Mini vintage rag dolls that inspire huge love

When I brought home a Best Pals rag doll for my youngest daughter, I had no idea it would end up becoming one of her very favorite of many (many) dolls an stuffed animals. I mean, clearly I loved the simplicity of the design and the wond…

Mini vintage rag dolls that inspire huge love
When I brought home a Best Pals rag doll for my youngest daughter, I had no idea it would end up becoming one of her very favorite of many (many) dolls an stuffed animals. I mean, clearly I loved the simplicity of the design and the wonderful backstory behind its creation, but I was thrilled to know it doesn't take batteries or "real chewing action!" to make a kid happy these days.

Now the Best Pals have new mini versions, and they're just adorable.
If your daughter is going off to camp or kindergarten for the first time and needs a little friend in her backpack to keep her company, I think the Best Pals Mini Dolls are just the thing. They're 5" tall copies of the original two dolls designed by Lawrence Welk-era child singing stars, Kathy and Janet Lennon, with the same vintage style clothing and detailing. Plus they come in a sweet little cardboard valise, making it a great little gift all for under $25.

And if you've already got a Janet or Kathy doll (Or "Rose" as my daughter calls hers) around the house, even better. Meet their new little sisters. -Liz

Find the Best Pals dolls and new Best Pals Mini Dolls online at the website or in your local indie toy shop.

And for something really fun, check out the 1957 video of Janet Lennon singing Mairzey Doats on Lawrence Welk. It's one of my girls' favorites.

More in KidsView all picks →

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.

Explore Build-a-Bear

Some Not-So-Spooky Fun this Halloween

How can Build-A-Bear be used for Halloween costumes? Let kids create a spooky Build-A-Bear sidekick to incorporate into their costume, which can help the costume be enjoyed beyond Halloween.

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…