Resources
Toy Companies Serving African Children [LIST]
Feb
The word “diversity” has become a part of many of our vocabularies, but tangible diversity is still difficult to find in many spheres including toys and games. For those of us actively looking for toys and games that represent Africans and the African diaspora, the selection or lack thereof can be very frustrating, disheartening and… inspiring. Below is our (hopefully growing) list of toy companies serving this need.
Just in case you’re not sure why it’s important to have more representation of African children in the toy section, check out some information on the “Doll Test” that inspired many business owners on this list:
VIDEO: The Doll Test – The Effects of Racism on Children
ARTICLE: Brown v. Board of Education – Significance of the Doll Test
Adinkra Designs
…when you buy from us, your purchase provides an opportunity out of poverty for the artisan and their family; an opportunity to move forward.
Adinkra Designs was birthed after Kelly and Kelvin Boateng, and their children, visited Ghana to reconnect with their roots. Their company offers a variety of home and lifestyle accessories as well as range of toys and games. Their products are made by African artisans and a portion of the proceeds go towards helping youth in Ghana.
Nandikwa Dolls
Simply beautiful.
Nandikwa Dolls is a South African toy company with a “simply beautiful” range of dolls that represent the various cultures within the “rainbow nation” including Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana, Sotho, Venda, Pedi, and Tsonga.
Ntombenhle Dolls
…created to show and bring beauty to our African girls.
Ntombenhle Dolls is another South African toy company offering a selection of dolls in traditional dress and representing various South African ethnic groups.
Queens of Africa Dolls
Culture of Africa for kids everywhere.
Queens of Africa Dolls is a Yoruba inspired toy company offering a selection of dolls, posters and backpacks.
Alyfa
It takes a toy to teach a child.
Alyfa is owned by Racky Daffé, a mother of two. Motherhood inspired her to create “a company enriching playtime with African inspired toys”. Alyfa offers dolls, puzzles, wooden toys, educational kits, books and backpacks.
Natural Girls United
Our beauty recognized.
Karen Byrd was inspired by the shocking and significant results of the “Doll Test” to create NGU which offers a beautiful selection of dolls rocking natural, coily hair.
The Black Toy Store
…your online destination for hand-picked, curated children’s toys, games, books, and gifts that reflect the beauty and diversity of the African diaspora.
The Black Toy Store is an online shopping platform that makes shopping for African inspired toys by black-owned businesses super simple. Their categories include dolls, action figures, game sets and craft kits.
Harper Iman
It is hard to be what you cannot see.
Harper Iman is owned by a mother-daughter duo. Cynthia and Kathryn offer super cute, handmade, linen and felt dolls that can be customized.
Ikuzi Dolls
Dolls like us. Dolls we love.
Ozi, a multi-talented mother of four created Ikuzi Dolls so that her children could see themselves in great toys. The Ikuzi Dolls collection features a range of skin tones and pretty, Africa-print inspired dresses.
Puzzle Huddle
Children’s jigsaw puzzles featuring diverse characters.
This great company is owned and run by husband and wife team, Matthew and Marnel, and is inspired by their three children. They offer a selection colorful and inspirational puzzles featuring black characters which are appropriate for children as young as 2 years of age.
Different Dolly’s
We seek to honour the beauty and intelligence of multicultural children.
Different Dolly’s is a small company offering black girl dolls and backpacks.
Luvuthando Dolls
Embrace your uniqueness!
Luvuthando Dolls was started by Yolanda Y’awa, a multi-talented woman from Cape Town, South Africa. The company offers a selection of dolls and colorful accessories. Luvuthando means “feel the love” and is a blend of her children’s names Luvuyo and Uthando.
Swahili Princess
Girls that play with dolls that positively represent them become confident in their appearance and culture.
Swahili Princess offers a range of dolls. Unfortunately they are not available for purchase directly on their website.
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