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- 2nd Saturday of June
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Doll Day celebrates the cherished companions that inspire imagination and provide comfort every second Saturday in June. Unleash your inner child by rediscovering old favorites, crafting new ones, or sharing the joy of dolls with a new generation.
Want to sponsor Doll Day? Learn how
Expected Doll Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that retailers like Target, Walmart, and specialty toy stores such as Toys ‘R’ Us often feature discounts on popular doll lines. Look for special offers from brands like Mattel (Barbie, American Girl), MGA Entertainment (L.O.L. Surprise!, Rainbow High), and Hasbro (Baby Alive). Independent toy shops may also host in-store events or offer unique, handcrafted dolls. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.
Platform Guide for Doll Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DollDay. Share photos of your favorite dolls, vintage finds, or new creations. Encourage followers to share their own doll stories.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DollDay. Film a ‘day in the life’ of a doll, a doll collection tour, or a stop-motion animation featuring dolls.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DollDay. Create a poll asking users about their favorite childhood doll or host a virtual doll show-and-tell.
Doll Day Hero
Beatrice Alexander (Madame Alexander)
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.Â
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.Â
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Doll Day
Local toy stores can host a ‘Bring Your Doll to the Store’ event, offering doll-themed crafts or a mini fashion show. Cafes might offer a ‘Doll & Me’ tea party special, encouraging families to bring their dolls for a treat. Craft shops could run workshops on making doll clothes or accessories. Businesses can also partner with local charities to collect gently used dolls for children in need, promoting community engagement and giving back.
Doll Day FAQs
When is Doll Day?
Doll Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 13, celebrating the joy and imagination dolls bring to children and collectors alike.
How many types of dolls are there?
There are countless types of dolls, ranging from classic baby dolls and fashion dolls like Barbie to collectible art dolls, action figures, and cultural dolls. Each type serves different play patterns and collecting interests.
What is the most popular doll brand?
While popularity can shift, Barbie, produced by Mattel, remains one of the most iconic and best-selling doll brands globally, having sold over a billion dolls since her debut in 1959.
What are dolls used for?
Dolls are primarily used for imaginative play, helping children develop social skills, empathy, and storytelling abilities. They also serve as comfort objects, collectible items, and tools for cultural expression.
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.
Social Media Tips for Doll Day
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