Dinkum Dolls by Olli Ella Blog

Their first doll has a surprisingly busy life. It gets squeezed. Dropped. Cuddled. Carried by one arm. Taken in the car. Lost underneath the pram. Found again. Which is why choosing a first soft doll isn’t really about bells and whistles. It’s about the things that matter to very small people: softness, size, weight and being easy to hold onto. Grown-ups have a few other things to check too. Choosing a first doll for a newborn First, check the manufacturer’s official age rating. Then consider: construction weight size removable components materials care instructions relevant safety information A doll being soft...

A baby doll doesn’t technically need anything. Children tend to disagree. Apparently the baby is hungry. Cold. Going shopping. Late for bed. In urgent need of a wardrobe change. And expected at an extremely important appointment near the sofa. Accessories are where one doll can start becoming a whole world. But you don’t need everything on day one. Start with these three 1. Something to carry them in A carrier or sling lets the Dinkum come along while little hands remain available for other very important things. SHOP DOLL CARRIERS 2. Something to wear One change of clothes creates a...

Twenty-four doors. Twenty-four tiny things. By approximately door nine, this can begin to feel less like Christmas magic and more like a procurement exercise. So don’t fill every door with a thing. The best advent calendars mix little surprises with little things to do. What actually fits inside an advent calendar? Before buying anything, measure the drawer or door. This sounds obvious. It becomes considerably more obvious after buying 24 things that don’t fit. Write down: height × width × depth and keep it in your phone. Non-candy advent calendar fillers for kids Try: Stickers Hair clips Temporary tattoos Stationery...

There are important letters. And then there is the letter addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole containing a highly specific request for a toy your child saw once in May. This one deserves proper stationery. Download your free Letter to Santa Download PDF A blank version for bigger kids Give older children proper writing space and let them decide what Santa needs to know. A tiny Dinky peeking over the edge of the page wouldn’t hurt. Also Read: Colouring magic with paper Dinkum Dolls Print, colour and cut out. What should children write to Santa? They might tell him: Something...

Our Black Friday deals are coming this November! A little friend for under the tree. A doll they’ve been dreaming about. A cuddly creature who might just become a permanent member of the family. If you’re looking for Black Friday deals on dolls, plush toys, soft toys and children’s Christmas gifts, you’ve come to the right little corner of the internet. Welcome to Dinkum World, home to soft, cuddly and wonderfully individual toys made for real childhood. The dressing up. The adventures. The very important pram rides around the living room. And this November, there’s even more reason to meet...

There are two kinds of children’s craft. The one in the photograph. And the thing your child actually makes. We prefer the second one. Crooked feathers, enthusiastic glue and all. Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers Keep the materials simple: Chunky crayons Washable paint Large pieces of paper Leaves Cardboard Child-safe glue used with supervision A handprint turkey may not look exactly like a turkey. This has never stopped a toddler. Paper plate turkeys You’ll need: A paper plate Coloured paper Crayons or paint Glue Colour the plate, cut large feather shapes and let children arrange them. Add eyes and a beak....

The best stocking presents are often the ones nobody saw coming. A tiny new friend peeking out of the top. An outfit for the Dinkum who apparently has “nothing to wear”. A pocket-sized creature immediately given a name, a backstory and a seat at Christmas breakfast. Small present. Very big deal. The five-piece stocking formula If you’re staring at an empty stocking wondering how on earth you’re supposed to fill it, try: One little toy Something creative Something useful Something silly Something delicious You do not need 17 plastic trinkets. Stocking fillers for babies Think fewer, age-appropriate pieces: Soft little...

Twenty-four presents before Christmas sounds magical. It also sounds like quite a lot of presents. Luckily, toddlers don’t need 24 new things to understand that something exciting is getting closer. A song counts. A story counts. Christmas lights count. At this age, the ritual can be the present. What makes a good toddler countdown? Keep it: Simple. One little surprise each day. Visual. Let them see Christmas getting closer. Repeatable. Remember, you’re doing this 24 times. Age appropriate. Tiny calendar doors encourage tiny objects, and tiny objects aren’t automatically appropriate for tiny children. Always check the age recommendation on anything...

