Best Dolls of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Dolls are a classic toy that has been enjoyed by children for generations. These toys come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, and are often designed to resemble babies, children, or adults. Dolls can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, cloth, or porcelain, and can be dressed in a range of outfits and accessories. They are perfect for imaginative play and can help children develop their social and emotional skills. Whether it's a traditional baby doll or a modern fashion doll, there is a doll to suit every child's interests and personality.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mattel Disney Princess Doll Set Cover #TOP 1
Mattel Disney Princess Doll Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Barbie Flower Magic Mermaid Doll Cover #TOP 2
Barbie Flower Magic Mermaid Doll
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Disney Frozen Elsa Doll with Signature Outfit and Accessories Cover #TOP 3
Disney Frozen Elsa Doll with Signature Outfit and Accessories
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Dolls

Mattel Disney Princess Doll Set

JBL33
Multicolor
5-pack
Mattel Disney Princess Doll Set Cover
Mattel Disney Princess & Friends Set with 5 Posable Small Dolls in Removable Skirts or Pants & 5 Friend Figures, Inspired by The Disney Movies

The Mattel Princess Doll Set features five beloved Disney Princesses—Ariel, Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, and Rapunzel—each standing at 3.5 inches tall. These posable dolls come dressed in removable skirts or pants adorned with unique friendship prints, allowing you to customize their looks. With the addition of five character friend figures, including Flounder and Pascal, this set is perfect for sparking your child's imagination. Kids can recreate their favorite movie scenes or invent entirely new adventures, making playtime both fun and creative!

What We Like
Adorable design
Durable, high-quality dolls
Perfect size for little hands
Interchangeable outfits
Great for imaginative play
What We Don't Like
Small size
Cannot stand or sit unaided

Barbie Flower Magic Mermaid Doll

JDM73
Multicolor
Barbie Flower Magic Mermaid Doll Cover
Barbie Mermaid Toy Dolls with Surprise Magic Blooming Flowers Feature, Ombre Tails, Pearl Headband Accessory & Long Brown Hair with Purple Highlights

The Barbie Magic Mermaid is a delightful toy that will spark your imagination. You can slide the lever on her back to watch flowers bloom magically from her top down to her tail, adding a fun surprise element to your playtime. This feature lets you enjoy the magic repeatedly, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Whether you're playing on land or in water, this doll blooms beautifully under the sun or sea, making your adventures more vivid. With stunning iridescent flowers, she looks like a magical garden under the ocean, bringing your underwater stories to life in a charming way.

What We Like
Interactive color-change flowers
Durable for water play
Attractive design and details
Great gift for young kids
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Packaging issues
Flowers preset in bloom

Disney Frozen Elsa Doll with Signature Outfit and Accessories

HLW47
Multicolor
12.75 inches
Disney Frozen Elsa Doll with Signature Outfit and Accessories Cover
Mattel Disney Princess Dolls, Elsa Posable Fashion Doll with Signature Clothing and Accessories, Disney's Frozen Movie Toys

Introducing the posable Elsa fashion doll from Disney's Frozen. With her signature blue outfit, soft cape, and removable skirt and shoes, this doll is perfect for kids to play out their favorite scenes from the movie or create their own adventures. Elsa's long blonde hair is styled in a beautiful side braid, just like in the film. Collect all the Disney Frozen fashion dolls to imagine exciting adventures in Arendelle and beyond!

What We Like
Beautiful design and details
Durable and well-made
Great value for price
Perfect gift for kids
Includes accessories
What We Don't Like
Limited articulation
Dolls do not stand alone

Mattel Wicked Singing Glinda Doll

JLG49
Multicolor
4.3307 inches
Mattel Wicked Singing Glinda Doll Cover
Mattel Wicked Singing Glinda Fashion Doll & Accessories, Posable with Movie-Inspired Look & Removable Outfit, Sings “Popular”

The Mattel Wicked Glinda Doll brings the magic of the hit movie to your home. You can sing along with Glinda as she plays two different 15-second clips of the song "Popular," making playtime more interactive and fun. The doll wears a soft, removable pink ombre dress with puff sleeves, so you can change her outfit and style her long blonde hair using included hair clips. This feature lets you create new looks and keeps the play experience fresh. Perfect for fans, this doll highlights themes of friendship and sisterhood, encouraging you to imagine and act out your favorite scenes.

What We Like
Great sound quality
High durability
Beautiful, detailed design
Popular song feature
Perfect gift for children
What We Don't Like
Song duration could be longer

BABESIDE Sunny Baby Doll

RSG001LNWA-DG
Pink
17inch
BABESIDE Sunny Baby Doll Cover
BABESIDE Reborn Baby Dolls Sunny - 17Inch Cute Soft Vinyl Realistic Baby Doll Poseable Smiling Real Life Baby Dolls with Complete Accessories for 3+ Years Old Gifts

BABESIDE Sunny Doll is a lifelike and huggably soft reborn baby doll that will bring endless joy to your child's playtime. Its radiant smile and realistic details, like delicate eyelashes and plump cheeks, will enchant your little one. Crafted from cozy materials, this poseable doll is perfect for interactive play, allowing your child to create fun scenarios. Its ideal size for little hands makes it easy to carry and play with, while the included accessories like outfit, pacifier, and birth certificate add to the surprise and delight of owning this doll.

