Bamboletta Dolls: A Custom Baby for Your Baby

When I asked my son what he thought his Bamboletta doll should look like he told me there should be a vacuum on his shirt. Yeah. Right.

Weeks later when our Bamboletta dolls arrived (each doll is custom made to your specifications so there is approximately a six week wait), what should we see staring up at us but the two cutest little faces in the world… and one little doll was proudly sporting a vacuum on his shirt!

To say that we fell in love at first sight would be an understatement.

Made from all-natural materials (namely, cotton and wool), a Bamboletta doll (starting at $135) is truly a doll your children will pass along to their children. Though the initial investment is something you might anticipate spending on all of the dolls your child will ever have in their entire life, it’s important to keep in mind that these beautiful soft friends are handmade by a team of moms from start to finish. With carded wool stuffing (wool is antibacterial, warms to the touch and absorbs the smells of home), sweet embroidered faces, funky clothing (including heartbreakingly adorable underwear and a hand-knit sweater for each doll), every Bamboletta doll is a work of art.

And if you’re looking for a few extra goodies, don’t miss the amazing clothing and slings by SillyCon (my daughter loves wearing her Bamboletta doll around the house), the crown sets (cute and matchy for doll and child), and the oh-so-adorable tiny wooden sewing machines.

– Stephanie

CBBDeal: Get free shipping on every order over $50 using coupon code CBBSHIP (expires June 15, 2009).

Comments

My daughter has a bamboletta doll. We absolutely LOVE her. I am also having a custom doll made for her. These are truly the most beautiful dolls! Such exquisite craftmanship goes into each little detail! I can really tell Christina loves making them! We love this doll so much I thought she needed a friend so we will have 3 bambolettas before long. I think we may be starting a new collection! I love having unique things that mo one else has. Everyone asks us about our Bamboletta doll. She travels everywhere with us! Yes, they are expensive but worth every penny! If you have a little girl who loves dolls you should invest the money to buy her a unique doll that no one else has that she will love forever! To be honest I would love one for myself! : )

- Amy on May 25th, 2009

I’m not sure if I ordered my Bambolettas for my daughter or for myself – they are SO cute! When my order arrived, I had the same elated feeling. I ordered two very different custom dolls (ones that I could never have found in a shop) and the Bamboletta team went above and beyond to make our dolls works of art. I definitely recommend Bamboletta!

- T.M. on May 25th, 2009

Bamboletta dolls are true works of art, from head to toe. The details speak of the love put into each doll. There is no factory model doll that can even compare. Further, supporting a group of moms rather than a huge corporation feels good. And, supporting the production of natural fibers verses plastics/non biodegradable parts which pollute the earth only makes the dolls that much more beautiful, too! Yay Bamboletta!

- Jane Ballaro on May 25th, 2009

I just ordered one, they are beautiful dolls! My daughter just lost her great grandmother this week, so it will be a lovely friend that she can snuggle when she is sad…. maybe we both will.

- jay on May 25th, 2009

There are no words to describe how much we Love our Bamboletta Dolls.
Our Family now has 10 and each one comes with a uniqueness and beauty all its own. My sons adore their boy dolls as much as their sister and mommy love the long hair and dresses on our special girls. We all have become so very attached to our dolls. From the time spent to create each one, to the many eager hands that contribute to the creation, each doll in its own, speaks volumes. There is the ingredients, the hand stitching, embroidery on their faces, carefully selected wool coloured and combined for a truly luscious head of hair, all of which Christina pours so much love into. There are so many careful selections. Her sweet Grandma knits all the sweaters, and dear friends of the family who are employed to create beautiful clothes and accessories such as a sleep sack or a baby sling. Christina has her Husband and all the mommies help her in so many ways from their homes, and they support local businesses wholeheartedly. Truly each one is a masterpiece.

- Alicia on May 25th, 2009

The doll looks cute but way too expensive. A child can just as easily bond and fall in love with a generic doll. I really don’t see the need to spend this kind of money on a doll.

- Anna on May 25th, 2009

I’ve been drooling over Bamboletta Dolls for sometime now (especially since she is so local to me)! I’m sure that when I finally do decide to get one, I’ll be hogging her!

- jenniferdoddphotography on May 25th, 2009

We also love our hipped out Bamboletta boy doll and we love Christina too!

