Hey there, lovely! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect gift for the little ones in your life. Something cute, cuddly, and bonus points if it helps make the world a bit brighter. Well, I‘ve got just the thing – Cuddle and Kind dolls!
These darling handcrafted stuffed animals aren‘t just seriously adorable (though trust me, they absolutely are). They also help provide meals to children in need around the world. How amazing is that?
I first discovered Cuddle and Kind a few years ago when I was shopping for my niece‘s birthday. I wanted to find something unique and special that she would cherish for years. When I stumbled upon these dolls and learned about the company‘s mission, I knew I had to have one.
Fast forward to today, and I‘ve gifted Cuddle and Kind dolls for just about every occasion – birthdays, baby showers, holidays, you name it. And let me tell you, they‘re always a huge hit! The kids go gaga over the cute characters and snuggly softness, while the grown-ups can‘t get enough of the beautiful craftsmanship and feel-good charity factor.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Cuddle and Kind has made a massive impact since husband and wife team Jen and Derek Woodgate started the company in 2015. To date, they‘ve sold over 1 million dolls and donated a whopping 22 million meals to children facing hunger. Isn‘t that incredible? And with every doll purchased, they‘re able to give 10 more meals.
So how do they do it? Cuddle and Kind partners with top-notch charities like World Food Program USA, Breakfast Club of Canada, and WE Charity to distribute those meals to kiddos who need them most. They also work with knitting cooperatives in Peru and Nepal, providing fair trade employment to over 750 talented women artisans.
I had the chance to chat with co-founder Jen about what inspired her and Derek to start Cuddle and Kind, and her answer really stuck with me. "As parents, Derek and I wanted to find a way to make a difference in the lives of children and families," she said. "We believe that business can be a powerful force for good. By combining our love for handcrafted toys with our passion for giving back, Cuddle and Kind was born."
Okay, so by now you‘re probably thinking "these dolls sound great and all, but what do they actually look like?" Allow me to introduce you to some of the gang:
| Doll Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Charlotte the Dog | Flopsy-eared puppy in a polka dot dress and flower crown |
| Hannah the Bunny | Lop-eared ivory rabbit with lacy details and a sweet smile |
| Violet the Fawn | Cuddly deer with a pink ruffled onesie and tiny felt antlers |
| Sebastian the Lamb | Regal sheep sporting a knit crown and blue suspenders |
| Penelope the Flamingo | Leggy pink bird with a big personality (and an even bigger heart) |
And that‘s just scratching the surface! There are over 40 Cuddle and Kind dolls to choose from in 13" or 20" sizes. Each one has its own name, birthday, and special details that bring their unique character to life.
One of my personal faves is Eloise the Elephant. With her crocheted pink romper, floppy ears, and infectious smile, she‘s impossible not to adore. I gave one to my best friend‘s daughter for her first birthday, and no joke, that little cutie would NOT let go of Eloise for the rest of the party. She just snuggled her close and beamed with pure joy. Talk about a heart-melting moment!
As much as I love the dolls‘ design and quirky personalities, it‘s the quality and care that goes into making each one that really sets Cuddle and Kind apart. These beauties are 100% handmade using premium all-natural cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and hypoallergenic polyester stuffing. The attention to detail is truly mind-blowing. We‘re talking hand-embroidered faces, hand-stitched clothing, hand-loomed bodies…no shortcuts here!
And then there are the women behind the dolls – the artisans in Peru and Nepal who pour their talent into every stitch. Many of them are mothers themselves, using their Cuddle and Kind income to provide for their families and invest in their children‘s future.
"Empowering women is at the heart of our business model," Jen explained. "We believe that when women have sustainable employment and fair wages, they‘re able to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. To date, we‘ve provided over 100,000 hours of fair trade work to our artisan partners."
As someone who values sustainability and ethical production, I can‘t tell you how much I appreciate Cuddle and Kind‘s commitment to eco and social responsibility. In addition to using all-natural materials and providing fair trade jobs, they also use biodegradable packaging and partner with organizations working to combat climate change. It‘s a 360-degree approach to making a positive impact on people and the planet.
But Cuddle and Kind dolls aren‘t just good for the world – they‘re great for the kids who receive them too! Play therapists and child development experts agree that doll play is incredibly beneficial for nurturing empathy, social skills, language, and imagination.
"Doll play allows children to explore relationships, practice nurturing, and consider another‘s perspective," says Dr. Madeline Swift, a clinical psychologist who specializes in play therapy. "Through storytelling and role play with dolls, they make sense of their experiences and develop critical social-emotional competencies."
