For Purpose Kids | Diverse Dolls For Kids
What is a handmade diverse cultural doll?
Diverse dolls are toys that depict people of different ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. Diverse dolls provide children with an educational and inclusive experience by allowing them to learn about other cultures and identities. These dolls come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes to better represent the diverse population of people around the world. Diverse dolls can also help reduce stereotypes about certain groups of people since they offer a more realistic representation than traditional dolls do. These are not inclusive barbies, they are more culturally inclusive little doll toys.
A handmade diverse cultural doll is a type of toy that is designed to resemble a human being, and which represents different cultures from around the world. These dolls are usually made by hand, and they often come in a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, and colors.
Why are inclusive dolls important?
Inclusive dolls are essential because they teach children about the importance of diversity and inclusion. They encourage kids to see themselves in the world around them and provide an educational opportunity to learn more about different cultures, races, religions, abilities, and medical conditions. Diverse dolls can also help children understand that everyone is unique and should be valued for who they are. Furthermore, these toys can help reduce any negative stereotypes or prejudices that may exist within society by giving children a positive representation of different groups of people.
Where can I get diverse dolls?
There are a number of places you can get diverse dolls. One option is to shop at online retailers that specialize in selling diverse dolls, such as For Purpose Kids which even gives back.
The Story | For Purpose Kids - Plush Diversity Baby Dolls
Pictured: Founder, Misty Castañeda & Son
We all want our children to feel safe and loved. To feel they belong. For Purpose Kids, is one of the premier doll brands.
The origin story from the Founder of For Purpose Kids:
"As a little girl, I remember being unsure how to navigate the world. Some things would make me extremely happy, like going to the beach and singing with my Dad. Other things would make me crushingly sad, like reading about devastating events and learning about people suffering. It felt like I was personally experiencing their pain. My family told me I was safe and had everything I needed, but I wanted to understand how to belong in a world that felt so overwhelming. I was incredibly privileged to travel to other countries while growing up. Over time, I realized I felt most “at home” outside of the United States – in places where I met new people and interacted with other cultures that spoke to my heart, even in a different language. The seed of For Purpose Kids was planted back then, but it began to take root while I was living in Hong Kong as an adult in 2014. There seemed to be an extreme disconnect between my fellow ex-pats and those who lived and worked in the places we were living and traveling. I knew I needed to do something to cultivate more connections. I also knew my worldview was more open because I was introduced to different cultures throughout my life. After seeing a video online of a compassionate young boy named Dane raising money for his community, the vision for For Purpose Kids began to sprout. I imagined a world where being kind and doing good for others become the rule for the next generation rather than the exception – and I got to work creating the first version of FPK.
Many voices told me kids were “too young” to understand what I was trying to inspire, like empathy, compassion, and belonging, but I knew that wasn’t true.
Back in the U.S. two years later, still trying to find my stride with FPK, my husband and I welcomed our son into our multi-ethnic family, and I became a Mom. I kept thinking: what will I say when my son grows up and asks, “What did you do when the world I was born into was so full of hate, fear, and divisiveness?” With this, the drive to connect people, especially young people, became that much more urgent. And since learning about other people, new places, and different cultures has always been my primary point of connection, I decided to narrow the focus to inspiring the next generation of global citizens through cultural exploration. Through several iterations, numerous conversations with parents and caregivers, and ongoing research about the power of play and how imaginative stories can expand young minds, the Global Kidzens were born.
Along with a team of visionaries, we’ve brought the Global Kidizen dolls and stories to life. What we’ve created together as a team brings me so much joy and gratitude – feelings I hope are shared as you interact with For Purpose Kids and the Global Kidizens. I’m so glad you’re here."
At For Purpose Kids, each character is developed with partners from the country and culture the doll represents.
This ensures authentic experiences and details in each story. These stories welcome children into new worlds where they learn about others, cultivating acceptance. Diverse representation of cultures allows kids to see themselves in these dolls and books, which nurtures feelings of belonging.
As part of the development process, they work closely with partners from each country to bring the characters to life, creating authentic, kid-friendly stories about their cultures and communities.
Giving back to support global communities is a core part of For Purpose Kids' mission.
