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This very special store employs doll model with Down Syndrome

4 min read

Better Society
Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies

‘Coloured Goodies’, the first Black Doll Giftshop in the Netherlands, has expanded its range to be even more inclusive, adding dolls with Down syndrome, vitiligo and other conditions not represented by mainstream toy makers.

Dutch toy store sells dolls with Down syndrome because owner wants to normalise it

Imagine a little shop, just outside the centre of Amsterdam, filled to the brim with dolls of all colours. Little boys and girls with curls, Afros, straight hair or headscarves. Some have vitiligo, albinism or down syndrome. Welcome to the wonderful world of Coloured Goodies.

Custom dolls on request.
The store in Noord is now known for the great diversity of dolls of different colours, with a skin condition or a disability. Custom dolls on request. Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies

Every child should be able to have a doll in which they recognise themselves

Doll shop Coloured Goodies in Amsterdam-Noord began selling dolls inspired by children with Down syndrome since this October. Every child should be able to have a doll in which they recognise themselves, is the idea.

"Look," Romy says proudly, holding a blonde-haired doll. She is one of the children who modelled for the new dolls inspired by children with Down syndrome. And she succeeded: when asked if she thinks the doll looks like her, Romy responds with a convincing ‘yes’.

Owner Ellen Brudet does that well. "I want to normalise it. I thought: if I start with dolls, then I want something that just has to become normal," she says. "That’s how I started designing various dolls with Down syndrome."

Owner Ellen Brudet found out how difficult it was to find toys when she was young. She didn’t recognise herself in the toys she had. When she became pregnant, it even proved impossible to find birth announcements with coloured babies. So Brudet designed the cards herself and decided to sell them. The idea of ​​making inclusive dolls soon followed.

The store in Noord is now known for the great diversity of dolls of different colours, with a skin condition or a disability. Custom dolls on request. Check out their website where you will find more on their extensive range of inclusive dolls, and social media details to follow.

Source: NHNieuws.nl (translated verbatim from Dutch) 

Want more news on inclusive dolls? Check out “Queens of Africa” and “A Doll Like Me”

Owner Ellen Brudet does that well.
Why so inclusive? Owner Ellen Brudet does that well. “I want to normalise it. I thought: if I start with dolls, then I want something that just has to become normal,” she says. “That’s how I started designing various dolls with Down syndrome.” Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies
She didn't recognise herself in the toys she had.
Owner Ellen Brudet found out how difficult it was to find toys when she was young. She didn’t recognise herself in the toys she had. Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies
So Brudet designed the cards herself and decided to sell them. The idea of ​​making inclusive dolls soon followed.
When Brudet became pregnant, it even proved impossible to find birth announcements with coloured babies. So Brudet designed the cards herself and decided to sell them. The idea of ​​making inclusive dolls soon followed. Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies
”Shaheem” is one of the dolls with Down syndrome. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
”Amahri”is one of the dolls with Down syndrome. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
“Romy” is one of the dolls with Down syndrome. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
Skin pigmentation condition, or other  limitations are a speciality — ”Selah” is one of the dolls with vitiligo. ”Zavayo” is one of the dolls with albinism. “Christopher” has Nevus. Original handmade customised dolls with differend skinconditions to bring diversity into children's lives.
A variety of skin conditions are catered for in this doll shop. Skin pigmentation condition, or other limitations are a speciality — ”Selah” is one of the dolls with vitiligo. ”Zavayo” is one of the dolls with albinism. “Christopher” has Nevus. Original handmade customised dolls with differend skinconditions to bring diversity into children’s lives. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
Coloured Goodies employee Shaheem poses with the “Shaheem doll. Source: NHNieuws.nl
Romy is one of the children who modelled for the new dolls inspired by children with Down syndrome.
Happy customer Romy. Romy is one of the children who modelled for the new dolls inspired by children with Down syndrome. Source: Facebook/ColouredGoodies
Barbie “Gigi” is a wheelchair user. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
These Unique dolls can teach children to celebrate differences at a young age.
”Qunity” is one of the Muslima range. These Unique dolls can teach children to celebrate differences at a young age. Source: colouredgoodies.nl
Make an Impact

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that influences development throughout life. It is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability. Improved medical care is helping many more people with Down syndrome to live longer and healthier lives. Improved teaching techniques and therapies are also helping many children with Down syndrome to achieve more. With more young people with Down syndrome living today than ever before, it has never been more important that we do everything possible to help them lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Learn more here.