What We Like
Soft and beautiful design
Realistic lifelike appearance
High-quality craftsmanship
Well-made clothing and accessories
Loved by children and collectors
What We Don't Like
Not full silicone body
#TOP 6

Unicorn Academy Sophia & Wildstar Doll Set

Unicorn Academy
6072668
Sophia & Wildstar
One Size
Unicorn Academy Sophia & Wildstar Doll Set Cover
Unicorn Academy, Sophia & Wildstar Power of Friendship Set with Saddle & Accessories, Dolls & Unicorn Toys, Gifts & Stocking Stuffers for Girls Ages 4 and up

The Unicorn Academy Doll Set lets you dive into magical adventures with Sophia and her unicorn Wildstar. You get a posable Sophia doll with detailed features and seven points of articulation, making it easy to pose her for imaginative play. Wildstar, the 5-inch unicorn, comes with shiny Light Magic markings and two clip-on power accessories that add to the fun. Plus, the set includes a removable saddle and bridle, along with a brush for styling Wildstar’s mane. This set encourages creativity and helps you build a collection of Unicorn Academy characters for endless storytelling.

What We Like
Bright, attractive colors
Sturdy, good quality materials
Perfect size for kids
Great for unicorn fans
Fun, imaginative accessories
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Unicorn legs not movable

Monster High Cupid Asteria Birthday Doll

JBG77
Multicolor
tall
Monster High Cupid Asteria Birthday Doll Cover
Monster High Scary Sweet Birthday Doll, Cupid Asteria in Pink and Red Party Dress with Themed Accessories Like Invite, Balloon, Gift and More

The Monster High Cupid Asteria doll is perfect for fans celebrating Draculaura’s 1600th birthday. This doll comes dressed in a stunning party outfit with heart-print bloomers and shimmering details, ideal for imaginative play and festive fun. Raised on Mount Olympus, Cupid Asteria’s friendly and loving personality makes her a great character for storytelling and role play. The doll also includes themed accessories like a party invite, balloon, and birthday card, helping you set the scene for a spooky birthday party. These extras make it easy and exciting to create a full celebration experience with your doll.

What We Like
Stunning Cleo De Nile design
High-quality articulation and materials
Beautifully detailed accessories
Perfect for collectors and gifting
Gift-ready, attractive packaging
What We Don't Like
Small accessories easy to misplace
Hair may need brushing
#TOP 8

Barbie 2025 Holiday Blonde Doll Silver Gold Gown

JBJ00
Blonde
3 inches
Barbie 2025 Holiday Blonde Doll Silver Gold Gown Cover
Barbie Signature 2025 Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Silver & Gold Gown, Seasonal Collector in Displayable Packaging & Stand

The Barbie 2025 Holiday Doll shines with festive elegance, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal collection. Dressed in a sparkling silver and gold gown with a detailed damask pattern, this doll adds a touch of luxury to your display. The gown's full, voluminous skirt and strapless ruffle collar create a stunning look that captures the holiday spirit beautifully. With long, curled platinum blonde hair and striking gold earrings, this doll brings a charming and stylish presence to your home. Plus, the silver metallic nails and matching gold heels complete an exquisite ensemble that you’ll love to showcase during the holidays.

What We Like
Elegant design
High quality craftsmanship
Well-packaged
Great for collectors
Good value on sale
What We Don't Like
Small accessories may be lost
Less suitable for young children
#TOP 9

Barbie Soccer Doll with Colorful #16 Uniform

HCN18
Multicolor
11.5 inches
Barbie Soccer Doll with Colorful #16 Uniform Cover
Barbie Careers Fashion Doll & Accessory, Soccer Player with Brunette Ponytail, #16 Uniform, Tall Socks, Cleats & Ball

Celebrate kids' favorite sport with the Barbie Soccer Doll! Made for ages 3 and up, this 11.5-inch doll features a green shirt with red stripes, white shorts, cleats, tall green socks, and a brunette ponytail. The doll also comes with a soccer ball accessory, perfect for kids interested in soccer, sports, and fitness!

What We Like
Affordable price
Good quality and detail
Great for soccer fans
Inclusive skin tones
Appealing to young children

BABESIDE 17-Inch Realistic Baby Doll

RSG004NIWA-YJ
A Pink
17 inches
BABESIDE 17-Inch Realistic Baby Doll Cover
BABESIDE Baby Dolls, 17inch Large Realistic Cute Soft Body Baby Doll Real Life Baby Dolls with Accessories for 3+ Year Old Girls Gifts, Pretend Play, Collection

The BABESIDE Realistic Baby Doll is designed to feel just like a real baby, making it perfect for cuddling. With its soft body and poseable limbs, you can easily hold and hug this 17-inch doll. Its charming details, like hand-rooted eyelashes and cute fingernails, add to the lifelike experience. This doll inspires imaginative play, allowing you to pretend to be a parent or create fun scenarios. Plus, it comes with exciting accessories like a birth certificate and outfit, enhancing your playtime adventures.

