by Catalogs.com Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

Playing dress up with dolls is a fun hobby for girls and boys alike.

Every generation seems to have its own assortment of fresh faces to choose from – alongside classics like Barbie and storied princesses.

These ten popular dress up dolls include a happy mix of both.

10. Modern gals

Children often form a bond with ones they can relate to. That’s why doll clothes and furniture is so appealing. You don’t have to look far to find sportswear, matching dresses and casual clothes that make your child’s 18″ friend look like one of the gang.

9. Bratz

The four Bratz gals made a huge splash when they came out in the mid 2000s. Known for their attitude and edgier dress, kids today may recognize them from the movies and TV show. These fashion-loving teens have exaggerated traits – very long hair, big heads and skinny bodies – but their fun, modern clothes keep them on the favorites list for playing dress up.

8. Folk art

Children that appreciate wooden toys and handmade gifts adore sweet folk art dolls. Made to be loved and displayed on a bedroom shelf with other cherished possessions, these little friends with their yarn hair and old fashioned lace tops make the mundane feel magical.

7. American Girl

Where the Monster High characters celebrate quirkiness and spunk, the American Girls bring more wholesome qualities to the play room. Children with one of these girls can find a huge variety of clothes in stores or online. They can even get matching outfits and enjoy the thrill of dressing themselves up, too.

6. Soft bodies

It doesn’t take long for a child’s favorite inanimate friend to develop a personality. It starts with a name and a few backyard adventures and before you know it your daughter knows what kind of food and books she prefers. She obviously has a strong sense of style, which is good because you daughter gets to play fashion designer, too. Soft, pillowy dolls are a good choice for fashionistas simply because it’s easy to change their outfits and make new clothes that fit.

5. Barbie

The reigning queen of micro fashion may be over 50 years old, but she remains one of the most popular dress up toys to this day. One of the biggest draws is her variety thanks to Barbie’s countless careers. Choose one to match your kid’s hobbies or future aspirations – doctor, president, firefighter, astronaut or ballerina.

4. Cutie pies

Ask a child why she prefers one doll over another and the answer may surprise you. It’s not the fancy clothes or realistic expression that gets them, it’s the cuteness. Soft, huggable cutie dolls with big eyes and imaginative costumes evoke a sense of wonder.

3. Cabbage Patch Kids

If we’re talking about the most popular dress up dolls ever, Cabbage Patch Dolls must be on the list. Anyone who grew up in the 1980s understands why. They each came with their own set of interests – artsy, athletic, playful – and they appealed to boys and girls alike. Dressing them up was only half the fun!

2. Monster High

Monster High characters are based on the cartoon by the same name and they’re super hot right now. In fact, these punky girls are currently among the best-selling dolls in the world. They each have their own unique story lines, famous monster fathers and lovable personalities, plus colorfully streaked hair, special abilities and super cool clothes. Draculara, Laguna and the rest of the crew love to shop so playing dress up is naturally a favorite past time.

1. Party time

This kind of play gives kids the opportunity to use their imaginations to create a world around their little friends. Putting them in doll party clothes and adorable little shoes starts the wheels turning. Soon they’re imagining grand balls, performances and jubilant occasions.