Christmas is just around the corner. Why not make Lottie part of your Christmas gift giving? Lottie is a fairly new range of dolls, providing girls age 3 to 9 with an alternative to Barbie dolls. Launched in the summer of 2012, Arklu, creators of Lottie dolls have used research and the backing of Professor David McCarthy and Dr Margaret Ashwell, to create a doll body that is realistic and based on the actual proportions of a nine year old child. Lottie dolls promote positive body image, creativity and encourage healthy imaginative pretend play.
Since their launch in 2012, Lottie dolls have received 29 international awards including 6 prestigious Oppenheim Portfolio Platinum Awards and have been the beneficiary of international press coverage.
Each month Lottie Dolls host a competition for members of the Lottie Club to design their own theme doll with an outfit and accessories. Stargazer Lottie, for example, design was the inspiration of 6 year old, Abigail from Canada.
Lottie Dolls- Alternative to Barbie dolls
Lottie Dolls were first released in late August 2012 by Ian Harkin. Harkin saw that there was a niche for a more wholesome alternative to the dolls that were currently on the market. He spent 18 months researching before the launch of Lottie.
Lottie doesn’t wear makeup, high heels or jewellery. And she can stand on her own two feet. This is a life-skill that is important for girls both big and small. Lottie’s motto is ‘Be bold, be brave, be you’.
Lottie dolls feature age-appropriate hobbies, back stories, clothing and accessories. They are ethnically diverse and come in a range of eye, hair and skin colors. For fashion dolls representing girls of color, check out the beautiful dark-skinned Branksea Festival Lottie and Kawaii Karate Lottie, as well as Butterfly Protector Lottie, who’s has medium skin, dark hair, and dark eyes.
The company’s newest release and a friend of Lottie is Wildlife Photographer Mia Doll. Mia has dark skin and textured dark brown hair. She was created to reflect Arklu mission which is that childhood should be an inclusive place, where every child belongs regardless of ethnicity, gender, or ability.
Mia wears a cochlear implant, which is part of her story, as reflected in the Lottie chapter books. Cochlear Implants are “electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear.
Wildlife Photographer Mia is a collaboration with ‘Toy Like Me.” ToyLikeMe is a UK arts and play based not-for-profit celebrating diff:ability in toys. I personally love that companies like Lottie are striving to incorporate small details like this into their dolls
Ballet Lottie Doll
Lottie’s interests to reinforce the message that being a girl shouldn’t limit your aspirations. Of course, my little dancer just loves ballet Lottie. My daughter received ballet Lottie just before she started ballet lessons last spring. Ballet Lottie has olive skin and long brown hair. She is wearing a special ballet costume comprising a 3-layer tutu, sequin leotard, ballet shoes and she arrives equipped with a a bag for Lollie to carry her shoes in. My daughter definitely associates Ballet Lottie with her own experience of dancing and has Lottie doing all kinds of twirls and jumps.
This is the third Lottie doll my daughter owns, and she already has her eyes set on Birthday Girl Lottie.
The Doll: (Pandora’s Box Lottie)
My daughter also owns Pandora’s Box Lottie. Lottie has olive skin and long black hair. She is wearing a duffel coat with pink polka dot lining, a pink corduroy dress with removable Persian cat patch and edged with blue stripes, as well as striped tights teamed with brown and pink edged boots. A cat hat and cat’s eyes glasses complete her look. The clothes are colorful, realistic and well made.
Each Lottie doll comes with a reusable box, which has a role play theme/story on the back. Pandora’s Box Lottie is a volunteer at Branksea Animal Shelter, helping to look after the homeless cats and dogs. One day a cardboard box is mysteriously left outside the front door with a hungry and frightened Persian cat inside. They decide to name her Pandora. Lottie must nurse Pandora back to health and make sure that her furry coat is kept clean and fluffy.
Pandora can teach children nurturing and empathy and the importance of adopting a shelter pet as a family member. With Pandora Box Lottie little girls can act out the shelter role themselves and become a part of the play drama. In addition to the Lottie Doll the Lottie Pandora the Persian accessory cat set adds to the role of pretend play.
With Pandora Box Lottie my daughter incorporates other toys such as her Kitty Club figurines from (whatnottoys.com) into her play.