A donation is made with the purchase of every Global Kidizen doll. Organizations receiving contributions have been chosen by the partners in their home countries and vetted for transparency. Donations support Peru, India, Kenya, China, and the United States communities. An integral part of the development process is working closely with partners from each country to bring these characters to life, creating authentic, kid-friendly stories about their cultures and communities. Because this work would not be possible without these partners, For Purpose Kids wants to give back to the places they're most passionate about. So, for every Global Kidizen doll sold, they donate to organizations chosen by their partners in their home country.
The Development Partners
India - Richa Prasant & Teachers at the Sunaayy Foundation
Richa Prasant is the Founder of the Sunaayy Foundation in New Delhi, India. “As a privileged middle-class Indian, in my journey to find purpose in life - beyond armchair philanthropy, I wanted to focus on providing the basics of learning and nourishment in a safe place for the out-of-school children. Charity should start at home, but it should not stop there”, she said. As Sunnay has expanded, Richa has also begun to understand the importance of women-led growth and empowerment. This is critical because a substantial body of evidence, particularly from developing countries like India, shows that having strong female role models in the teaching staff and in educational management roles, as they do in Sunaayy, is positively associated with educational outcomes, especially girls’ educational achievements.
“To partner with For Purpose Kids has been a new experience for many of our teachers, and to share their culture with the world has brought a newfound sense of confidence and pride in who they are.”
Kenya - Nyambura Wahu
Nyambura Wahu was born into the impoverished neighborhood of Kawangware, Kenya. She remembers living for the day that she would be able to leave behind the squalor that surrounded her. Daydreaming of a better life became a hobby…one she was determined to make a reality. By creating beautiful jewelry pieces, she saved enough money to leave Kawangware behind and move to Lamu in 2012. She opened the African Corner Retail Shop in Shela Village, where she sells jewelry and art from all over the African Continent.
China/Asia - Selina Yu
An educator, a mother, and a person who loves traveling worldwide.
Peru - New Hope Foundation
New Delhi, India - Sunaayy Foundation
Richa Prasant is the Founder of the Sunaayy Foundation in New Sunaayy Foundation, a Non-Profit Organization founded in May 2009 in the Vasant Kunj Area of New Delhi, India. Its objective is to provide education to children from economically weaker backgrounds. Sunday adopts an issues-based approach to focus on the critical development challenge of addressing children's poor education, health, hygiene, and nourishment outcomes from underprivileged and marginalized households. Learn more about Sunaayy Foundation.
Lamu Island, Kenya - Ubunifu Lamu
Ubunifu means creativity in Swahili. They are a community-based organization that launched in March 2020 while Kenya was on lockdown during the Covid pandemic. During this time, Nyambura was forced to close down the African Corner Retail Shop temporarily, tourists were prevented from traveling to the island, and all schools were closed. Nyambura wanted the kids in the village to have a safe space to go to each day and a way to express themselves through art, music, yoga, poetry, and environmental education. She decided to open up her art studio to the kids and launch Ubunifu. Ubunifu Lamu Initiative’s mission is to integrate cultural and creative programming into the everyday lives of vulnerable children in Mararani Village. Their vision is to create a program where local, ex-pat and tourist children can be together, creative, and free. Learn more about Ubunifu Lamu
Beijing, China - One Sky For All Children
OneSky teaches communities and caregivers to provide nurturing, responsive care and early education that unlocks the potential hidden in our world’s most vulnerable young children. Growing up happily with the ability to feel love is a challenge for the world’s 935 million orphaned, left-behind and neglected children. OneSky for all children, a global NGO based in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Berkeley, offers innovative, scalable models designed to unlock the potential of the world’s most vulnerable children. OneSky trains local staff and communities to provide early interaction and stimulation tailored to each child’s needs and interests, which is essential for a healthy start. The care that OneSky provides is as ancient and essential as a mother’s kiss, but its impact is profound. When children learn to receive and give love, neuroscientists tell us their brain development is enhanced. Thanks to OneSky’s generous supporters, once-forgotten children are learning what it means to have a doting adult exulting over every one of their developmental milestones. Learn more about OneSky for All Children
Arequipa, Peru - New Hope Peru
New Hope provides a stable and loving environment for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children on a long-term basis. They care for an average of 40 to 50 children, from infants to 18 years or older, as they pursue vocational or university studies. Children at New Hope live in casitas, small family-style apartments with groups of 6-7 other children and houseparents. Learn more about New Hope Peru
Oakland, California, United States - Playworks cloth baby doll set favorite fabric dolls to peg dolls inch black doll dress subscription bias.
