A Paper Doll Childhood
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Paper Doll Cut Outs: Still an Ideal Toy
Mine was a paper doll childhood. From the time I was five until the time I was ten, my parents were restaurant owners, and that restaurant loomed large in our lives. The 'Roundup' employees often picked me up from the bus stop after school. They served me my dinner, and they served as my distracted baby sitters.
On more than one occasion, when my family was going to be at the restaurant until nightfall, we stopped at the nearby High's so I could pick out a book of paper dolls. I came by my favorite paper doll sets that way: Mitzi and Sissy and The Six Little Dolls, Sugar and Spice. Other paper doll books -- Skipper, Dusty --I acquired as Christmas presents.
Paper doll cut outs were perfect companions for a kid who entertained herself in restaurant booths. The hours didn't seem so long with a new book of cut outs and an old pair of scissors. Paper dolls were more portable than baby dolls or Barbies, and I could have oh, so many of them. They lent themselves better to solitary play than baby dolls did; the dolls themselves played all the characters, so it wasn't so necessary to have another playmate as actor. Those paper doll cut outs provided hours of 'busy work' and hours of play. Stories took shape in my mind as I cut; stories took wings when I played. I used my paper dolls to act out elaborate scenarios -- the kid with the paper doll collection was becoming a writer.
I believe that paper dolls make an ideal toy for many little ones, even in this modern age. The children -- and grownups -- of today have so many computerized toys and gizmos. I love computers myself, but there is still much to be said for the economical hands-on toys of yesteryear. There is still much to love about classic toys... and much to learn from the timeless paper doll.
On more than one occasion, when my family was going to be at the restaurant until nightfall, we stopped at the nearby High's so I could pick out a book of paper dolls. I came by my favorite paper doll sets that way: Mitzi and Sissy and The Six Little Dolls, Sugar and Spice. Other paper doll books -- Skipper, Dusty --I acquired as Christmas presents.
Paper doll cut outs were perfect companions for a kid who entertained herself in restaurant booths. The hours didn't seem so long with a new book of cut outs and an old pair of scissors. Paper dolls were more portable than baby dolls or Barbies, and I could have oh, so many of them. They lent themselves better to solitary play than baby dolls did; the dolls themselves played all the characters, so it wasn't so necessary to have another playmate as actor. Those paper doll cut outs provided hours of 'busy work' and hours of play. Stories took shape in my mind as I cut; stories took wings when I played. I used my paper dolls to act out elaborate scenarios -- the kid with the paper doll collection was becoming a writer.
I believe that paper dolls make an ideal toy for many little ones, even in this modern age. The children -- and grownups -- of today have so many computerized toys and gizmos. I love computers myself, but there is still much to be said for the economical hands-on toys of yesteryear. There is still much to love about classic toys... and much to learn from the timeless paper doll.
Contents at a Glance
The Educational Value of Paper Dolls
I have sometimes included educational cut out dolls among the choice time center activities in my primary grade classrooms. After all, they were the prewriting tools of my own childhood. Paper dolls and other pretend toys develop storytelling skills which carry over into a child's writing.Some paper dolls (such as the American Girls and Tom Tierney's historical paper dolls) are designed to teach American history and global education concepts. Other dolls and action figures can of course be used that way, but paper dolls do have certain advantages. Can a parent afford all the American Girl dolls and their slew of accessories? Probably not -- and not so healthy if they could. Can a parent afford all the paper doll sets? Ah, much more likely!
Having just a few prized dolls... well, that's conducive to emotional bonding. Having a variety of paper dolls, of different ages and different eras... that's conducive to story.
More About Educational Paper Dolls
History is, after all, story -- a story that can be acted out with paper doll cut outs and other paper toys. Children can use them to explore their own heritage as well as that of others. There are a lot of cultural and historical paper dolls online as well as in stores.
My Childhood Favorites
The Six Little Dolls Sugar and Spice
Like Those Little Dolls?
Visit This Paper Doll Album!
- Dora's Kid Stuff
- View the other three dolls in the "Six Little Dolls Sugar and Spice" collection, ooh and ah over their outfits -- and see a note about the collection.
Little Women Paper Dolls
By Tom Tierney
Once upon a time, I tried to act out Little Women with my motley assortment of dolls. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the casting. Pretend play can be easier if you have a set designed for that purpose.
Little Women Paper Dolls (Dover Paper Dolls)
Amazon Price: $2.57 (as of 06/03/2012)
Here's Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. This book of paper doll cut outs is by renowned paper doll artist, Tom Tierney -- exquisitely artistic when it comes to the faces as well as the dresses!
The 'Six Little Dolls' Had a Fancy Wardrobe!