They’re back. Or perhaps they’re arriving for the very first time. Either way, we’d resist starting December with an elf parachuting through a balloon arch while 400 paper snowflakes fall from the ceiling. You’ve got another 23 nights to go. Start small. Our easy Elf on the Shelf ideas cover the other 23. When does the Elf on the Shelf arrive? Many families begin around 1 December, but yours doesn’t have to. If December has already started, your elf is simply late. Perhaps there was snow. Perhaps they missed the sleigh. Perhaps North Pole administration isn’t what it used to...

It’s 10:47pm. You’ve just got into bed. And then you remember the elf. This page is for you. No flour explosions. No elaborate installations involving fishing wire. Just quick Elf on the Shelf ideas using things you’re reasonably likely to already own. If your elf hasn’t turned up yet, start with our elf arrival ideas instead. Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas (30 Seconds or Less) Fridge Elf: Put the elf in the fridge. Shoe Elf: Sit them inside tomorrow’s shoe. Book Club: Prop them beside an open book. Dinkum Sleepover: Tuck them into a doll bed. Breakfast Guest:...

Christmas Eve when you’re little is approximately 47 hours long. There are pyjamas to put on. Reindeer to consider. Suspicious noises to investigate. And several very serious discussions about whether going to sleep is actually necessary. A Christmas Eve box gives all that excitement somewhere to go. And it doesn’t need to be another enormous present. The easiest formula is: Something to wear. Cosy pyjamas, socks or slippers. Something to read. A Christmas story for bedtime. Something to cuddle. A little soft friend. Something to do. Colouring, a puzzle or a family activity. Something to nibble. A favourite festive treat,...

Have you ever found a shell on the beach and wondered where it came from? You see, the sea holds lots of surprises and secrets too. For example, do you believe in mermaids? We do. And guess what… we have discovered some in one of Dinkum World’s best kept secrets… Seashell Shores Hidden beyond the rock pools and beneath the waves, it’s a place of winding coral gardens, curious sea creatures and treasures carried in from all corners of the ocean. And if you’re going to visit, there are a few friends you should know. Meet the Little Lagoonies That...

Halloween treats don't always have to come wrapped in sugar. 🎃 Whether you're putting together a Boo Basket, looking for a little surprise before trick-or-treating or starting a new October tradition, a Halloween gift for kids can make the season feel even more magical. And unlike the contents of the trick-or-treat bucket, some Halloween treats can stick around long after October 31. From Halloween toys and cosy pyjamas to books, crafts and little friends to cuddle, here are 25 of the best Halloween gift ideas for kids, with plenty of not-too-spooky options for little ones. 1. A Special Halloween Doll A Halloween doll...

Halloween and candy tend to go hand in hand. And while we would never dream of getting between a child and their favourite Halloween treat, sometimes it’s nice to have a little magic in the mix that isn’t made of sugar. 🎃✨ Whether you’re filling a Boo Basket, looking for Halloween gifts for kids, planning a party or simply trying to balance out the trick-or-treat haul, there are plenty of non-candy Halloween treats that feel every bit as exciting. From tiny surprises to Halloween toys they can bring out year after year, here are 20 of our favourites. 1. A Halloween Doll A...

There’s a new little Halloween tradition we’re rather fond of: the Boo Basket. 🎃 Part Halloween hamper, part October surprise, a Boo Basket is a basket filled with a few spooky-but-sweet treats, toys and activities for little ones to enjoy in the lead-up to Halloween. And the best bit? There are no rules. Make it tiny. Make it homemade. Skip the sweets completely. Add one special Halloween toy they’ll bring out every October. The magic is simply in finding a little basket waiting for them and wondering who (or what) might have left it there… Here’s how to build your own. What...

Halloween without the scary stuff? Absolutely. For lots of little ones, Halloween is much more exciting when it’s about dressing up, collecting treats and staying up past bedtime than ghosts, gore and things that go bump in the night. And thankfully, a brilliant Halloween costume doesn’t need to be scary. From friendly witches and black cats to fairies, favourite animals and magical creatures, here are some of our favourite non-scary Halloween costume ideas for kids — perfect for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties and a little October make-believe. 1. A Not-So-Spooky Witch A witch is a Halloween classic, but she certainly doesn’t have to be scary....

