“Daddy, I need a new toy”. How many of us parents have heard those little words over and over again? I must admit, my daughter is quite spoiled, she has the latest, newest and nosiest plastic creations currently available. These well-packaged tiny Fort Knoxes with layers and layers of plastic wrapping, ties, plastic tape, and nearly indestructible cardboard casings don’t come cheap either. Finally, after the 20-minute struggle to open the vaulted toy, most kids soon get bored and then we hear it again, “Daddy, I need another new toy”. As a parent, I’m constantly on the lookout for a special, unique or different toy that isn’t just a bundle of plastic wrapping to unveil a plastic molded toy. I recently came across La Manina Dolls and I loved the business model behind the toy.
The Doll
La Manina Dolls are handcrafted, crochet dolls that are handmade in Vietnam. Not only are these adorable little bundles of yarn extremely well made, but a percentage of each sale goes toward providing school supplies for children in rural communities. La Manina has teamed up with a local charity, Volunteer House Vietnam, to distribute their Helping Hand Educational Pouches which contain basic school supplies. The concept is honorable, and the product’s quality is outstanding. I ordered Melody the Mermaid, an 18in. lovely mermaid with yellow frizzy hair, a turquoise top, and a vibrant multicolored mermaid tail. Melody is soft and cuddly with an ideal weight and elasticity.
The Lesson
My daughter loved her doll which is excellent but more importantly, Melody has sparked an interest and curiosity in a place that is on the other side of the world. Understandably, most of our kids don’t realize or grasp how education is not always available to their peers who aren’t as fortunate. Melody is soft and cuddly but also this sweet little Mermaid has taught my daughter a much greater lesson that I’m confident will stay with her as long as she continues to hold Melody.
Click to learn more about La Manina: handmade dolls that help educate kids.
When I was a kid in school s.u.p.w we were taught to make handcrafted dolls. We used to have a lot of fun making them.
Those are so cute! I actually learned to crochet so that I could make dolls and stuffed animals to my kids. I find it amazing how calm the kids become as soon as I start crocheting. It is a wonderful thing!
It’s so great to see a toy company that gives back. Plus these dolls are super cute . . . great pick!
I love that you are on the search for toys that aren’t just plastic and break in a few days. This is so creative and something I’d love to have for my kids.
My daughter would absolutely love these! I love that they’re made to last!
These dolls are just the cutest! Thanks for sharing them!!
This is such a valuable post. Handmade toys are not only good disposable if we can teach our children how to make them it will also increase their creativity.
That doll is so precious! One day, I hope to be able to learn how to crochet one. Good job mommy! It’s great that you’re teaching your daughter to appreciate her toy and she’s learning about other cultures in the meantime.
Love the concept behind it. These are sooo darn cute too. Going to look into these for my daughters
It’s so great. Thanks
That is such a cute doll. I would love to get one for my kid.
I am a huge fan of brands that have advocacies like this. They provide quality dolls and help among others. I will continue to support them.
Those dolls are really cute and I am sure that my kids will like it. I am glad that there are good people find a way to help small communities with their needs most especially in terms of educations.
It is a good way to help children in need. It is always a happy feeling knowing that you get to help by patronizing their product.
This is such a great way to give back. Love the idea of these dolls as well.
Those are adorable! Love that they’re handmade and the company gives back how wonderful 💗
It’s so great to see a toy company giving back. These dolls are soooooo cute . . . Love it!
These dolls are so cute! I bet my girls would love them.
Homemade toys are the best. I wish I knew how to make something homemade with my daughter I know she would value it more than a store-bought item. Thanks for sharing.
Toys that are plastic is not environment friendly and the fact that you are getting her toys that are handcrafted is amazing.
What a great doll! I love that part of the sale is used for a great purpose. I wish these would have been around when my daughter was younger!
That idea is so lovely. And the dolls are cute:) Do they have one for boys?
Oh, how lovely are these dolls! I love that they’re handcrafted