Choosing a doll as a gift can feel surprisingly tricky. You want something that’s beautiful, age-appropriate and built to last - but also a toy that will be genuinely loved, not forgotten at the bottom of the toy box. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, a new baby, a Christmas surprise or a “just because” treat, the right doll can become a child’s first best friend.
At Cotton Planet, we believe dolls should be more than just toys. They should spark imagination, encourage nurturing play and bring comfort at every stage of childhood. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect doll gift for any occasion, with gentle tips for different ages, play styles and budgets - so you can shop with confidence and give a gift that will be cherished for years to come.
👉 You can browse our full collection of dolls here:
https://cottonplanet.ie/collections/dolls
Why Dolls Make Such Meaningful Gifts
Dolls are one of the few toys that grow with a child. From soft comfort in the early months to imaginative role-play in later years, a well-chosen doll often becomes part of daily life.
Dolls encourage:
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Imaginative play and storytelling
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Emotional development and empathy
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Language skills through pretend conversations
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Comfort and reassurance, especially at bedtime or during big changes
Because of this, dolls make particularly thoughtful gifts for birthdays, milestones and special occasions.
Choosing a Doll by Age
One of the most important things to consider when buying a doll is the child’s age. Here’s a simple breakdown to help guide your choice.
Dolls for Babies (0-12 Months)
For babies, safety and softness come first. Dolls at this stage are less about role-play and more about comfort, texture and familiarity.
What to look for:
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Soft fabric bodies
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Gentle colours and faces
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Lightweight and easy to cuddle
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No small parts
Great options at Cotton Planet include:
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Soft baby dolls from trusted European brands
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Fabric and linen dolls ideal for tiny hands
These dolls are perfect for welcoming a new baby or as a first birthday keepsake.
👉 Explore baby-friendly dolls HERE.
Dolls for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Toddlers begin to engage in simple pretend play. Feeding, cuddling and carrying their doll around becomes part of everyday routines.
What to look for:
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Soft-bodied dolls with a little structure
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Washable materials
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Friendly, expressive faces
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Durable stitching for everyday play
At this age, dolls often become a constant companion - so quality really matters.
Dolls for Preschool & Early School Age (3-6 Years)
This is where imaginative play truly blossoms. Children start creating stories, assigning personalities and acting out real-world experiences.
What to look for:
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Dolls with clothes that can be removed
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More detailed facial features
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Dolls that can sit or stand
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Options that reflect everyday life
These dolls are ideal for birthdays and Christmas gifts and often remain favourites for many years.
Choosing a Doll by Occasion
Different occasions call for different types of dolls. Here’s how to match the gift to the moment.
Birthday Doll Gifts
Birthdays are all about delight and surprise. A birthday doll should feel special and memorable.
Birthday doll ideas:
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A beautifully dressed doll with accessories
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A doll that matches the child’s current interests
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A timeless doll they can grow into
Dolls for New Babies & Christenings
For newborns and christenings, dolls are often chosen as keepsakes rather than everyday toys - though many still become well-loved.
What parents love:
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Soft, neutral tones
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Natural or organic fabrics
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Classic, calming designs
These dolls make thoughtful gifts that parents truly appreciate.
Christmas & Special Seasonal Gifts
At Christmas, dolls often become the “main present” - the one remembered for years to come.
Tips for Christmas doll shopping:
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Choose a doll with long-term play value
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Look for durable, high-quality materials
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Consider dolls with winter outfits or accessories
Shopping early also gives you the best choice from the collection.
Soft Dolls vs Vinyl Dolls: Which Is Best?
Parents often ask whether they should choose a soft doll or a vinyl doll. Both are wonderful - it simply depends on the child.
Soft-Bodied Dolls
Best for:
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Babies and toddlers
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Bedtime comfort
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Children who love cuddling
Benefits:
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Lightweight and cosy
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Often machine-washable
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Ideal for emotional comfort
Vinyl Dolls
Best for:
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Preschool and older children
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Role-play and storytelling
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Dressing and undressing
Benefits:
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More realistic features
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Encourages imaginative play
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Often beautifully handcrafted
Cotton Planet stocks both styles, so you can choose what suits the child best.
Considering Play Style & Personality
Every child plays differently. Thinking about their personality can help you choose a doll they’ll truly connect with.
For Nurturers
Some children naturally love caring for others.
They’ll enjoy dolls that:
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Can be “fed” or tucked into bed
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Have soft bodies for cuddling
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Feel comforting and familiar
For Storytellers & Imaginative Players
Other children love creating worlds and stories.
They’ll enjoy dolls that:
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Have detailed outfits
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Look expressive and lifelike
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Can be part of imaginative scenes
Why Quality Matters When Choosing a Doll
A well-made doll isn’t just nicer to look at - it lasts longer and feels better to play with.
At Cotton Planet, we carefully select dolls that:
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Are made from high-quality materials
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Come from trusted European brands
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Are designed with children’s development in mind
Many of our dolls are handcrafted or produced in small batches, making them feel extra special.
Eco-Friendly & Natural Dolls: A Thoughtful Choice
More parents are choosing dolls made from natural or organic materials - and for good reason.
Benefits of natural dolls:
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Gentle on sensitive skin
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Fewer synthetic materials
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More sustainable production
These dolls are ideal for families who value conscious, thoughtful gifting.
Budget-Friendly Doll Gifts That Still Feel Special
A beautiful doll doesn’t have to be expensive. Cotton Planet offers dolls at a range of price points, making it easy to find something meaningful within your budget.
Tips for shopping on a budget:
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Look for classic designs that won’t date
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Choose quality over gimmicks
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Focus on softness, durability and charm
Even a simple, well-made doll can become a lifelong favourite.
Choosing a doll is about more than ticking a box - it’s about finding something that will be loved, hugged and played with again and again. Whether you’re buying for a baby, toddler or growing child, the right doll can bring years of comfort and joy.
At Cotton Planet, we’re proud to offer one of Ireland’s most thoughtfully curated collections of dolls, chosen with care for quality, safety and timeless appeal.
👉 Explore the full dolls collection here:
https://cottonplanet.ie/collections/dolls
If you ever need help choosing, we’re always happy to guide you - because the best gifts are chosen with heart.