- Ella on May 25th, 2009

We bought one for a daughter for Christmas a couple years ago. She was so excited with her new dolly. And then she became mermaid crazy! So we had a custom mermaid made from Bamboletta. Cute is an understatement! Our daughter loves pink, so Christina suggested a pink silk tail and top. And she has multi-colored hair. Such a beautiful fantasy come true for our little girl. Her very own mermaid Bamboletta! I know they only make a few of them a year, and I’m so glad we were able to get one of them. And she plays with her Dolly and Mermaid everyday.

- Erin on May 25th, 2009

When I was a little girl, my mother gave me a doll that was made for her by her grandmother. I had other dolls that were given to me that were “generic”, and of course I loved them, but none of them ever meant as much to me as the doll my great-grandmother made. The doll sits on a shelf now because she is much to fragile for me to give my little girl, but I searched and searched for something I could give her that would be as special as the doll I had. Then we found Bamboletta.

My daughter ADORES her Bamboletta, and it’s easy to see that this doll was made with an incredible amount of love and devotion. Yes, I cringed a little at first when I saw the price, but it was worth every single cent when our doll arrived and my daughter’s eyes lit up.

- Stephanie on May 25th, 2009

they look a lot like the popular “waldorf” dolls here in germany. i got mine when i was 4 and “she” still sleeps next to my bed. although i have to say that the fabric doesn’t last forever as those dolls are loved very much. my mum did a course and made my three dolls herself, but i’ve seen them in shops as well. it’s just the best cuddly doll and i loved mine more than any “plastic” doll. mine also has hair made of wool, the stuffing is wool and old rags. those dolls are just like cuddly little babys. i wouldn’t ever give mine away!

- denise on May 25th, 2009

I have been looking for a baby boy doll for my son and didn’t find any ‘generic’ dolls that I found suitable. I wanted something soft all around (not just the body), non-plastic, natural and cute. I found Bamboletta Dolls on a forum and fell in love. What a perfect match! The dolls are everything and more than I was looking for. I got two customs made and also have bought a doll from the store. I love the fact that my son has a doll that looks like him. His baby (as he calls it) is truly treasured and loved. Every time we go out with his baby we get several comments from everyone – not just moms but men, grandparents and kiddos!!
They are well made and perfect for even the younger babes around. Well worth the money x2 (or three in my case)!

- Kori on May 25th, 2009

I bought Bamboletta dolls for both my little boy and girl this past Christmas and we love them! I make amigurumi but knew there was no way I’d be able to make such a lovely (& big!) doll for either of my children. They sleep with their miniature versions of themselves most nights and bring them along most days when we’re out!

Christina is also excellent to work with and goes out of her way to accommodate! These are fantastic dolls!

- Mia on May 25th, 2009

We just got our bamboletta doll last week and she is perfect. I enjoyed supporting a fairly local (and very sweet) work-at-home mom and skilled artisan, and I know my daughter will love her doll.
Thanks Christina!

- lp on May 25th, 2009

The care and attention that goes into those dolls is over the top! I know some people find them expensive, but it makes me more thougtful about what I spending my money on and how well me and my children take care of what we do have, we LOVE Bamboletta

- Con on May 25th, 2009

I lurked around the webpage and the dolls are so sweet looking. I would love to get one for my niece who’s about to become a big sister. My girl is way past the doll stage but I’m sure she would have loved one of these, she loved her handmade dolls way back when.Sadly they are completely out of my budget.

- eva on May 25th, 2009

I “met” Christina by ordering a doll from her almost three years ago. Since then our collection of dolls and friendship have grown! These dolls are truly one of a kind. I have never seen dolls that measure up to the quality, thoughtfulness, hip design and love that goes into each one. It is worth every penny to me, having my child’s doll made by someone I trust with locally sourced, natural and quality materials.

- Devon on May 25th, 2009

My daughter has had her beloved Bamboletta, ‘Maisy’, for three years. When she saw Maisy for the first time, it was love. She saved up half the money to buy ‘Maisy’ to bring her home. At almost seven years old, my daughter still carts ‘Maisy’ everywhere, dresses her in various outfits and sleeps with her. Last year, ‘Annie’ joined the crew. Although Annie hasn’t yet become as ‘loved looking’ as ‘Maisy’, she is just as adored and cared for.
These dolls are so very well made and you can tell just how much love and attention is put into each one. They seem to have their own little personalities. And I LOVE that they are made from natural materials. Having a doll snuggled up to my daughter every night, it is important to me that the doll is a healthy companion – no plastics!
These dolls are fabulous! Love ‘em!

