In recent years, toy companies have paid greater attention to inclusiveness. Powerhouse doll company Mattel has created Barbies with skin conditions like vitiligo, as well as curvier dolls and dolls in wheelchairs. Inclusiveness does matter. Studies have shown that owning and playing with dolls that reflect and represent children's own features has a positive impact on their self esteem.
There's still a lot of work to be done when it comes to creating inclusive dolls, and one Etsy shop is certainly helping the category grow.