Playworks bring out the best in kids through play. Playtime is kids’ time. But schools can and should create play environments that help kids be their best. Studies show that recess matters: a thoughtful approach to recess improves children’s physical health and social and emotional learning. Playworks helps schools and districts make the most of recess through on-site staffing, consultative support, professional development, free resources, and more.
These beautifully hand-knit dolls are ethically made by artisans in Peru using sustainable materials, without polyester fiber fill.
These dolls are designed & produced by a Certified World Fair Trade Organization. We use eco-friendly, non-toxic, 100% cotton yarn, making the dolls not only soft & cuddly but safe for your family and our planet. As a result, the community of artisan partners can share their talents with the world while earning a living wage in a safe and supportive environment, often being able to work in their own homes.
Each doll is beautifully hand-knit by Artisans in Peru working within a certified fair trade organization and using non-toxic, sustainable,100% cotton yarn. Hence, you know that the dolls are soft, perfect for playing and snuggling, and safe for your family and our planet.
Is there a normal age to stop playing with name-brand dolls and toys like me?
Delightfully, the answer is no. We all have the "kid" in us that delights in the beauty, softness and nurturing quality of handmade dolls.
Multiracial doll set, a holistic version of multicultural barbies:
Best DIFFERENT CULTURAL DOLLS FOR 2023:
THE GLOBAL KIDIZEN COLLECTION
Can’t decide WHICH doll to get? Why not get them all? Receive all 5 Global Kidizen dolls with this purchase and take your littles on an adventure around the world! This package is sure to surprise & delight every member of the family.
MÍNG LÌ FROM CHINA
meet míng lì from china! míng lì loves to paint and share the things she feels through her art. one day, she hopes to travel the world and create beautiful things for herself & others to enjoy.
RAVI FROM INDIA
Meet Ravi from India! Ravi loves spending time with and learning about animals. His favorite thing to do is to visit the Tiger Preserve with his Dada Ji (his grandfather) and take pictures of the wild animals
THE TEAM WHICH IS BEHIND RAG DOLLS
Behind For Purpose Kids is a team of storytellers, educators, designers, parents, and caregivers passionate about creating imaginative stories & toys that build empathy, connection, and belonging. They know firsthand how many hearts have been opened by connecting with others worldwide, and want to share that experience, through play, with you & your littles.
Misty Castañeda| Founder of For Purpose Kids
Misty is the Founder & Cultivator of Wonder at For Purpose Kids. This social enterprise connects her passion for working with children and traveling the world with her background in sales & marketing and early childhood education. She lives in Orlando with her family but can often be found at the beach, traveling to her favorite place, Hong Kong, or back to her childhood home in Vermont.
Rachael Parker-Chavez
Rachael Parker-Chavez is an aspiring optimist, Social Impact Strategist, and co-founder of Super by Design. She uses Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design to support organizations in creating civic and social change. She also has the privilege of mentoring social entrepreneurs and building impact initiatives at UCLA. In addition, Rachael is an advocate for youth in foster care, a zealous fur-mom, a self-appointed “cool aunt,'' and dedicated to creating a more equitable future for all people. You can find her between Northern Michigan and Southern California.
Gabriele N. Ward Almon
Gabriele is a writer dedicated to creating stories that inspire children and adults to feel brave, hopeful, and helpful in an ever-changing world. She leads a creative agency that specializes in story strategy and narrative shifting. Previously, Gabriele served as an advisor to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international government agencies, and numerous humanitarian organizations on disaster and crisis efforts.
Maicol Parker-Chavez
Maicol Parker-Chavez is a Business Designer and co-founder of Super by Design, where he helps organizations build more effective solutions through inclusion and design. Maicol has been a designer for over 15 years and believes in bringing diverse perspectives into the development process to create a shared understanding and build the foundation for more creative and equitable problem-solving. Maicol was born in Peru and raised in Southern California, where he currently lives with his wife and three furry kids.