Halloween is no longer just about lollies and trick or treating. Today, many families are looking for Halloween gifts for kids that add to the excitement of the season, especially as a fun alternative to sugary treats. From a baby’s first Halloween to gifts for older children who still love a bit of October magic, the right present can turn Halloween into a lasting tradition. This guide shares the best Halloween gifts for kids by age, including baby Halloween gifts, toddler Halloween toys, and imaginative Halloween gifts for older children. Halloween Gifts for Babies: 0–12 Months A baby’s first Halloween is more for...

Seven years ago, before there was Dinkum World, there were Dinkum Dolls. The original Dinkum Dolls by Olli Ella were a family of six soft, poseable dolls, each with their own name and personality. They were made for dressing up, cuddling, carrying everywhere and becoming completely their own in the hands of a child. We had no idea just how big their little world would become.   Meet the Original Dinkum Dolls From the very beginning, we wanted Dinkum Dolls to feel less like toys and more like childhood friends. With soft, huggable bodies, poseable arms and legs, brushable hair...

Some days call for big adventures. Others call for ten quiet minutes and a cup of tea while it’s still hot. Enter: the Busy Box. A little box filled with simple, open-ended activities that kids can reach for when they need something to do. Perfect for rainy afternoons, slow mornings, road trips, café dates, or that mysterious hour before dinner when everyone suddenly forgets how to entertain themselves. The best bit? You don’t need anything fancy. A few crafty bits, some everyday treasures and a Dinkum friend are more than enough. What is a Busy Box? A Busy Box is...

Boo Baskets might just be one of our favourite new Halloween traditions. 🎃 A basket filled with little Halloween surprises, secretly left for someone you love? We’re in. If you’ve seen them popping up everywhere and wondered what to put in a Boo Basket for kids, the good news is there really are no rules. You can make yours big or little, filled with treats or completely candy-free, perfectly styled or thrown together with things you know your child will love. The best Boo Baskets aren’t necessarily the fullest ones. They’re the ones that make an ordinary October morning feel just...

Halloween with little kids doesn’t need to be scary to be magical. 🎃✨ For toddlers and preschoolers, some of the best Halloween memories are often the simplest ones. Decorating a wonky pumpkin. Dressing up at home for absolutely no reason. Making something covered in far too many stickers. Taking a favourite toy trick-or-treating. If you’re looking for Halloween activities for toddlers and preschoolers, we’ve gathered 15 easy ideas filled with play, creativity and just the right amount of Halloween magic. No frights required. 1. Decorate Pumpkins Without Carving Pumpkin decorating is a Halloween classic, but sharp carving tools and toddlers aren’t...

You always know when Halloween is coming to Holiday Hollow. The nights grow longer. The lanterns come out. And the air turns crisp and sweet, like toffee cooling on a windowsill. One by one, familiar faces begin to appear at the edge of the wood. Some you’ll remember. Scully Skeleton is back – still a little afraid of the dark, still hoping someone leaves a light on. Jinx and Nox have padded home too, and if you look closely, they’ve each grown a brand-new tail since you saw them last. And of course, there’s Willa the Switch Witch, who wouldn’t...

Something’s changing in Holiday Hollow. The nights are drawing in, the lanterns are coming out, and the air has turned crisp and sweet, like toffee. Halloween is on its way — and the friends of the Hollow are gathering for the season. Meet Willa the Switch Witch Every Halloween, Willa has a job to do. Once the children are tucked into bed with their bellies full of sweets and candy, she waits for the clock to strike midnight. Then, quiet as candlelight, Willa the switch witch visits each doorstep, gathers up the candy left waiting there, and leaves a small...

A brand new realm has been discovered in Dinkum World. Every adventure starts with a little curiosity. For Peggy Peach, it started with the sound of distant drums. One sunny morning, Peggy, a tiny peach- coloured Dinky Dinkum wandered a little further than she ever had before from Wildflower wood. Beyond the wildflowers. Beyond the very last tree in Wildflower Wood. Then she heard it. Dum dum. Dum dum dum. Curious as ever, Peggy followed the sound until she found a narrow path hidden beneath giant leaves. She took one small step forward. And discovered a magical forest! And that...