A Delight to Cut Out
Across the years... I still retain some of the dolls. I found them in a box in my parents' garage. They stood up to a lot in their time. Heads were taped back on when necessary. The missing arm on Jackie? I liked realistic faces, but tended to look past missing limbs.
American Girls: Samantha Paper Doll
A little bit of history for cut and play
Learn about Victorian days by cutting out Samantha's paper dolls and assembling her little storybook. There's a lot of learning packed into this little doll set -- there's even information on the back of the outfits! This is a good companion activity to the paperback book series.
You can find paper doll sets to accompany the other storybook series as well.
You can find paper doll sets to accompany the other storybook series as well.
Samantha's Paper Dolls (American Girls Pastimes)
Amazon Price: $2.90 (as of 06/03/2012)
Remember the Betsy McCall Paper Dolls?
There are oodles of Betsy McCall paper doll cut outs right here.
I didn't have Betsy McCall paper dolls as a child -- they were a bit before my time -- but a lot of people have mentioned their memories of these particular magazine cut outs. Many of them are now available online.
- Betsy McCall: The First Ten Years
- See ten years of Betsy McCall dolls in their original context -- and click to open a big copy of pages you like.
- Betsy McCall at The Blue Door
- Paper dolls from the 1950s to the 1990s
Betsy McCall... in Miniature
Dollhouse scale paper dolls you can cut.
Paper Doll Bulletin Board
For people who are serious about their paper dolls! You can post questions, seek particular collectors' items, let other know about upcoming shows etc.
- Paper Doll Bulletin Board.
- For collectors, artisans etc.
More American Girls Paper Dolls
There have been different lines of American Girl paper doll sets: Budget sets have one paper doll with ten outfits to cut out and a mini-book to assemble. The older deluxe paper doll sets have backgrounds for pretend play and a couple extra dolls for to give the main character playmates. The newest deluxe sets (called Play Scenes and Paper Dolls") are punch out with dots instead of tabs. They feature one playmate, who has been reshaped so she can wear the same clothing as the "main character". The rooms now fold out.
Choose you favorite era/doll -- and you may have a choice of paper doll sets. (And if you are wondering who some of the paper doll characters are, they are more minor characters who appear in the book series. Some, but not all, are ones marketed as American Girls "best friends".)
Choose you favorite era/doll -- and you may have a choice of paper doll sets. (And if you are wondering who some of the paper doll characters are, they are more minor characters who appear in the book series. Some, but not all, are ones marketed as American Girls "best friends".)
Child and Teen Dolls
- Six and Sweet 16
- These beautiful dolls are out-of print and free for personal use.
- Mitzi and Sissy
- Mitzi and Sissy were my other childhood favorites.
- Alice in Wonderland Paper Dolls
- There are two versions of these dolls -- print them out in color (or in black and white and tint them yourself) This is from the Japanese version of the Disney Games site, so you may not be able to read the directions, but look the for printer icon.
- Colorado History Paper Dolls
- Here are Victorian era children.
Holiday Paper Dolls
More Paper Doll Freebies
By a Talented Artist
Big and little sisters in a variety of ethnicities, all beautifully dressed -- These paper doll cut outs are by a designer of Simplicity sewing patterns.
- Free Dolls and Outfits from Patty Reed Designs
- Browse around for more big sisters and little sisters and their outfits.
Out of Print Paper Dolls
From time to time, I find paper dolls from my own childhood advertised on eBay. The Ginghams are always there, though at varying prices. Others tend to be hit and miss.
Printing Paper Dolls on Cardstock
- e-how
- Tips from ehow on printing on cardstock.
Cardstock for Printing Paper Dolls
I recommend a heavy-duty paper for clothing, and cardstock for the dolls themselves. The picture here may not evoke images of paper dolls, but I selected the product because it looked like a good price for the thickness/ weight.
Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 92 Brightness, 110 lb, 8.5 x 11 Inches, White, 250 Sheets (48508)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)
Designed for report covers, this is an economical white cardstock for laser printers.
Creative Paper Doll Making
More Paper Doll Resources
Links From Around the Web
- Marilee
- Here are links to a number of web resources. (Marilee's has become something of an authority site over the years.)
- Tpettit Collection
- A lovely collection of out of print paper dolls
- Erin Fairchild
- Not quite vintage, these 80's dolls with exquisite dresses have been released for free printout. The set includes an adult woman and girls of two different ages.
- The Ginghams
- Many people have fond memories of these gingham-clad little girls.
- Irene's
- Barbie-style fashion doll with various outfits.
- Past Patterns
- A doll to represent you great great grandma.
- Candi Girl Fashion Doll
- This Barbie is realistically outlined. She has dresses, suits, and a nightgown.
- Whimsical Mouse Paper Dolls
- Dress Millie Mouse in a variety of outfits!