Jessica Bañuelos
Jessica is studying for her B.S. in Computer Science at the Cal State University of Long Beach. She enjoys expressing herself creatively, whether it be through drawing, cooking, or programming. She also loves to be active in biking, rock climbing, and trail running.
Melissa Monroy
Melissa Monroy is the Founder + Creative behind Mint and Merit, a heart-fueled, purpose-driven design studio in San Diego, California. She has a B. An in Applied Arts and Sciences from SDSU, and 15+ years of experience in branding and print design. Melissa is on a mission to create goodness with honesty + love, + typography. She loves turning a blank slate into a masterpiece and working with individuals & businesses who strive to create meaningful work. She is committed to doing good + loving people + making the world a better place, one design at a time.
Noah Nash
Noah Nash, EdD, is an interdisciplinary leader using research, web development, and storytelling to move initiatives forward thoughtfully. His portfolio includes children's rights, emerging technologies, and philanthropy projects. He is most proud of being a loyal brother to youth in foster care, a dog-whisperer, and a cool uncle. Noah loves cooking with his family across the United States when not home in Los Angeles.
FAQ
Q: Why is the character from the United States white?
Like many countries, and especially in the U.S., there are a multitude of cultures and identities. For Purpose Kids gave Xander a great deal of thought and we want to share the reasoning behind this decision. First, as some of you may know, the inspiration for the brand, at its inception, was a young boy from Houston, Texas named Dane (see the Kickstarter from 2018 for more info on Dane’s inspiration). The initial iteration of the five multicultural characters included Dane as a character, which very closely resembles the current version of Xander. While FPK changed all of the names and stories of the characters to re-imagine the Global Citizens, they felt it was important to maintain this character as a connection to our origin story. Second, the Founder has a young son, who bears a similar resemblance to this character and is half-Hispanic and of Greek heritage. For Purpose Kids believes in embracing lived experiences, which is why they work so closely with their development partners for each of the other characters. They want, not only, to begin where we’re at, but acknowledge the responsibility that they share in raising white boys in the United States. With privilege comes responsibility and that is something we take very seriously. It is impossible to represent any country in the world in one culture, and it was never their intent to do so. This is simply a starting point, for the reasons listed above, and they look forward to developing additional dolls and stories to represent the many wonderful cultures that exist within the United States, and around the world.
Q: Why are the dolls so expensive?
It has always been important for this company to source their products in a sustainable and ethical way. This means working with artisans and manufacturers that are as committed to upholding these values as we are. These dolls are hand-knit by artisans in Peru working within a Certified World Fair Trade Organization so we know that they will earn a living wage, while at the same time, sharing their amazing talents with the world. Ensuring they’re paid a living wage while in a safe environment means the end product simply costs more to produce. In addition, our dolls are made with 100% cotton yarn and eco-friendly dyes that are safe for your family and the planet. They are designed, and made, to last so that one day your littles will be able to pass them down to their littles. Again, committing to these standards translates to higher production costs, and therefore, higher costs for our customers. As For Purpose Kids continues to grow, they plan to explore the possibility of offering a community pricing scale, as well as sharing dolls with under-resourced communities so that kids from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the dolls that they play with.
Q: Do they plan on creating dolls from other countries, and/or representing additional ethnicities from within countries you already have characters from?
YES and YES! The sky is truly the limit when it comes to imagining new characters and For Purpose Kids is so excited to create dolls and stories from every corner of the world. In addition, as mentioned above, it is impossible to represent any country in any one singular way and it has never been their intention to try to do so. They would also love to incorporate other intersectionalities into the characters, such as differing abilities, gender identities, and family makeup – just to name a few. The world is full of so much richness and diversity and For Purpose Kids can’t wait to celebrate that with an ever-expanding collection of Global Kidizen dolls and stories.
Q: Do the Global Kidizen Dolls meet all required safety standards?
Yes, these dolls have been tested by an accredited testing lab and meet all safety standards for the United States and Canada for 0+ years.