What We Like
Realistic and cute design
High quality materials
Soft body and sweet face
Magnetic pacifier included
Perfect gift for children
What We Don't Like
Materials feel a bit light
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Dolls for Kids

Dolls can be a wonderful addition to any child's toy collection, providing hours of imaginative play and fun. But with so many different dolls available on the market, it can be overwhelming to try and choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will go over some key factors to consider when choosing a doll, in order to help you find the perfect one for your child.

Age Range

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a doll is the age range for which it is intended. Dolls are typically designed for children of specific age ranges, and it's important to choose a doll that is appropriate for your child's age and abilities. For example, dolls with small parts or intricate details may not be suitable for very young children, who may put the parts in their mouth or otherwise try to play with them in ways that could be dangerous. On the other hand, dolls that are too simple or basic may not hold a older child's interest for very long.

Gender

Another factor to consider when choosing a doll is the gender of the doll. Dolls are typically designed to be either male or female, and some children may have a preference for dolls of one gender or the other. If your child is very young, they may not have a strong preference for dolls of a specific gender, but as they get older, they may begin to develop more defined interests and preferences. It's important to consider your child's individual interests and preferences when choosing a doll, in order to ensure that they will enjoy playing with it.

Style and Design

When choosing a doll, it's also important to consider the style and design of the doll. Dolls come in a wide range of styles, from traditional baby dolls and fashion dolls, to more unusual and imaginative dolls like mermaids, fairies, and animals. Consider your child's interests and hobbies when choosing a doll, and look for dolls that reflect those interests and hobbies. For example, if your child loves animals, they may enjoy a doll that is designed to look like a puppy or a kitten. Or, if your child loves fashion, they may enjoy a doll that comes with a wardrobe full of different outfits and accessories.

Accessories

Many dolls come with accessories, such as clothes, shoes, and toys, and these accessories can add to the fun and imaginative play that dolls provide. When choosing a doll, consider the types of accessories that come with it, and think about whether or not your child will enjoy playing with them. For example, if your child loves to dress up their dolls, they may enjoy a doll that comes with a variety of different outfits and accessories. On the other hand, if your child is more interested in imaginative play, they may enjoy a doll that comes with toys and other accessories that can be used in their play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a doll, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the age range for which the doll is intended, and choose a doll that is appropriate for your child's age and abilities. Additionally, consider the gender of the doll, as well as the style and design, and look for dolls that reflect your child's interests and hobbies. Finally, think about the accessories that come with the doll, and consider whether or not your child will enjoy playing with them. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect doll for your child and help them to have hours of fun and imaginative play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do 12 year olds like dolls?

The interest in dolls can vary among 12-year-olds. Typically, children begin to show less interest in playing with dolls as they enter early adolescence, around the age of 10 to 12 years old.

2. Can 13 year olds still play with dolls?

Thirteen-year-olds can still enjoy playing with dolls. There is no specific age limit for playing with dolls, and many people continue to collect and enjoy dolls even into adulthood.

3. How many dolls should a girl have?

The number of dolls a girl should have depends on her ability to take care of them. It is subjective to the individual and how much responsibility they can handle in terms of organizing, storing, and maintaining the dolls.

4. Is 14 too old for dolls?

There is no age limit for playing with dolls. It is not uncommon for 14-year-olds to still enjoy playing with dolls. The interest in dolls varies from person to person, and it is up to the individual to decide if they want to continue playing with dolls.

5. Is it normal for a 14-year-old to play with Barbies?

Yes, it is normal for a 14-year-old to play with Barbies or any other dolls. Children develop attachments to their dolls and may continue playing with them beyond what is considered typical. Playing with dolls is a personal preference and depends on the individual's perspective and attachment to dolls.

6. Is it normal for a 15-year-old to play with toys?

Yes, it is normal for a 15-year-old to play with toys. Toys can provide a way for individuals to relax and engage their imagination. Playing with toys is not limited to a specific age group and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

7. Is it OK to play dolls at 18?

Yes, it is absolutely okay to play with dolls at any age, including 18. Playing with dolls can stimulate imagination and creativity and is not harmful to anyone. Enjoying dolls as a hobby or for relaxation is a personal choice and should be embraced.

Editor's Notes

During our doll research, we found 24 doll products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 105,005 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dolls list. We found that most customers choose dolls with an average price of $18.60.

The dolls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dolls, including Mattel, Barbie, BABESIDE, Unicorn Academy, Monster High. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.

Dolls Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Mattel Barbie Mattel Mattel BABESIDE Unicorn Academy Monster High Barbie Barbie BABESIDE
Item Weight 2.29 ounces 6.3 ounces 3.53 ounces 5.6 ounces 2.27 pounds 6.8 ounces 8.8 ounces 11.3 ounces 4.2 ounces 1.52 pounds
Manufacturer recommended age 3 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up 4 years and up 3 years and up 4 years and up 4 years and up 6 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up
Release date October 18, 2024 April 5, 2025 January 1, 2023 November 14, 2024 - June 16, 2025 April 26, 2025 July 24, 2025 April 9, 2022 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy