Best dolls & action figures for kids
The characters that end up with names, backstories, and seats at dinner.
Heads up: links below are affiliate links. We earn a commission, your price never changes. How we pick
1. Barbie Fantasy Hair Doll
4.8★ from 16k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →2. Barbie Doll, Blonde, Wearing Riding Outfit with…
4.8★ from 13k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →3. Barbie Skipper Babysitters Stroller Playset
4.8★ from 5.5k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →4. Barbie Baby Doctor Playset
4.8★ from 26k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →5. Barbie Gymnastics Doll & Accessories, Playset with…
4.8★ from 3.2k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →6. Barbie Mermaid Doll, “Malibu” with Pink Hair,…
4.8★ from 2.8k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →7. Barbie Chelsea Doll
4.8★ from 12k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →8. Barbie Doll & Newborn Puppies Set
4.8★ from 12k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →9. Barbie Dreamtopia Light-Up Mermaid
4.8★ from 12k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →10. Barbie Pop Star Doll
4.8★ from 9.9k reviews. Expect a cast member with a backstory by week two.View on Amazon →A good doll or figure isn't a display piece. It's a cast member in a saga you'll only ever hear fragments of. These picks are the ones kids actually play with, chosen from thousands of reviews by people who watched it happen.
Shopping for a specific kid?Tell us their age and what they're into and the quiz hands you one confident pick with the reasons it fits.Take the toy quiz →Common questions
What ages are these dolls & figures best for?
Most picks on this list suit ages 3–10, and every card shows its specific age band. When in doubt, match the item's band to the kid, a great pick for the top of the range can flop at the bottom.
How are these picks chosen?
Every pick clears hard floors: at least a 4.2-star average from 30 or more reviews, plus age-fit and kid-appropriateness rules, then gets ranked by a review-weighted quality score. Nobody pays for placement. The links are affiliate links, which never change your price.
Full methodology, including every rule the picks have to clear: how we pick.
