Watch out Polly Pockets. You've got handmade competition.

If you've got a five-year-old daughter (or thereabouts) then you know the story well. Someone (*coughGrandmomcough*) buys her Polly Pockets and you end up spending most of your time searching for the ridiculously small shoes in your vacu…

Watch out Polly Pockets. You've got handmade competition.
If you've got a five-year-old daughter (or thereabouts) then you know the story well. Someone (*coughGrandmomcough*) buys her Polly Pockets and you end up spending most of your time searching for the ridiculously small shoes in your vacuum filter.

So, I'm always on the look out for similar alternatives, like these adorable hand crocheted mini dolls from Sweet Dolls. Even though they're a bit bigger than their plastic counterparts, I'm pretty sure in this case, size doesn't really matter. They're fun, fashionable (hello, pink hair!), and best of all, I'm guessing they'd be easier for little hands to dress and undress a couple of hundred times an hour. 

Depending on which doll you choose (or custom order - cool right?), you just need some Thumbelina clothes to make them complete. But even this fairly uncrafty mama could probably sew up a few little tunics or simple dresses for these cuties. Anything to avoid my nemesis: Teeny tiny plastic clothes. -Kristen

Visit Sweet Dolls for a lovely, diverse (yay!) selection of mini play dolls.

More in KidsView all picks →

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be all backpacks, supply lists, and new sneakers. Sometimes the best way to mark a new school year is with something that feels a little more fun—and a lot less practical. Enter Build-A-Bear , where …

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Back-to-school shopping has a funny way of turning into a negotiation. Parents want shoes that are comfortable and durable. Kids want the pair everyone will notice in the hallway. Luckily, Shiekh makes it a little easier to keep everyone…