Dolls, figures and playsets is a hugely popular category within the children’s toy sector. The dolls market is set to grow annually by 3.5% until 2023, while according to NPD figures, action figure sales have grown by around 11% in recent years. The appeal of dolls is something that has been with humanity for centuries. Dolls have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs and Roman and Greek excavation sites – and while they’re not the sleek plastic models found today, they show great care and craftsmanship in their design.

It’s natural for children to want to project and act out certain real-life scenarios by themselves and with their peers. Dolls and action figures are the perfect way for them to role play and use their imaginations to process events that they’ve witnessed. Playing with dolls is also a great way to boost communication and language skills, as well as developing emotional skills and empathy. There are also physical benefits to interacting with small toys. Children will need to use their hands and fingers in order to manipulate the articulated limbs of these toys – thus helping to build fine and gross motor skills. 

Baby Brands Direct stock a great selection of dolls, action figures and playsets from top brands and licences, such as Barbie, Harry Potter, Fisher-Price and Playmobil. Playmobil’s 1.2.3 range are perfect for children at the younger end of the spectrum, with the chunky designs of these simple but lovely figurines being perfect for smaller hands. The 1.2.3 range is robust, with bright colours and simplified shapes that are easy for little ones aged 1.5 years and up to understand and interact with. For instance, the Playmobil 1.2.3 Take Along Farm includes five adorable farm animals that kids may already recognise from the real world, or from TV and media. The playset may also help set foundations for lessons on animals they may have at preschool in later years!

For older children, ages 4 and up, Playmobil have an exciting range of different themed figurines and playsets to encourage imaginative role play. From police to hospital, space to construction, there’s something for every child! Some playsets, such as the Playmobil Fire Engine with Ladder and Lights and Sounds feature highly detailed, realistic vehicles, with different features like sounds and lights to excite children. All playsets from Playmobil also feature their instantly recognisable figurines with ergonomic design and happy, friendly smile. 

The Fisher-Price Little People range is also great for young children aged 1-5. These cute little figures and playsets also feature easy to hold designs and simple shapes that help children to create links between the characters and models in their hands with their real-life counterparts. The Fisher-Price Little People Community Heroes set of figures is a great way to introduce children to recognisable everyday figures in society – such as police officers, doctors and firefighters, allowing them to act out scenes they may have seen in movies or live their own fantasy of being a community hero! 

Not all dolls are small enough to fit into the palm of a little hand, however. Baby Brands Direct also stock the new My Garden Baby line from Mattel, which features baby sized dolls that are perfect for children aged 3 and up to cuddle and hold. Giving children baby dolls to look after is a great way to boost their emotional development, teaching them how to look after others and giving them the chance to develop their nurturing side. Each doll comes with accessories that enable children to look after them. The dolls also feature whimsical designs, such as the My Garden Baby Magenta Butterfly – which includes beautiful butterfly wings that can be used as a blanket for the doll! 

For older children, Baby Brands Direct also stocks articulated dolls from licences such as Barbie, Toy Story and Harry Potter. These larger dolls are great for kids aged 3 years and up, with articulated joints that can be posed easily. Barbie is a character that has been immensely popular for over 60 years, with a huge range of different themed models and playsets that are designed to fit any interests and inspire young girls to reach for their dreams. Each doll comes with a range of accessories for kids to style their Barbie doll with!

The Harry Potter range from Mattel is a great way to capitalise on a popular franchise, with character dolls that look just like their movie counterparts. Suitable from 6 years and up, the Harry Potter Doll is detailed with his Gryffindor uniform and scar, as well as featuring eleven joints for articulation. As well as being a great toy, this is also a brilliant collector’s item. Also available are Mattel’s new Lightyear dolls, coinciding with the recent film from the Toy Story franchise. Suitable from 4 years and up, the Pixar Lightyear Lights & Sounds Buzz features exciting lights, motions and sounds for an immersive play experience.

Leading wholesaler, Baby Brands Direct has a great selection of dolls, figures and playsets available to buy wholesale now. Perfect for toy stores, the range is available with no minimum order value from the one stop shop for all baby and children’s needs.