Some haven't been around long but even porcelain dolls only become popular in the 19th century. Early dolls were made of materials such as clay, fur or wood. Dolls made out of wood have been found in Egyptian graves from as long ago as 2000 BC. Wax dolls came into use in the 17th and 18th centuries. Rag dolls became a popular way for parents to make inexpensive dolls for their children, particularly in the 19th century. It was only after World War II that dolls started to be mass-manufactured and made of plastic.

Differences between Dolls and Action Figures

There is no standard way to differentiate between a doll and an action figure. Some companies will market one toy as an action figure, whereas another company will market a similar product as a doll. Toys that are aimed at boys will usually be marketed as action figures while those for girls will more often be labeled as dolls. In reality, however, the terms are often interchangeable. To some degree the phrase "action figure" applies to dolls whose limbs can be positioned, but this is not a hard and fast rule.

What Are Dolls Made of?

Dolls can be made of many different materials. Most of the mass-manufactured dolls today (like Barbie dolls) are made of plastics. However, there are many older and even some new dolls around fashioned from porcelain, wood, fabric, wool, or natural items like corn husks. Doll-makers often sell these traditional types of dolls at specialty markets. You can also buy or make a paper doll, often times out of cast off newspaper - a traditional and favorite "rainy day" activity for little girls. "Do it yourself" or "crafty" children and parents may choose to make their own toy dolls out of materials found in the home, such as clothes pins, cardboard cylinders from paper products, old clothes, stockings and even egg-cartons.

How Are Dolls Used?

Dolls that are bought for children are usually designed to be played with. Children dress up their dolls and have them play roles in elaborate, imaginative adventures. Different dolls can be used in different ways. Some come with certain accessories (such as houses and cars) that allow the figure to be put through a variety of scenarios. Other dolls can drink from a bottle or "answer" simple questions. Even dolls that have no special functions can usually be dressed, cuddled and serve the purpose of a "special friend."

Not all dolls, however, are designed for play. Some are purely decorative, like porcelain dolls that are often put on display. Many people also choose to collect dolls or buy special collectible dolls which they guard in mint condition to increase their value, often never removing the figure from its original packaging.

Continue to : How to Choose Toy Dolls

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Dolls - Let Your Children Play With the Human Replica!

Differences between Dolls and Action Figures

What Are Dolls Made of?

How Are Dolls Used?

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