Joeydolls
Cultural representation through rag dolls.
As much as I complain about social media algorithms, there have been a few times when I’ve been shown something perfectly up my alley and that was the case when I saw a random Joeydolls post pop up while scrolling through Instagram.
Canadian doll brand Joeydolls are relatively new to the market, being an idea that grew and took root during the pandemic days, when Samantha, owner of Joeydolls, could no longer pursue her career in photography. Emotions were high and hateful words were being spewed about. Seeing this, especially when those hateful words were aimed at those of Asian ethnicity, Samantha decided she, an Asian Australian, wanted to create something that would, “combat racism, colorism, and nurture a sense of worth and love among young children”.
Hand in hand, Samantha also started thinking about how great it would be for her daughters to have a doll that was different than the one she had growing up, that looked nothing like her, growing up as an Asian Australian. That quest turned into Joeydolls, a line of dolls that at the core represents connection, impact, diversity and empowerment, as well as cultural acceptance and representation.
There are many different cultures represented within the term Asian and Joeydolls strives to represent as many as possible. Currently the line features Mei (Chinese), Malaya (Filipino), Hoa and Thuong (Vietnamese), Aiko (Japanese), Kamala (Indian), Danbi (Korean) and Soriya (Cambodian).
Joeydolls, winner of the National Parenting Product Awards in 2024, are rag dolls, so they’re safe for all ages, babies on up! You can wash them on gentle cycle in a laundry bag if they need a bit more than a spot cleaning, which is very handy, especially as they’re meant to grow and have fun adventures with your child or loved one.
The rag dolls are 18” tall and crafted with high quality materials. They have embroidered features, styled yarn hair and authentic outfits, such as a kimono, cheongsam or Hanbok, to name a few. Each doll comes with a storybook or fact card that talks more about the heritage the doll represents. One thing I’m not 100% sure on is if the outfits are removable, but there is so much information on each doll’s product listing, I might have missed it.
This line has so many things going for it. Rag dolls are classic and not seen enough in the doll world, especially in 18 inches. There’s a simple beauty to them. You really can’t find a more huggable doll. And the fact that so many cultures are represented, with potentially more on the way? I love it!
I especially am drawn to this brand because I am a mom to a toddler and preschooler who have Japanese and Korean in their heritage, besides the Sicilian/mixed European they get from my side. I want my girls to be able to celebrate all parts of them and the best way to do that is to have dolls that represent everything they are. So, while I haven’t found a cannoli loving Sicilian doll just yet to put under the tree (one day!), Joeydolls seem perfect for my girls.
I think my favorite is Aiko, representing the Japanese culture. I love everything about her! I don’t think they could have made a more adorable doll if they’d tried. The cherry blossom kimono, the details in the hair and the bun? She is perfect. Danbi, representing Korean culture, is also quite charming. I love her outfit. She looks just like she stepped out of a period k-drama!
I’d love to see the brand expand with boy dolls, as well as dolls with open embroidered eyes and additional outfits, but as they are right now, I’m a fan! With a mission to celebrate diversity by creating dolls that reflect the vibrant cultures and traditions of Asia, through playful, authentic representations of Asian heritage, I hope Joeydolls thrives and grows as more learn about this new doll range.
You can find more information or order your own Joeydolls on their website, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook! Educators, take a look at their educator program to learn more about how to incorporate them into your classroom. Thoughts on Joeydolls? Share them in the comment area!