not going to push it. There is time for that, and my parenting instincts tell me that that time is not now.
Bottom line: Another cute and fanciful item for any kid on your holiday list or anytime.
Cost to you: Varies. Dolls run $15-$20 each. Pets are $12 each.
Cost to me: FREE
I just received a set of the dolls today and I must say that they ARE super cute. I'm going to need to get a girl of my own!
Posted by: Kimberly/Mom in the City | November 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
I like all Those blogs. I am looking for something for my great nieces and came across this web page and to my surprise,you have what i was looking for.those mrs goodeeds doll house is one I would like to get them but my funds are low,so I am going to get them a little somthing,from your web page,you have things that,I never new you sold all kinds of thing,only thought you sold clothing,so I am going to look now and hopefull I can find something eles in my buget. thanks joyce
Posted by: joyce kujawski | November 30, 2008 at 01:24 PM