Dolls are toys or play things, which abstractly mimics the human form, typically in the stage of infancy or childhood. The doll represents another person during play and is one of the oldest known toys having been found in the tombs of Ancient Egypt.

Over the course of history dolls have represented events and the changing times. Ancient dolls were made by hand of clay, bone, rags, paper, ivory, wax or painted and whittled wood. They were styled as marionettes, puppets, religious figures and soldiers. Greek girls dedicated their dolls to the goddesses.http://ctdollartists.com/history.htm

Though most people think of dolls as things for children, adults doll collection is a popular hobby. Many cultures have their own ethnic types of dolls, such as Kachina dolls, Russian dolls, and Voodoo dolls.http://russian-crafts.com/nesting-dolls/history.html

Today there is a different type of doll for every child. There are baby dolls which look like babies, and sometimes make noises. Some can be fed, and some need changing after they drink water. Fashion dolls like Barbie, Bratz and other smaller dolls can be dress up in brand outfits and costumes. These dolls are also desirable among collectors. Other collectible dolls include porcelain dolls from the turn of the century, American Girl Dolls, Celebrity dolls made to look like singers, actors and famous individuals. Action dolls, also called action figures are sold mainly to boys and are also collectible.http://www.dollgrader.com/

Dolls have an entire world of their own accessorized by complimentary miniature sizes of every article known to man. Doll accessories such as clothes, shoes, wigs, bottles, playsets, RV's and designer cars, boats and so on.

Dollhouses are as varied as houses in the real world. There are lodges complete with ski racks and hot tubs, condos, villas, lofts with city views, townhouses with window flower boxes, Victorians, Tudors, farmhouses complete with barn and animals, castles, tents accessorized with fishing poles and picnic gear, and the likes.

One of the most popular accessories for dolls is the stroller. It's an integral piece of doll play and categorizes with other comfort items such as doll furniture, doll food, pets, and friends.http://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/<ref>