As a mom myself, I‘ve seen the power of doll play firsthand. My daughter loves acting out little scenes with her Cuddle and Kind crew, making them talk to each other and go on big adventures. It‘s amazing to watch her express herself and process big feelings through imaginative play. And I love knowing that she‘s internalizing messages of kindness and generosity through the dolls‘ giving-back mission.
Of course, all those warm fuzzies don‘t mean much if the dolls can‘t stand up to the wear and tear of childhood. But rest assured, these softies are made to last! The premium knit fabric is super durable – I‘ve machine washed my daughter‘s dolls countless times and they still look good as new. And the embroidered details and accessories have proven surprisingly resilient to all her snuggling and tugging.
That said, I do recommend following the care instructions to keep your Cuddle and Kind dolls in tip-top shape. Wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water (I use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection), and lay flat to air dry. If you need to spot-clean any pesky stains, use a mild detergent and cold water. And voila – good as new!
So by now I‘m guessing you‘re ready to get your hands on a Cuddle and Kind doll of your very own (or let‘s be real, probably a few). The hardest part is choosing which one! I‘m partial to the woodland creatures like Violet the Fawn and Sebastian the Lamb, but there are so many irresistible options, from mythical unicorns to cuddly elephants to festive reindeer.
Price-wise, the 13" dolls retail for $52 and the 20" dolls are $76. I know that‘s a bit of an investment compared to your average stuffed animal. But considering the exceptional quality, handmade artistry, and charitable impact, I‘ve found Cuddle and Kind dolls to be worth every penny. They‘re truly special heirloom-quality keepsakes that your little one (and maybe even their kiddos someday) will treasure for a lifetime.
And if you needed one more feel-good reason to treat your favorite tiny human to a Cuddle and Kind doll, get this: they‘ve committed to donating 1 million meals every year through their charity partners.
So each month, over 80,000 children in 66 countries receive life-saving nutrition because of Cuddle and Kind purchases. Mind-blowing, right?
Before I wrap up this love fest (can you tell I‘m a little bit obsessed?), I wanted to share a few Cuddle and Kind customer testimonials that perfectly capture the magic of these dolls:
"We bought the flamingo and fawn for our daughters, and they‘re in LOVE! The sweetness and heartfelt, amazing meaning behind the dolls make it extra special. They‘re beautifully crafted, super soft, and so so cute! Worth every penny!" – Rachel M.
"I got my niece Daisy the Kitten and she didn‘t put it down the entire day. She kept hugging it, singing to it, and even tried to share her snacks with Daisy! The doll is so well made and the donation to children in need makes it the best gift ever. 10/10 would (and already have) absolutely buy it again to spread happiness to everyone!" – Mark S.
"This is my 4th Cuddle and Kind purchase. I bought Hannah the bunny and Eloise the elephant as newborn gifts. I love that these dolls are handcrafted with love by real women. I love this company‘s mission to spread joy while helping others on a global level. And the dolls themselves are the perfect lovey size for toddlers, and absolutely precious in every way!" – Jenna P.
See what I mean? Once you cuddle one of these cuties, you‘ll be hooked for life!
Whether you‘re shopping for your own little one, the perfect baby shower gift, or a special birthday treat, you can‘t go wrong with a Cuddle and Kind doll. With their undeniable cuteness, sustainable and ethical production, and incredible giving power, they‘re the total package.
Dolls that create jobs, feed hungry kids, and spark creativity and kindness in the next generation? Yeah, that‘s a cause I can get behind all day long. Join me in the Cuddle and Kind fan club – your kiddos (and the world) will thank you!
Hugs,
Your resident Cuddle and Kind obsessed fashionista
SUMMARY
If you‘re looking for a gift that will delight kids, empower women, and fight childhood hunger all at the same time, Cuddle and Kind dolls check every box. These heirloom-quality handcrafted stuffed animals are as adorable as they are impactful.
Since 2015, Cuddle and Kind has donated over 22 million meals to children in need through the sale of their dolls. Each doll is ethically handmade in Peru and Nepal by women artisans earning fair wages, using premium all-natural materials. With over 50 charming characters to choose from and thousands of 5-star reviews from happy customers, Cuddle and Kind is a beloved brand making a big difference.
Beyond their charitable giving, these dolls also support children‘s development through imaginative and nurturing play. Their premium quality and attention to detail ensure they‘ll be cherished for years to come. So if you‘re ready to cuddle up to a whole lot of cuteness and kindness, treat your favorite little one (or yourself!) to a Cuddle and Kind doll. It‘s a gift you can feel wonderful about giving!
