If you have an Asian girl or dark-haired girl, you might want to buy Ivy, the Chinese American doll from American Girls, for a Christmas or birthday gift. While American Girl Dolls are labeled for ages eight and up, I feel that six-year-old girls will love these dolls. And, I’ve heard a mom with a three-year-old wonder if her baby was ready for her first big-girl doll. That’s a bit young, but I think that a Mini Ivy might be good for a three-year-old toddler.
Ivy Ling Chinese American Girl Doll
Just like all of the historical dolls from American Girl, Ivy Ling has her own set of books, outfits, furniture, and other small items. Ivy, the best friend of Julie, is a 10-year-old who loves gymnastics and wants to do her best at all times. She is characterized as “talented” and “lucky.”
Ivy Ling’s books are set in San Francisco in the 1970s, and she has groovy clothes. Her main book is Good Luck, Ivy, but she is featured in the Julie books, too. In Good Luck, Ivy, Ivy feels lost, as the middle child in a busy household. Her mom has gone back to school and her dad works two jobs. Ivy tries to follow traditional Chinese rules of “family first,” but a family reunion falls on the same day as her big gymnastics recital, so she will have to decide what is most important in her life.
Ivy’s story started off as just a friend of Julie, the little hippie, but Ivy’s books give girls and mothers a chance to talk about things that are important. This doll also gives girls a chance to talk about the changes that came about in the 70s. For example, Ivy’s mom went back to college to become a lawyer. Before the 70s, there were very few women doctors or lawyers.
Other Asian Dolls
Here are some other dolls that will look like your little Asian girl.
- Corolle Mon Premier Calin Yang Doll 12": This baby doll won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Calin Yang is for girls ages 18 months to 4 years.
- Corolle Les Dollies Dolly Licorice Doll – 16": Dolly Licorice is for girls ages 36 months to seven years. This dolly is cute.
- Karito Kids Ling From China World Collection: For ages four and up.
Change Ivy Ling to Different Ethnicity
You can change an American Girl or other 18” doll into another Asian ethnicity by using traditional Asian clothing designs.
- Korean Hanbok & Shoes for 18" American Girl Dolls
- Red Christmas Kimono & Sandals – Doll Outfit Fits 18" American Girl
- Indian Sari – Outfit and Veil Fits 18" American Girl Dolls
- Vietnamese Ao Dai – Outfit & Sandals Fits 18" American Girl
It is really fun to have a doll that looks like your daughter or granddaughter. And, Americangirl.com is a great place to start.
More Info:
African American Girl Doll Addy
Hispanic American Girl Doll Josefina
American Girl Dolls – Ages 6 and Up
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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