Sirius the Welsh Mountain Pony
Arklu encourages imaginative play with their line of Lottie dolls, accessories and play sets. Sirius the welsh pony is a wonderful gift and excellent accessory for Lottie Dolls.
My daughter loves horses. Like Lottie, she loves to ride a pony any chance she gets. Sirius is the latest horse in Lotti’s stable. Lottie loves to be out in the countryside riding her pony. A Welsh Mountain Pony, Sirius is strong-willed, excitable and very determined.
He comes with saddle, bridle, stirrups and numnah. Sirius is a perfect addition to my daughter’s Lottie collection. He was named after the brightest star in the Earth’s night sky. The saddle is a bit brittle, so it is best for kids to leave the saddle on. My daughter learned that the hard way.
Lottie Doll Clothes & Outfits
Also available for Lottie Dolls is Saddle-up Pony Outfit Set. The outfit comes with jodphurs, blue padded riding vest, riding boots and riding hat. The helmet looks like a real riding helmet. Both my daughter and I were really impressed by this feature. The great thing about Lottie is that the dolls & accessories can be interchanged.
Together, Sirius and the Saddle-up Pony Outfit Set are perfect additions for imaginative play.
Snow Queen Lottie
Snow Queen Lottie Doll is my daughter’s newest doll. And it came in time for the Christmas season. Lottie receives a party invitation to the Masked Ball. Given that Snow Queen is Lottie’s favorite fairy tail, Lottie decides to dress as a Snow Queen for the ball. Lottie long blonde hair is set off by a sparkly crown. On her face is a silver, sparkly mask . She is dressed in a magnificent ice blue and frosty white gown studded with silver snowflakes. On her wrist is a matching wrist bag, around her shoulders is a fur wrap and on her feet is a pair of blue ballet flats.
When Lottie is all done at the ball, change her into Sweet Dreams Outfit Set. The set includes all-in-one pajamas, housecoat and pink fleece slippers. After-all, Lottie loves to curl up with a steaming mug of cocoa and watch all the holiday specials on TV.
Lottie Dolls- Alternative to barbie dolls
Since Lottie encourages children to be active and outdoorsy, she has bendable knees and moveable hips, arms and head. This allows Lottie dolls to do all the activities that real children do.
Lottie’s hair has a silky texture, so it doesn’t tangle or knot and the clothing offers great attention to detail with Velcro fastenings that are easy for young girls to dress and undress. At 7.5 inches tall, Lottie is portable and easy for little hands to carry around.
Lottie dolls allow your child to create their own little world and they give children a way to act out the scenes they see in everyday life. For younger children, these are a great starting point for your preschooler to use dolls in pretend play.
Other Lottie dolls in the range:
Stargazer
Fossil Hunter
Pony Club
Muddy Puddles
Butterfly Protector Lottie
School Days Lottie
Rockabilly Lottie
Kite Flyer Finn Boy
Autumn Leaves Lottie
Spring Celebration Ballet Lottie
Pony Flag Lottie
Pirate Queen Lottie
Branksea festival Lottie
English County Garden Lottie
Kawaii Karate Lottie
Lighthouse Keeper Lottie
Always Artsy Lottie
Wild Photographer Mia Doll
Birthday Girl Sophia Doll
Junior Reporter Sammi Boy Doll
Forest Friends Lottie Doll
My Thoughts
As a mom, I love the Lottie dolls. All in all they encourage girls to enjoy their childhood and not to be in a hurry to grow up. Lottie Dolls are a wonderful alternative to Barbie dolls. They lead to great imaginative play, and show that girls can be whoever they want to be. To each role of Lottie dolls comes a wide array of accessory sets. Most of all, my daughter loves her Lottie Dolls.
Fun Activities and Printables
There are fun activities, and games available on the Lottie website. Arklu have also put together a fantastic resource of great women biographies to share with your kids.
Any of the Lottie Dolls and accessories would make great gifts this holiday season. Lottie Dolls are available in Canada via Amazon.ca and at Chapters. You can also order dolls directly from the Lottie website, as well.
