Think back to the first time you received a doll, and recall the ever-lasting impact it created in understanding who you are as an individual. Dolls are so much more than a simple toy — they are a companion. And beyond the scope of friendship, playing with dolls can provide important child development in social skills, responsibility, empathy & compassion, imagination, and language. This holiday season, gift the special child in your life a self-identifying friend she (or he) will retain in their memory forever. 

HarperIman Dolls are uniquely designed handmade, keepsake linen dolls full of personality. This past summer, 21Ninety spoke with the mother-daughter duo, Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett, dedicated to representing and celebrating all that is beautiful about textured hair and a variety of skin tones. 

We found that dolls of color are underrepresented. There aren’t many choices to choose from and the ones available do not accurately represent our different skin tones and hair textures. Our children are left playing with and trying to identify with dolls that look nothing like them and we wanted to change that.

Check out some dolls from HarperIman Dolls' collection below.

JESS Handmade Keepsake Doll

Photo: HarperIman Dolls

LEIGH HANDMADE HARPERIMAN BABY DOLL

Photo: HarperIman Dolls

SKY HANDMADE KEEPSAKE DOLL

Photo: HarperIman Dolls

MASON HANDMADE KEEPSAKE DOLL

Photo: HarperIman Dolls

KYOKO HANDMADE KEEPSAKE DOLL

Photo: HarperIman Dolls

To shop the complete dolls collection, visit HarperIman Dolls' website here.

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beauty , black empowerment , children , dolls , gift ideas , harperiman dolls , holiday season , parenting