A little over a month ago, I had an opportunity to review or give away a Karito Kids doll here on What’s That Smell?. I was all ready to run a giveaway to reward my faithful readers because these dolls sell for almost $100. Well, obviously I didn’t do that. When I received the doll and opened the box and saw her, my jaw dropped. She was stunning. Not only that, she was the Chinese doll, Wan Ling. At that moment, I knew that I would be giving her way, but not to a random winner. There was only one person I could think of who truly deserved this doll and who could also review her from a very unique perspective. That person is my friend Alyson from 3 P’s in a Pod.
You see, Alyson has 3 children, 2 of them adopted, one of them from China and I just knew that she and her daughters would all cherish Ling, so I promptly placed her back in the shipping box and sent her to Alyson. Below is her review:
Our Favorite of the Karito Kids – Wan Ling!
If you are a mom of girls, you have most likely heard about American Girl dolls. Really, I never knew what the big deal was about them but now that my 2 oldest girls each own one I have a better appreciation for them. Recently we went to the Dallas AG store and I noticed they had a Chinese American doll, Ivy. As the mom of an adopted Chinese daughter, I was really pleased to see that and I figured eventually I would purchase one for P3. You see, I do not want her to think that since she does not look like Barbie, there is something wrong with her, you know?
Well, let me introduce you to my latest love – Karito Kids. These beautiful dolls are a whole different story. They aren’t your ordinary doll! Each of the 21 inch tall dolls represent a different world culture – how 2008 can you get? They have six dolls in their lineup –Zoe from New York, Gia from Italy, Lulu from Kenya, Pita from Mexico, Piper from Australia (the newest), and Wan Ling from Shanghai, China. We would love the Piper doll of course (all of them really!), but the one we had to have for P3 is Wan Ling. Thankfully, I was offered this wonderful opportunity to review her for you by Ms. Kim of What’s That Smell? and now we are all in love with her.
My first thought when she arrived was how exquisite her features are and that she completely takes my breath away – seriously! Her face is incredibly realistic. Made out of a non-phthalate vinyl and with a soft-body torso, she is lovable and huggable. She can stand, sit and be posed in a number of positions. P1 fell in love with her outfit the moment she saw her – bright orange top with a beautiful butterfly, denim skirt, white tights, hot pink socks and white lace-up boots. Too bad she is not for her. lol All of the Karito Kids will fit in most 18″ doll clothes. And Ling’s hair – so much like P3′s beautiful black hair. Long, straight and in small braids, it can be styled in many different ways. Along with each of the six Karito Kids dolls, comes with her own passport and a chapter book that is a part fiction/part fact story (written at a 5th grade level) about her heritage.
Eleven-year old Wan Ling has just moved from her family’s home in rural Chengdu to bustling Shanghai, China, where her father will be caring for endangered pandas at the city zoo and if there is one thing Ling loves it is PANDAS! Her determination and inquisitive nature sometimes get her into—and out of—trouble. Her book also includes pages from her scrapbook about Shanghai.
While the Karito Kids are safety tested for children 3+ under both U.S. and Canadian standards, they are designed for girls age 6 and up so I guess Miss P3 will just have to wait.
Like all Karito Kids products, three percent of the $99 purchase price of each doll helps another child and your child gets to decide how. Now how is that for helping them to learn about giving back?! Each doll comes with a unique activation code which allows them to log on to karitokids.com. While on the Karito Kidswebsite, children can read the doll’s blog, learn fun recipes from her home country, read about her travels, and participate in message boards. She can even play great games, earn extra World Change™ and direct their gift to one of four causes: school, home, health or food.
Of course, I am a realistic enough person to know that the dolls are a big investment and often out of reach financially, especially these days. Luckily, at a lower price – around $20 – you can get a smaller, softer version of the original dolls with their new line of Travel Charmers dolls. They also carry doll clothing, the books that come with the dolls, and some really cute Travel Charmers bracelets – something in many price ranges.
If you spend any time around the Karito Kids, you will be as enamored with them as I am. These gorgeous, realistic dolls help to teach empathy and global awareness. I know P3 will love Ling for years to come. Even now, she is absolutely enchanted with her. She loves to hold the box and just stare at her. She points to her and jabbers excitedly and points out all of her features. She really seems taken with the ideas that, “Hey, my doll looks just like ME!” I really think receiving one of the Karito Kids is the perfect gift for any little girl!
Written by Alyson from 3 P’s in a Pod.
Thank you again Kim and for all of you wonderful readers, these dolls really are breathtaking! I cannot imagine you would not be pleased with one.:)