I remember my first doll. I was just two years old and she caught my eye in the toy aisle. I couldn’t imagine leaving her there on the shelf. I begged and pleaded (and probably threw a tantrum) until my parents finally agreed to buy the doll for me. She rarely left my side; I took very good care of her, like she was my own baby. I loved her so.

I’ve always been maternal and dolls were always a big part of my childhood. And so, when I discovered Corolle - the premium doll brand designed in France - at New York Toy Fair a few years ago, I lingered in the Corolle showcase probably longer than I should have. I was just so amazed by the beauty and the playfulness of the Corolle dolls, designed to be the perfect look, size, feel and scent for little ones to love and cherish.

The dolls’ faces are sculpted in the likeness of real babies. Their little outfits are inspired by real baby cloths and adapted so that little girls (or boys) can easily dress them. The dolls are sized for every age to be cradled perfectly in a little niece’s (or nephew’s) arms.  It’s when the dolls are in your arms, and yes, I admit I held one the way I would hold a real baby, that you realize how smooth to the touch and deliciously scented delicately with vanilla they are – and all perfectly stuffed for hugging and squeezing.

Dolls are always a wonderful and precious gift idea from a Savvy Auntie. But it’s important to give the right doll to a niece or goddaughter at the right age. Here are four of my favorite Corolle dolls and accessories, beginning with baby’s first:

BABIPOUCE CANDY FLOWERS

Babipouce is the ideal first doll. Entering the popular Babipouce collection of huggable friends, Babipouce Candy Flowers (11") is soft and light. With a velour cloth body and pale pink printed night shirt, little ones will love to tug on the soft knitted cap during play and nap time. 11" tall, Ages 0+.

Get Babipouce Candy Flowers Here

CALIN CHARMING PASTEL

When your little niece is 18 months +, I recommend Calin Charming Pastel. A truly classic and ideal first doll, Calin Laughing Blueberry is just 12" tall with a cuddly soft, beanbag body. With its Corolle signature vanilla scent and sweet face, Calin makes for lasting memories your niece can treasure forever. Calin baby dolls can wear any fashion from the Corolle Mon Premier collection.

Get Calin Charming Pastel Here

MON PREMIER’S BUNNIES STROLLER

The perfect FIRST stroller, Mon Premier’s Bunnies Stroller will delight toddler nieces!  This pretty stroller has a cheerful printed fabric complete with bouncing bunnies. Sturdy and light, the handle height is 21” tall and has a folding canopy to shield the baby doll’s head from the sun. It even has a pink seatbelt for safety! Little moms and aunties will love taking their Corolle babies for long walks!

Get Mon Premier's Bunnies Stroller Here


TIDOO CANDY PINK



Finally, since we know nieces love to give their dolls a bath, I love Corolle's popular bath time doll, the Tidoo Candy doll. The 12" doll is soft, pose-able and so light, it floats. Tidoos are filled with polystyrene "beads" that dry quickly. And Tidoos are dressed in soft striped pajamas, so they are the perfect bath-to-bedtime dolls.

Get Tidoo Candy Pink Here