There are countless ways to play with dolls. While you may already have your go-to methods, it's always exciting to learn something new. Here, you’ll discover ideas shared by doll enthusiasts that we hope will inspire you to have a fun time.
School Play
Step 1. Play School.
Play school. Teach your doll how to count and read, and introduce her to math and social studies. Set up a dictation or a math test to add some fun to the game. You can even conduct a fire drill, just like in a real school! Consider creating a locker and a desk for her. You can also use your own desk to teach the doll what you’ve learned in class.
- Use a writing board if you have one at home. If not, you can use thick paper or cardboard.
Playing Mom
Step 1. Play Mom.
Play mom. Imagine that you are the mother of your doll. Keep the house tidy, pay the bills, and take care of your little one. Don't forget to take her to playdates with other kids.
Profession Play
Step 1. Play Restaurant.
Play restaurant. Serve your doll a fancy dish! Set up tables and use toy dishes.
Step 2. Play Store.
Play store. Your doll will help you! In this game, you can also be a mom who has opened her family business.
Step 3. Play Model.
Play model. Dress your doll in her favorite outfit or try out new combinations. Afterward, style her hair to highlight her beauty. If you have a camera, capture the look so her runway debut is forever remembered. Imagine you are a paparazzo!
Step 4. Start Your Business.
Start your business. Open a beauty salon: pierce dolls’ ears, do makeup and manicures. Play with your neighbors and friends.
Step 5. Open a Fashion Boutique.
Open a fashion boutique. Sew dresses for dolls and pretend you are the owner. Hang price tags on everything and be the cashier!
Step 6. Play Nanny.
Play nanny. Imagine you are taking care of the doll while her parents are at work. Don’t forget when it’s time to feed her, read a story, or put her to bed!
Step 7. Play Hospital.
Play hospital. Imagine your doll is sick or has a broken arm. Be the doctor and help her get better. Let your doll receive postcards and flowers from friends.
Shopping Play
Step 1. Go to the Mall.
Go to the mall. If you don’t have time to visit a real mall, gather all your doll’s clothes and lay them out on cubes that will serve as display windows. Let the dolls shop for themselves.
- Create sections from shoeboxes. Improvise and put other toys up for sale. Create areas where people can sit and relax, eat, and chat with other visitors.
Step 2. Visit the Beauty Salon.
Go to the beauty salon. Give your doll makeup and a manicure. Try different hairstyles, using ribbons and pretty clips. If your doll has curls, put them in a ponytail so they don’t get caught on everything.
- Use only special doll cosmetics. Do not use real makeup, as it can damage her skin. You can buy a cosmetic kit at a toy store.
- Do not use real nail polish, as it will likely be impossible to remove later.
- Brush your doll’s hair only with a special brush to keep it in great condition.
- If you are playing hair salon, avoid getting water on the doll's face.
Outdoor Play
Step 1. Go to the Park.
Go to the park. Slide and swing with your doll. It’s better not to take her on a boat ride, as she might fall into the water and get damaged.
Step 2. Play Vacation.
Play vacation. Go to the beach or find adventures in your backyard.
Step 3. Go Camping.
Go camping. Use sleeping bags as beds (if you don’t have sleeping bags, take a blanket and pillowcase). Imagine you’ve made a campfire. Tell your doll a story before bedtime and sleep together all night. You can even make badges and play pioneers.
- How to make a toy campfire: take colored napkins (red or orange) to create flames. Gather twigs and bark for wood. Prepare food for you and your doll to roast over the fire.
Step 4. Roller Skate or Skateboard.
Roller skate or skateboard. Put on your roller skates and help your doll get dressed. You can also put her on a skateboard. Don’t forget helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads to avoid getting hurt when falling.
Step 5. Play Outdoors.
Play outdoors. You can draw little hopscotch for the dolls or create a basketball court. Choose the sports games you enjoy and make miniature versions of them. If you have several dolls, create teams.
Rainy Day Games
Step 1. Play in the Closet.
Play in the closet. An excellent and fun game is to gather all your dolls, some clothes, and toy food in the closet: imagine you are traveling by train with your children to another country.
Step 2. Pretend You Are from Another Era.
Pretend you are from another era. Choose any historical period and dress your doll in the style of women from that time.
Step 3. Create a Blog for Your Doll.
Create a blog for your doll. She should share various stories from her life.
Step 4. Write Your Own Story About Anything You Want.
Write your own story about anything you want. You and your doll can be the main characters. Act it out in a skit or write it down. Publish it on a blog if you wish.
Step 5. Film a Video with Your Doll and Upload It to YouTube (if parents allow)!
Step 6. Form a Band with Your Doll.
Create a band with your doll. Give her a microphone—let her sing about her feelings. Make drums and guitars for the other members. You can make drums from bottle caps and guitars using markers and cardboard (you can simply print out an image of a guitar and stick it onto thick paper).
Step 7. Draw a Portrait.
Draw a portrait. If you have paints, sit your doll on a chair and paint her. Hang the portrait on your wall (or hers if you built her a separate room).
Contests
Step 1. Hold a Talent Show.
Hold a talent show. Create prizes for the winners: your doll or you can perform. The most important thing is to remember to find judges.
Step 2. Organize a Dance Contest.
Organize a dance contest. Pick outfits for the dolls and practice with them. Prepare ribbons for prizes and then start the competition.
Step 3. Hold a Gymnastics Competition.
Hold a gymnastics competition. Stack books and let your dolls do flips and tumbles off them. Hand out medals after the competition.
Step 4. Host a Fashion Show.
Host a fashion show. Invite your friends along with their dolls. Ask them to dress their dolls in the latest fashion to participate in the show. Play music and let your dolls shine on the runway. You and your friends can be judges: choose the best dress, best walk, and best performance.
Doll Accessories
Step 1. Use Household Items to Make Everything You Need (for example:
Use household items to make everything you need (for example, shoeboxes for display windows). Create everything you need for your imaginary adventures!
Step 2. Build a Bedroom.
Build a bedroom. Use a small blanket and pillow to make a bed. Take a box that’s the right size and stick posters inside—it will be your doll's bedroom. Push the bed against the wall, place a rug down, and set up a nightstand (a small cube). Add other items and tuck her in for sleep.
- You can make bunk beds using two boxes. Use toilet paper rolls to create two levels.
- Make a cradle for little children—they can be your dolls' younger siblings.
- Create a coffee table from a small box—put toy books and cups on it.
Step 3. Create a Board Game Featuring Your Dolls.
Create a board game featuring your dolls. Draw a map and come up with the rules. Use dice and game pieces as needed. Play the game together with the dolls.
