BuzzFeed Highlights Joeydolls’ South Asian Dolls
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Time to read 6 min
We’re so excited to share some huge news - Joeydolls’ South Asian Dolls have been featured on BuzzFeed’s list of South Asian-Owned Businesses that have the perfect gifts for Diwali!
As a brand created by an Asian mom who wanted her daughter to see herself represented in play, this feature means more than just press. It’s a recognition of our mission - to help every child feel seen, proud, and connected to their culture.
We’re beyond grateful to be highlighted among other incredible South Asian creators, each making waves in their own way. But what makes this so special is knowing families everywhere are discovering toys that tell real cultural stories.
Joeydolls: Representation With Heart
Joeydolls began as a labor of love - a dream to fill toy shelves with faces and stories that reflect the diversity of Asian cultures.
Each of our South Asian Dolls is soft, safe, and lovingly crafted with embroidered details. No small parts. No sharp edges. Just huggable companions made to last through playtime and bedtime.
Every doll also includes a QR code that teaches kids about the culture it represents. Because we believe representation in play should be both joyful and educational!
Our dolls are designed for all children - whether your little one is discovering their roots or learning about someone else’s.
Because that’s how inclusion starts: one story, one friendship, one playtime at a time.
Our BuzzFeed Feature: A Moment of Pride and Gratitude
When BuzzFeed shared their list of South Asian-Owned Businesses to shop for Diwali, our hearts just about burst with excitement.
Right there at number 5 was Joeydolls, featuring our Priya Indian Cultural Mini Doll - a soft, smiling reminder of the beauty of South Asian culture.
BuzzFeed described our dolls as “a beautiful way for families to celebrate Diwali together.” And honestly? We couldn’t agree more!
This moment isn’t just about us. It’s about every parent who’s ever said, “I wish my child could see themselves in their toys.”
It’s about every educator who’s bringing more representation into the classroom.
And every little one who lights up when they say, “She looks like me!”
Explore Our South Asian Dolls Collection
We’re so proud to share that Joeydolls’ South Asian Dolls collection includes three beautiful companions that celebrate the richness, color, and heart of Indian culture - Kamala, Priya, and Mini Priya. Each one is lovingly designed to honor real traditions, inspire pride, and bring cultural storytelling into every playtime.
1. Kamala: Graceful, Traditional, and Full of Heart
Kamala is lovingly designed to honor Indian tradition. She wears a vibrant purple lehenga with intricate gold embroidery and a flowing pink dupatta, paired with shimmering gold shoes. Her hair is styled in a traditional braid, and every detail reflects the beauty of Indian culture.
Her lehenga and dupatta are removable for dress-up and storytelling, while her tikka and braid are safely secured for little hands. Handcrafted with care, Kamala isn’t just a doll - she’s a cultural companion that helps children feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
(Part of the Joeydolls Signature Collection - 18" cultural dolls that inspire belonging and confidence.)
2. Priya: Elegant, Joyful, and Rich in Tradition
Priya honors the timeless beauty of Indian culture. She wears a gold lehenga with delicate embroidery and a soft pink dupatta, complemented by a traditional bindi and tikka on her forehead. Her hair is styled in a classic braid, and her gold shoes complete her festive look.
Her lehenga and dupatta can be removed for imaginative play, while her tikka is securely embroidered for safety. With her bright smile and thoughtful design, Priya brings cultural stories to life, helping children explore traditions and grow with pride.
(Part of the Joeydolls Signature Collection - designed to inspire cultural pride and belonging.)
3. Mini Priya: Soft, Safe, and Made for Little Hands (Ages 0-3)
Meet Mini Priya, the sweetest introduction to Indian culture for babies and toddlers. Part of our Lil Joeydolls Collection, she’s designed especially for the youngest learners to snuggle, love, and grow with.
Mini Priya wears a pink lehenga with gold trim, a matching dupatta, and a traditional bindi - all lovingly embroidered to reflect authentic Indian style. Her clothing is non-removable for safety, and she’s certified safe for ages 0+, making her the perfect first doll for gentle hugs and cultural discovery.
Together, Kamala, Priya, and Mini Priya represent the warmth, beauty, and diversity of India’s heritage. Perfect for holidays like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Eid, and Holi. Each doll is crafted with intention - to teach, comfort, and empower children through inclusive play.
Because when kids see themselves and their culture reflected in their toys, they grow up knowing that who they are is something to be celebrated.
Why Representation in Play Matters
When children see themselves in their toys, something powerful happens - they feel seen.
They start believing their stories matter. Their skin, their traditions, their families - all beautiful, all worth celebrating.
That’s why Joeydolls’ South Asian Dolls are so important. They’re a gentle way to teach pride, empathy, and inclusion from the very start.
Because when playtime is inclusive, kids grow up with open hearts.
And when playtime celebrates diversity, it helps fight against colorism, stereotypes, and the harmful lack of representation so many of us grew up with.
This is what representation in play truly looks like - and why we’ll never stop creating dolls that reflect real cultures with joy.
Cultural Pride Starts Young
Imagine your child learning about Diwali, Eid, or Lunar New Year through play.
Imagine them sharing those stories proudly at school or bedtime.
That’s what Joeydolls is all about - creating a world where cultural pride starts in the playroom.
Every doll we create, from South Asian to East Asian heritage, celebrates love, language, and learning.
Because play is where identity grows.
Join Our Joeydolls Family
We’d love for you to join our VIP List - not just for early product access, but to be part of a community that celebrates real representation in play.
When you sign up, you’ll get:
Early access to new doll releases
Exclusive discounts and cultural learning guides
Parenting resources on inclusion and confidence
If you believe in raising kind, culturally curious kids, this is the place for you.
FAQs
Are Joeydolls safe for all ages?
Yes! All our dolls are made with soft plush materials and embroidered details - no small parts, ever.
What cultures do Joeydolls represent?
Our collection currently features dolls inspired by South Asian culture, particularly India, as well as East Asian cultures such as Korea, China, and Japan, and Southeast Asian cultures including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia - each celebrating their own unique traditions and heritage through our cultural dolls.
How can educators use Joeydolls in classrooms?
Teachers love using Joeydolls to start conversations about culture, empathy, and inclusion. They’re also great for storytime and cultural celebrations!
Are the dolls washable?
Yes, our dolls can be gently surface-cleaned with a damp cloth to keep them fresh and huggable.
Summary
Joeydolls’ South Asian Dolls featured on BuzzFeed’s South Asian-Owned Businesses list
Celebrating inclusion, representation, and joy in play
Priya Mini Doll is the perfect Diwali gift idea for kids
Join the Joeydolls VIP Family for early access and learning tools
About The Author
Samantha Ong
Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Canadian-based toy brand on a mission to celebrate Asian cultures through joyful, inclusive play. Inspired by her own experiences growing up without cultural representation, Samantha designs dolls that help children feel proud of who they are while sparking curiosity and empathy in others. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has empowered thousands of families to bring culture, identity, and love into their everyday lives—one cuddle at a time.