- A Little Beanie Bear Gets Dressed Up
- Erin has clothes for different holidays and seasons.
Budget Paper Doll Cut Outs
For Stocking Stuffers, Party Favors...
And Easter basket fun!
Little Pioneer Girl Paper Doll (Dover Little Activity Books Paper Dolls)
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 06/03/2012)
This adorable pioneer girl retails for only $1.50 -- and there's lots more styles and eras by artist Barbara Steadman. These pocket sized books feature some nice little cut out wardrobes, and traditional clothing styles from around the world.
Free Pioneer Paper Doll: Caddie Woodlawn
This beautiful doll is from the Wisconsin Historical Society. It's elaborately illustrated. Not only that, but you can print it for free right from the site of the organization.
- Caddie Woodlawn
- 18th century paper doll.
More Toys For Little Girls
With Big Imaginations
For Older Girls
Stretching Their Horizons
Did You Have a Paper Doll Childhood?
Share your thoughts.
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Atreyusmommy May 31, 2012 @ 3:51 pm | delete
- Great lens. I used to love playing with paper dolls. Thank you for sharing this.
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mommafox
May 26, 2012 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- Brings back such great pieces of my childhood. I can't wait to share these with my daughter.
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JGracey
Apr 16, 2012 @ 4:24 pm | delete
- Oh yeah - paper dolls were "the" thing to play with way back then. So many to choose from, and they were so much easier for "little hands" than drying to dress and undress dolls like the Barbie crew. Today, unused paper dolls from my era (the 1950s) are very collectible, but a lot harder to find in our area.
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Tolovaj
Apr 5, 2012 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- So cute lens, so full of great memories... Thanks!
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malzeke
Apr 2, 2012 @ 12:30 pm | delete
- I played with paper dolls from age 4 to 14 faithfully. I liked cutting out of the Sears catalog and making paper dolls from that. You took me down memory lane. I loved Besty McCall! My daughters looked forward to the American Girl magazine so they could get the paper doll in the back, among others reasons a well.
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Writingnag
Mar 24, 2012 @ 3:27 pm | delete
- Great memories! Yes I had a paper doll childhood as well. Blessed.
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artbyrodriguez
Jan 20, 2012 @ 12:09 pm | delete
- I had a box full of dolls and their clothes, I was always checking the corner store for new paper dolls to come in.
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veryirie
Jan 8, 2012 @ 3:59 am | delete
- Yes, it was a long time ago, but it sure was fun!
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WriterJanis
Dec 28, 2011 @ 3:38 am | delete
- This is such a sweet lens. I really enjoyed it.
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oxfordian
Dec 14, 2011 @ 7:01 pm | delete
- OMG, I had forgotten all about Caddie Woodlawn until I saw you mention her here. It was the first play I was ever in and it sparked a life-long love for the theater in me. I love this lens. Thank you so much.
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akarki
Nov 3, 2011 @ 3:16 am | delete
- very beautiful lens about paper dolls, our children forgot about them, what a pity.
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JodiFromFlorida
Oct 4, 2011 @ 10:00 pm | delete
- I loved paper dolls! My friends and I used to play with them for hours on end.
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KarenKay Sep 13, 2011 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- So cute! Brings back lots of happy memories! Thanks for the blessing btw!
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Blonde_Blythe Aug 16, 2011 @ 7:53 am | delete
- Yes I did! I spent hours making my own clothes for them. Once, I even had a set of Munsters paper dolls. Boy, I wish I still had them! :) Thank you so much for blessing my "How I Wrote and Got My Nonfiction Book Published" lens! Awesome lens, by the way! :)
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partybuzz
Aug 12, 2011 @ 10:17 am | delete
- Oh yes, I played with paper dolls all the time and loved them!! And, doll houses, too. :)
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Paper Doll Resources
On this page
- The Educational Value of Paper Dolls
- More About Educational Paper Dolls
- My Childhood Favorites
- Little Women Paper Dolls
- The 'Six Little Dolls' Had a Fancy Wardrobe!
- American Girls: Samantha Paper Doll
- Remember the Betsy McCall Paper Dolls?
- Betsy McCall... in Miniature
- Paper Doll Bulletin Board
- Child and Teen Dolls
- Images of Paper Dolls
- Holiday Paper Dolls
- More Paper Doll Freebies
- Out of Print Paper Dolls
- Printing Paper Dolls on Cardstock
- Creative Paper Doll Making
- More Paper Doll Resources
- Budget Paper Doll Cut Outs
- Free Pioneer Paper Doll: Caddie Woodlawn
by KarenTBTEN
Hi. I'm a teacher and a writer who loves story in its myriad forms. In childhood, paper doll cut outs provided me with a path in to the world of stor... more »
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