We celebrate Doll Day on the second Saturday in June. It takes place on June 8 this year. Dolls look like miniature people and every child plays with a doll at some point while growing up. Many dolls have names, personalities, families, houses, cars, and a whole backstory, too! A child can spend hours upon hours in the company of dolls and their make-believe worlds. Dolls aren’t just toys but a great way for children to express their feelings long before they really understand them. They also teach children the important lessons of friendship and sharing. Children often seek comfort in dolls on sad or lonely days. We can even go as far as saying that dolls can help shape our personalities.
History of Doll Day
It seems like children have always played with dolls and these toys have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that dolls are in fact the oldest known toy, with the earliest dolls being made of clay, stone, wood, bone, ivory, leather, wax, and other crude materials. Excavations of Egyptian tombs dating to as early as the 21st century B.C. have unearthed dolls made of wood. Clay dolls have also been found in the graves of ancient Greek and Roman children. Just like the children of today, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian children also dressed their dolls in clothing and jewelry according to the latest fashion trends. Apart from dolls made from sturdy materials, children also played with ragdolls that were traditionally made from spare scraps of material. Ragdolls, dating back to the 5th century A.D. have been found in parts of the Roman empire.
But of course, in modern times, Mattel’s Barbie has become one of the world’s most popular dolls. First created in 1959, the Barbie doll has continuously enjoyed its status for being one of the best-loved children’s toys of all time. Mattel owes its success to adapting to the ever-changing markets of various cultures and countries by coming out with Barbie dolls of various shapes, colors, and sizes, each individually personalized to the inhabitants of a certain region. Since dolls hold such an importance in our formative lives, Doll Day was created to celebrate the contributions dolls have made to the development of children and how they continue to be one of the best-loved toys, centuries after their inception.
Doll Day timeline
Up until 1850, dolls were made in the image of adult humans.
Canadian author Dare Wright publishes her children’s book, “The Lonely Doll.”
MGA Entertainment starts its line of fashion dolls — Yasmin, Cloe, Jade, and Sasha.
“Stargazer Lottie” joins astronauts aboard the ISS.
Doll Day FAQs
Is there a Barbie day?
Yes, March 9 is celebrated as National Barbie Day!
Is there a National Doll Day?
National Doll Day or Doll Day has been observed on the first Sunday in August since 2011. This year, it’ll be observed on August 1.
What is Barbie's full name?
Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
Doll Day Activities
Check if your doll is a collectible
A few of your dolls from your childhood might have become collectibles over the years. You can search on an online portal to check if your favorite doll is now a rare, cherished valuable.
Gift a doll
If you know a child who loves playing with dolls, then today is the perfect day to surprise them with a gift. A doll, dollhouse, or other doll products would be the perfect gift for them.
Donate a doll
You can also donate a doll to an orphanage. You might not play with dolls anymore, but they can become a cherished toy for a child who doesn’t have the luxury of having their own doll.
5 Facts About Barbie That Will Blow Your Mind
Barbie is her pet name
The real name of Barbie is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
The first celebrity doll was modeled after Twiggy
Supermodel Twiggy’s Barbie avatar was known as the Twiggy Doll.
Barbie is a jack of all trades
Since her inception, Barbie has had 200 different careers.
Barbie has run for office, too
Barbie has run for six presidential elections since 1992.
Children love Barbie
Around the world, a Barbie is sold every three seconds.
Why We Love Doll Day
It makes us nostalgic
Doll Day reminds us of the countless hours that we spent in the happy company of our dolls. It also makes us reminisce on our simple, uncomplicated childhoods.
It makes children happy
Since gifting and donating dolls is one of the ways of celebrating Doll Day, the day brings happiness to children. Everyone loves a surprise gift, especially children!
It celebrates ancient traditions
Apart from being playthings for children, dolls have also been a part of spiritual and religious ceremonies of many cultures. Doll Day honors the versatility of dolls and ancient traditions.
Doll Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 11 | Saturday |
| 2023 | June 10 | Saturday |
| 2024 | June 8 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 14 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 13 | Saturday |
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