Representation matters.
Family-run business – Bibinee Dolls, is an early years toy brand, filling the huge gap in the market for soft plush, diversity dolls.
Based in the UK and serving suppliers and customers internationally, they aim to empower children to learn, grow, play and just as importantly, love through representation and inclusion.
The Bibinee Dolls collection was born at the start of 2023, out of the frustration of not being able to easily source black and brown dolls for new-borns.
Plush soft dolls have a projected revenue of £1.25 billion in the UK alone, yet less than 1% of this figure is dedicated to the sale of diversity plush dolls. Online searches come up with few options available to parents and those wanting to gift children between the ages of 0-5, with dolls that represent them or the world around them. Bibinee Dolls is on a mission to change this.
The name Bibinee, which in the Ghanaian language Twi, is slang for black (bibinii), is a nod to the heritage of the brand’s founders. As is the kente and ankara print clothing found on some of the dolls in the collection. These considerate touches seek to further show cultural pride and reinforce a child’s sense of belong and curiosity.
The range consists of playful girl and boy dolls, with beautiful black and brown skin tones. But it doesn’t stop there. It also includes a hijab wearing doll and gender-neutral rainbow baby. The boy dolls are for boys as well as girls, to further break societal stereotypes and encourage young boys to play with dolls that look like them or someone in their world, alongside their other much-loved toys.
And for the child that loves packing their own bag for nursery there are playful bundle sets made up of a detachable doll and the softest, adjustable rucksack.
Founder Stephanie believes that, ‘showing love and appreciation for black and brown skin, hair, features and culture, will help to build confidence, a sense of identity and self-love in our young owners. It will also normalise acceptance of all races from early years, and hopefully beyond and help to eradicate colourism’.
Consumers and traders can rest assured that these soft plush dolls are safe. Bibinee Dolls are non-toxic and made of the highest quality, with no detachable parts, so no choking hazards. All are machine washable. They are CE and UKCA certified. The founders love our planet as much as they love their customers, so ensure that dolls are sustainably sourced, satisfying all environmental requirements.
Since launching Bibinee Dolls have debuted at the Baby Show at the London Excel, receiving fantastic reviews from traders and happy parents.
Bibinee Dolls wants you to help diversify toy boxes near and far.