- Jackie on May 25th, 2009

We are a family that is totally smitten with our Bambolettas. My oldest daughter has two and our younger two children will each be getting one for their June birthdays. My husband even got me one for my birthday – they are just that special. Christina is such a wonderful person to work with and I just love knowing that my kids are playing with dolls that have been crafted with such love and care. In this age of disposable toys, I am so happy to be able to provide my children with a toy that they can have for a lifetime. Plus, all the extra goodies are AMAZING – dresses and pajamas and sleeping bags and slings – everyone who works with Christina is so very talented. Can you tell how much we love our dolls????

- Aubrey on May 25th, 2009

I gave my daughter an American Girl Doll…it sits on a shelf. The Bamboletta goes everywhere with us. She wakes up every morning and snuggles her every night. The best money ever spent. Worth every penny. I even snuggle her when I get the chance. She is so well made, with the cutest clothes. It is my daughters most treasured possesion.

- Cheryl on May 25th, 2009

yes, they are pricey – but worth every penny when you consider the quality materials, time, energy, thought and care that goes into each one.
we love our bambolettas, and we love christina!

- erin on May 26th, 2009

My little girl is infatuated with her Bamboletta doll. You can tell how much love and attention is poured into the crafting of each little “friend”. And the fact that you can customize the doll is such a wonderful option – my daughter totes around her matching blue-eyed, strawberry blonde look alike everywhere.

- Lacey on May 26th, 2009

I agree that these dolls are pricey, but they reflect the true cost of creating something by hand from such high quality materials. We have become too used to mass produced goods made from poor quality materials (often toxic) and made by machines or people who are poorly paid for their skills. We have 3 small children and live off a teacher’s salary but still managed to get one for our oldest. Money can often be redirected and saved for special gifts like this (think of how much $ most americans spend eating out). Also, consider asking relatives to chip in to help fund such a special gift. We all love our Bamboletta and I know my daughter will have this doll forever. I’d like to teach my girls to think about long term when buying things instead of thoughtlessly buying cheap, disposable stuff that sits in a landfill.

- Ashley on May 26th, 2009

These dolls are priceless in my opinion! Works of art!
I am proud to own one

- Krysta on May 26th, 2009

Wow, those are awesome! I’m totally getting one!

- CanCan (Mom Most Traveled) on May 26th, 2009

I love Bamboletta and Christina! I found and bought my first little girl baby about 3 years ago as a warm up present for my daughter who was going to be a new big sister. I now own a few more. I even gave one to a little boy when my daughter was in the hospital because he looked like he could use a good friend. Worth every penny. It is one thing I never have to worry about them putting in their mouth because of some chemicals.

- Carris on May 26th, 2009

I’d like to chime in, too!

When I first saw these dolls I thought they were beautiful, but so expensive. Guess what? Although it might sound like a lot of money (and, yes, it is to many of us) they are worth it. Every penny. I wish I could get 10 more!

The love, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, the awesome wardrobe, the materials… This is one of those times when words really can’t do these dolls justice.

Christina is one of the nicest people I’ve never met; I’ve told her more than once I wish I could spend a week spying on her workshop just to SEE the wonder and beauty of making these treasured companions. There really MUST be some magic pixie dust put in them, right?!

They are SO beautiful and so special – I urge anyone that’s “on the fence” to try just one. I dare you! (I bet you’re back getting more a.s.a.p.!!!)

Christina also has a lot of love and intrest invested in Project Somos – a village that’s going to be constructed in Guatemala for children that have no where else to go.

You just cannot say enough lovely things about Bamboletta dolls and Christina – I promise!!

-Sarah

- Sarah Riggs on May 26th, 2009

Both my daughter and son have dolls from Christina…best purchase ever. Hands down. These are loved dolls and included family members in our home. They’re such a beautiful way to teach love, respect, empathy and friendship.
You can never go wrong with a purchase from Bamboletta.

- Monica on May 27th, 2009

Expensive yes. And thank the gods so not generic. My daughter has had her little Calliope for just two weeks and she will not go anywhere without her. The attention to detail is amazing. Calliope gets dressed every morning and has a new hairstyle every time I turn around. And truly I can’t wait until my next daughter is old enough for one. I seriously hope to buy one for myself shortly.

- Petra on May 27th, 2009

Would any of you kind people have a pattern to make her and some of her clothes? I’m dissabled but could probably put one together for my child. Warm Regards, Mrs.House Thankyou!

- sharbear on May 27th, 2009

Hand-made dolls by Bamboletta are stunning and sturdy and can stand up to any of the the ample love meted out by the toddlers and children who play with them. Worth every penny of your investment to add this warm, natural toy (almost like a new family member) to your home!

- Laurie on May 30th, 2009