Joeydolls Recognized by Today’s Parent in Top Toys for Babies 2025

There are moments in a small business journey that feel bigger than anything we expected. Moments that make us stop, breathe, and say, wow, parents really see us! This is one of those moments. Joeydolls has officially been named one of Today’s Parent Top Toys for Babies 0 to 2 in 2025, and we’re still happily emotional about it!

Top Toys might sound like a simple label, but to us it’s deeply meaningful. It signals that the world of parenting is shifting in a good way. Parents want toys with heart. Parents want diversity. And parents want something better for their babies. That was the dream when Joeydolls first started.

Joeydolls was created by an Asian mom who wanted a doll for her daughter that actually looked like her. Something soft. Something safe. Something that wasn’t stereotypical or watered down. She wanted a doll with real cultural details and warmth.

And because she couldn’t find one, she made one.

Today, Joeydolls represents a growing collection of Asian heritage dolls that celebrate identity, confidence, and joy. Our dolls help kids feel proud of where they come from. They also help all families teach their little ones about inclusion in a natural, gentle way that fits right into everyday play.

Babies deserve representation too, not just older kids. When we found out we made Today’s Parent Top Toys, it felt like parents everywhere were agreeing with that idea.

We always like to introduce our dolls early in the blog because parents want to know exactly what makes Joeydolls different. So here’s a quick peek at what Today’s Parent loved most.

What Makes Lil Joeydolls Special

• 9 inch soft plush dolls

• Embroidered features that are safe for all ages

• Beautiful cultural outfits inspired by real Asian heritage

• Designed to be extra huggable

• Free of small parts, making them perfect as soft plush dolls for babies

• Every doll includes a QR code so families can learn more about the culture it represents

Parents say our dolls become part of bedtime routines, stroller naps, and playful everyday interactions. They’re more than dolls. They’re comfort friends that spark cultural understanding.

Today's Parent honors products that genuinely support a child’s development, and that’s why this recognition feels so aligned with our mission.

We’re also so excited to share our newest addition to the Joeydolls line- Joeydolls Cuddles Collection, created for the tiniest hands and biggest hearts.

These are soft, snuggly baby loveys made to comfort little ones while honoring culture, love, and belonging from the very beginning. These baby-safe security blankets feature sweet Joeydolls characters and joyful designs inspired by real traditions and stories.

Parents tell us they’re the first comfort item their babies reach for during tummy time, stroller naps, bedtime routines, or when they just need a little extra closeness. Light, gentle, and easy to hold, they make meaningful newborn gifts and beautiful keepsakes as your little one grows.

This isn’t just a feature, It is a milestone for representation in early childhood. When a parenting publication celebrates an Asian heritage doll brand, it shows that our kids’ stories belong everywhere.

Today’s Parent looks for:

• Safety

• Emotional value

• Cultural and developmental benefits

• Quality and craftsmanship

• Overall impact on children’s learning

So being chosen as one of their Top Toys tells parents that our dolls are trusted companions in those formative baby and toddler stages.

It also helps break stereotypes and makes room for more diverse stories in playrooms across the country. Representation has an impact on confidence, empathy, and how children understand themselves and others.

This recognition helps families raise kids who see diversity as normal and beautiful.

Babies learn through touch, familiarity, and simple everyday interactions. When they hold a doll or lovey that represents a real culture, it quietly shapes how they see themselves and how they see the world.

Joeydolls supports:

• Pride in cultural roots

• Curiosity about other cultures

• Emotional comfort

• Early empathy

• Positive identity building

Softness is powerful. Comfort leads to connection. And connection leads to understanding.

One of the sweetest parts of running Joeydolls is seeing how your little ones bond with their dolls. Every week we open our inbox or DMs and find new photos from parents. Sometimes it’s a baby asleep in the car seat with a Joeydoll tucked under their chin. Sometimes it’s a toddler proudly introducing their doll to a new sibling. And sometimes it’s a little one grinning so wide that it makes us smile back at the screen.

We save many of these photos because they remind us why we do what we do. There’s something unbelievably powerful about watching a child hold a doll that looks like them or reflects the culture they carry. Parents often write things like, “She won’t go to bed without her doll now” or “This is the first time he’s seen a toy that looks like him!” Moments like these feel like tiny celebrations of representation.

If this recognition made you smile, come join our VIP list. It’s where we share uplifting stories, cultural resources, new releases, and early access to upcoming dolls and Cuddles.