About Arklu
Innovative toy company Arklu, Ltd manufactures Lottie. The company came to prominence in 2011 with the launch of its first product, the Princess Catherine Engagement Doll. The success was swiftly followed by the Royal Wedding Dolls; the Princess Catherine Wedding Doll and Prince William Wedding Doll. As a result of this strong start they spent 18 months of development on the Lottie brand, which included extensive research with kids, parents, retailers, industry experts and academics, with the goal to create a realistic doll that is great fun for both boys and girls to play with. Since the launch in August 2012, Lottie dolls have received 21 international awards including 5 prestigious Oppenheim Portfolio Platinum Awards. They are currently available in more than 30 countries worldwide. Today the company creates a range of products including dolls, books, toys and games for children.
I’ll be back with more Lottie soon, but in the meantime, let me know what you think of the dolls featured here in the comment section below. What’s your favorite thing about Lottie dolls?
Rose DesRochers is a Blogger, Writer, product reviewer and Founder of Today's Woman. Please feel free to contact me if you are a company with a product for me to review.
I love the Ballet Lottie, mainly because my daughter loves her ballet class and would really like this doll. I like these dolls because there are so many different choices and are not just about fashion and vapid girls. My favourite thing about the dolls is the different jobs they all do!
I like Rockabilly Lottie, she is my favorite. I just think the entire concept is refreshing for girls.. that they need a doll that represents them truly, and encourages realistic goals.
I like that they’re more realistic. My 5 year old doesn’t need a doll with makeup on and the Lottie Doll fits. My favourite is the Birthday Girl Sophia. We love to bake and make things and who doesn’t like birthdays. I’m quite impressed with them. They’re nice, age appropriate, and they have quite a lot of detail.
My favourite thing about the Lottie Dolls is they look more like typical little girls and boys. My favourite one is the Snow Queen as I know my granddaughters would love it because it is like their favourite movie – Frozen. I think these dolls are better for children than Barbies because they are made to look their age and they are dressed in so many cute outfits with accessories like the Ballerina and the Artsy dolls. I also like the boy dolls. I have found that when there are boy dolls the boys will join in and play with the girls rather than disturbing their play.
I think they are very different. I like that they are bendable anc their hair doesn’t knot. I like the butterfly protector one. I think my daughter would. Love one.
I like that the Lottie dolls show interesting occupations. I like the Fossil Hunter doll the best. I think Lottie dolls are a great alternative to fashion dolls like Barbie.
My favourite Lottie doll is English County Garden Lottie. My favourite thing about the dolls are that they are the “un-Barbie”. They are little girls, with little girl interests. I love that there is such a wide variety to choose from, too.
I love Lottie dolls! I think they are perfect for little girls that don’t want the ‘typical’ dolls! I love Snow Queen Lottie because I think her mask makes her special! I think Lottie dolls are adorable!
What’s your favorite thing about Lottie dolls? They look like they are bigger and easier to hold
Tell us which one is your favorite Lottie doll? The ballerina!!
What do you think of Lottie Dolls? I think its nice to have something that is not dollar store cheap but not mad expensive either
What I love about lotti dolls is that they don’t set the standards high in girls eyes to have a ‘perfect, flawless’ body. They are realistic looking.
I have 2 daughters aged 7, 10 and the both actively play with dolls! I love watching them use their imaginations and play together with each other spending quality sister time.
My favourite Lottie doll goes to butterfly protector!
Love Pandora Box Lotti with the kitty. Love that they look age appropriate, I think they are great dolls and I need to start a collection for my niece.
I love that the Lottie dolls come in such a wide variety and represent different aspects and interests in life that the child can relate to.They are so lovely looking.My favorite is the Pony Club Lottie because my dad always had a horse farm and often entered many of them into harness racing competitions.However my little granddaughter favors the Snow Queen Lottie and I would love for her to get one.
oh my gosh these dolls are perfect for little girls. growing up with barbie (although I loved it) there was that issue with self image. I love that these dolls are just themselves. no fancy clothing, make up, heels. they are perfect ! I love School Days Lottie and I think these dollies are what a lot of kids out there need!
My favorite thing about them is that they aren’t Barbie or Bratz — they’re age-appropriate, promote an attainable body image, and have activities and interests a child could share — not just shopping for clothes and accessories, or dating Ken. Plus, they come with books and pets, rather than consumer goods like fancy cars and RVs. I loathe Barbie, if you can’t tell (and don’t even get me started on Shopkins!) I refuse to buy my four-year-old daughter one, but the whole Barbie conglomerate is hard to avoid, with everything from Little Golden Books to children’s TV shows. I’d liefer give my daughter a fossil hunter Lottie any day!
