Dolls in the digital age are still an indispensable, outstanding and memorable toy for both boys and girls and adults. Today, we live in a fully digitized world, where screens have replaced many sensory toys or many experiences in situ. In fact, young children grow up and live with mobile devices, video games, televisions, social networks, streaming platforms, etc., from birth. In short, they are surrounded by digital stimuli at all times.
However, a doll is still a key toy in any childhood (even for the elderly). Do you know why this is or why this happens? From Marina&Pau, as manufacturers of handmade dolls in Spain, we explain it to you and talk about the benefits of playing with them.
The emotional relationship: beyond play
Playing with dolls is a complete experience which involves aspects such as imagination, creativity, emotions, feelings and personality, among others. In addition, this game helps to learn to express oneself, to develop emotions, to perform better at an effective level…
This type of toy opens up many possibilities, where the imagination and creativity of the little ones mark the story. Therefore, it is a game without limits, without rules and without restrictions, beyond those that the child himself or herself decides. In this way, you can know their personality, their fears, their thoughts, their emotions, etc.
And not only for the little ones at home, playing with a doll helps to reinforce some stimuli and work on the imagination of older people or people in therapeutic processes. There are also those who collect them for emotional or artistic reasons.
Evolution of dolls versus technology
It is true that a doll is a classic toy, with many years of history. And, as technology has evolved, new models have been created and there are even options that can talk, walk, etc. However, the more traditional ones, such as a reborn baby doll, is a more “classic” option that is also part of the toys of the little ones today.
What has improved significantly is the hyperrealism and the more real experience. Now dolls are made with soft skin, natural hair, with the weight of a real baby, realistic details and a long etcetera. In addition, there are some that can be interacted with thanks to technological mechanisms, which further enhance the creative experience.
The cultural and social impact of dolls today
Playing with a doll goes far beyond a simple game: it helps develop creativity, personality, empathy and imagination. It is therefore no coincidence that dolls are used in therapy with the elderly. They are a way of expressing themselves, creating bonds and developing their motor skills or speech, among other skills.
In the same way, according to social and cultural progress where new technologies are fundamental, dolls have also been evolving. There is a wide catalog with options of different colors, features, sizes, physical conditions, etc. Thus contributing to greater fun and real social inclusion.
Therefore, this toy has a social and cultural impact that reflects the society of the time and that allows you to function in daily environments, work on different skills… This allows Spanish artisanal manufacturers, as is our case, to be up to date with the needs and social, cultural and technological evolution in order to offer options that reflect this progress.
Virtual dolls, social networks and online communities
Just as new technologies have contributed to social evolution and cultural development, they have also helped to further foster the world of dolls. Now all lovers and fans of them can meet, share opinions, exchange models, etc., thanks to specialized forums and websites dedicated to this toy.
A community interested in each type of doll is created through social media profiles, specialized ones, etc., thus increasing its influence and relevance. A la vez que se aumenta la posibilidad de conseguir muñecas, pudiendo comprarlas en tiendas online o directamente al fabricante. Por lo que, aunque parezca contradictorio, el mundo digital contribuye al auge de este juguete clásico hoy en día.
Reasons to give and collect dolls as a gift in the 21st century
So yes, giving dolls to both the little ones and lovers and collecting them is a very good option. They are the perfect toy to develop emotions, feelings and skills, while adapting to all types of age. Without a doubt, they are not just another toy, they are an educational tool that accompanies and that supposes a sentimental, emotional and cultural value.
With the arrival of new technologies and the digital world, through forums and specific communities, it is shown that playing with dolls is still important and a game that is a sensory and emotional experience that leaves no one indifferent. At Marina and Pau, as manufacturers, we know that this toy is essential among the little ones today.