I love that Lottie dolls come without the ‘beauty’ side. Like Barbie, we have enough dolls that represent that women of all ages and colour. I love how they come in so many different ways, simple ways like they keep them grounded in childhood, stargazer, puddlejumper…..I really do like them all it’s difficult to choose just one. I’d have to say Always Artsy Lottie Doll, my girl is always ALWAYS animating, drawing in her sketch book, using her drawing tablet… this one just reminds me of her.
My favourite thing is the price. My favourite would be the Birthday Girl Sophia Doll. I think these dolls are great as they are age appropriate and encourage children to use their imagination through play.
My favorite thing about Lottie dolls is that they promote confidence in little girls by portraying a more realistic body image. My favorite is the Forest Friend Lottie Doll, but they’re all super adorable! I think these are wonderful dolls!
I like the Forest Friends Lottie Doll or Butterfly Protector Lottie. Love the fact that there are some great jobs attached to the dolls, their hair is the knotting kind and I think that their clothing is super.
I love that the Lottie dolls are age appropriate and that they are kids themselves, I love the Pony Club Lottie and because of my love of horses and I hope my granddaughter will love horses just as much!! I think these dolls are so cool and they have one to suit your child!
Lynda, Pony Club Lottie is one of my favorite too and of course the ballerina lottie. I love that they have such a diverse selection to choose from. Thank you for entering and best of luck!
I like that the Lottie dolls are realistic and are easier for every girl to own
I like they are built like a real child. My favorite is Snow Queen Lottie. I think they are great given positive body image for young minds.
I enjoy collecting Lottie dolls. I like Barbie dolls as well. It’s nice to have a variety!
I love the Ballet Lottie, mainly because my daughter loves her ballet class and would really like this doll. I like these dolls because there are so many different choices and are not just about fashion and vapid girls. My favourite thing about the dolls is the different jobs they all do!
I like that the Lottie dolls promote positive body image. I like the Forest Friends Lottie Doll. I think the dolls are different and cute.
I love how they can stand on their own two feet & the motto is so strong, so empowering for girls!!
I like Rockabilly Lottie, she is my favorite. I just think the entire concept is refreshing for girls.. that they need a doll that represents them truly, and encourages realistic goals.
I like that they’re more realistic. My 5 year old doesn’t need a doll with makeup on and the Lottie Doll fits. My favourite is the Birthday Girl Sophia. We love to bake and make things and who doesn’t like birthdays. I’m quite impressed with them. They’re nice, age appropriate, and they have quite a lot of detail.
My favourite thing about the Lottie Dolls is they look more like typical little girls and boys. My favourite one is the Snow Queen as I know my granddaughters would love it because it is like their favourite movie – Frozen. I think these dolls are better for children than Barbies because they are made to look their age and they are dressed in so many cute outfits with accessories like the Ballerina and the Artsy dolls. I also like the boy dolls. I have found that when there are boy dolls the boys will join in and play with the girls rather than disturbing their play.
I think they are very different. I like that they are bendable anc their hair doesn’t knot. I like the butterfly protector one. I think my daughter would. Love one.
I love the Snow Queen, I love the odd jobs they have, they sound great!
I like the more realistic appearance
I like that the Lottie dolls show interesting occupations. I like the Fossil Hunter doll the best. I think Lottie dolls are a great alternative to fashion dolls like Barbie.
My favourite Lottie doll is English County Garden Lottie. My favourite thing about the dolls are that they are the “un-Barbie”. They are little girls, with little girl interests. I love that there is such a wide variety to choose from, too.
I like Lottie dolls because they are cheaper and realistic. Love the Pandora box, too.
I love Lottie dolls! I think they are perfect for little girls that don’t want the ‘typical’ dolls! I love Snow Queen Lottie because I think her mask makes her special! I think Lottie dolls are adorable!
I like the conservative attire and the more realistic appearance
my fav one is the snow queen, this is the first i’ve heard of these dolls, and the price is right, looks like a great gift idea for many nieces.
What’s your favorite thing about Lottie dolls? They look like they are bigger and easier to hold
Tell us which one is your favorite Lottie doll? The ballerina!!
What do you think of Lottie Dolls? I think its nice to have something that is not dollar store cheap but not mad expensive either
I really like Lottie Dolls they are more realistic and more appropriate for children. I love Stargazer Lottie and my granddaughter would love her too.
I like Lighthouse Keeper Lottie. I prefer these dolls because they are more realistic!
What I love about lotti dolls is that they don’t set the standards high in girls eyes to have a ‘perfect, flawless’ body. They are realistic looking.
I have 2 daughters aged 7, 10 and the both actively play with dolls! I love watching them use their imaginations and play together with each other spending quality sister time.
My favourite Lottie doll goes to butterfly protector!
I like that the dolls can move just as real kids. Autumn Leaves Lottie is Sydney’s favorite.
my favorite this is they are very unique, cheaper than those america dolls- just as nice and my favorite doll is the snow queen one
they are different and cute
Love Pandora Box Lotti with the kitty. Love that they look age appropriate, I think they are great dolls and I need to start a collection for my niece.
Love Pandora’s Box Lottie, these look like great dolls! Love that they look more realistic than some dolls.
These dolls are too cute
I love the size and style
Ballet Lottie Doll is my favorite and i love the clothes and accessories
I love that there are a wide variety of dolls in the Lottie Collection. Any girl can find one to love.
I like that they are cute. Pirate Queen Lottie is my favourite. I think these dolls are great for kids.
I love that the Lottie dolls come in such a wide variety and represent different aspects and interests in life that the child can relate to.They are so lovely looking.My favorite is the Pony Club Lottie because my dad always had a horse farm and often entered many of them into harness racing competitions.However my little granddaughter favors the Snow Queen Lottie and I would love for her to get one.
I think the Snow Queen Lottie Doll is so beautiful.I would like to get one for my little granddaughter.
oh my gosh these dolls are perfect for little girls. growing up with barbie (although I loved it) there was that issue with self image. I love that these dolls are just themselves. no fancy clothing, make up, heels. they are perfect ! I love School Days Lottie and I think these dollies are what a lot of kids out there need!
My favorite thing about them is that they aren’t Barbie or Bratz — they’re age-appropriate, promote an attainable body image, and have activities and interests a child could share — not just shopping for clothes and accessories, or dating Ken. Plus, they come with books and pets, rather than consumer goods like fancy cars and RVs. I loathe Barbie, if you can’t tell (and don’t even get me started on Shopkins!) I refuse to buy my four-year-old daughter one, but the whole Barbie conglomerate is hard to avoid, with everything from Little Golden Books to children’s TV shows. I’d liefer give my daughter a fossil hunter Lottie any day!
I love that Lottie dolls come without the ‘beauty’ side. Like Barbie, we have enough dolls that represent that women of all ages and colour. I love how they come in so many different ways, simple ways like they keep them grounded in childhood, stargazer, puddlejumper…..I really do like them all it’s difficult to choose just one. I’d have to say Always Artsy Lottie Doll, my girl is always ALWAYS animating, drawing in her sketch book, using her drawing tablet… this one just reminds me of her.
My favourite thing is the price. My favourite would be the Birthday Girl Sophia Doll. I think these dolls are great as they are age appropriate and encourage children to use their imagination through play.
My favorite thing about Lottie dolls is that they promote confidence in little girls by portraying a more realistic body image. My favorite is the Forest Friend Lottie Doll, but they’re all super adorable! I think these are wonderful dolls!
I like the Forest Friends Lottie Doll or Butterfly Protector Lottie. Love the fact that there are some great jobs attached to the dolls, their hair is the knotting kind and I think that their clothing is super.
I love that the Lottie dolls are age appropriate and that they are kids themselves, I love the Pony Club Lottie and because of my love of horses and I hope my granddaughter will love horses just as much!! I think these dolls are so cool and they have one to suit your child!
Lynda, Pony Club Lottie is one of my favorite too and of course the ballerina lottie. I love that they have such a diverse selection to choose from. Thank you for entering and best of luck!
These are really nice! I will see about getting one for my granddaughter!
Lottie Dolls are awesome, and a whole lot cheaper than some!!