Rainy days have a way of changing the rhythm of a home. Outside, everything slows down. Inside, everything gets a little louder. Suddenly there are more questions, more energy and a very strong belief that boredom is something urgent that needs solving immediately. But these slower days can also become some of the most imaginative ones, where the living room turns into a world of its own and play takes over for hours at a time. Here are a few rainy-day ideas to help the story unfold. 1. Build a cosy den Every rainy day feels better with a den....

There's a new kind of adventure beginning in Dinkum World.Meet Binky Pip, Binky Moppet, and Binky Pickle 🌈🌈 the littlest baby dolls in Dinkum WorldSmall enough to fit in little hands, always ready for a cuddle, these little ones bring nurturing play to Dinkum World A whole new way to play Binky Dinkys may be the smallest members of Dinkum World, but they open up endless storytelling possibilities.Children can feed them, settle them down for a nap, tuck them into their bassinets, change their outfits, and care for them alongside their favourite Dinkum Doll siblings.For little ones welcoming a new...

Some gifts are opened, played with once, then slowly forgotten. And then there are the ones that stay close by for years - the ones that get named, tucked into beds, taken on adventures and folded into everyday life. Imaginative play doesn’t need much to begin. But the right kinds of gifts can open the door to worlds your child returns to, each time with a slightly different story to tell. 1. A companion they can take everywhere The most powerful imaginative play often begins with a single companion. A doll, a soft animal or a cuddly friend becomes the...

Choosing a child's first doll is a special milestone. You're not simply picking out another toy, you're choosing a companion that may join family holidays, bedtime routines, visits to grandparents and countless imaginary adventures. The right doll can become a source of comfort, confidence and creativity for years to come. Here's what to look for when choosing a first doll for your toddler. What makes a good first doll for a toddler? When choosing a doll, consider the following: Size: A first doll should fit comfortably in little arms. Around 30 to 35 centimetres is ideal for most toddlers: large...

Some days, your little one's favourite companion needs an extra cuddle. Other days, they're running the busiest veterinary clinic in town, caring for poorly puppies, brave bunnies and magical creatures who need a little help before heading off on their next adventure. Pretend vet play is full of imagination, kindness and storytelling. Every patient has a tale to tell, and every visit is another chance for children to care, comfort and create a world of their own. Here are a few ideas to help bring your veterinary clinic to life. Welcome to the waiting room Every good vet practice starts...

Travelling with a toddler is always an adventure. The bags somehow fill up faster than expected, snacks disappear before you've even left home and every journey comes with a few surprises along the way. Whether you're heading off for a weekend away or a much-anticipated family holiday, having a few favourite toys close by can make the day feel calmer for everyone. The best travel toys don't just keep little hands busy. They bring comfort, spark imagination and help children feel at home wherever the journey takes them. What makes a great travel toy? When space is limited, every toy...

Every great tea party starts with an invitation. There are guests to gather, treats to prepare and a table to set just right. Some visitors arrive wearing party clothes, others come with floppy ears or tiny paws, but every one of them has an important place at the table. The best part? Once everyone has arrived, your child decides exactly how the story unfolds. Here are a few ideas to help make tea time even more magical. The guest list comes first Every tea party needs wonderful company. Favourite dolls, cuddly companions and soft toys are always happy to accept...

Many children find bedtime to be one of the trickiest parts of the day. From a child's perspective, they're being asked to stop playing, say goodbye to the day's adventures, and trust that everything will still be there in the morning. A stuffed animal won't make bedtime perfect overnight, but a familiar companion can help children feel safe, settled, and ready for sleep.   Why do stuffed animals help at bedtime?  Developmental psychologists have a term for beloved soft toys: transitional objects. They bridge the gap between the security of a parent or loved one and the child’s growing ability...

Children rarely need much encouragement to imagine. A doll can become a best friend, a brave explorer, a sleepy baby or the captain of a pirate ship before breakfast. Sometimes all they need is a little spark to get the story started. Here are a few pretend play ideas to inspire your next adventure together. Gentle everyday play for little ones For younger children, the most familiar routines often make the best stories. Bedtime routine Tuck a favourite doll into bed with a little blanket, a pillow and perhaps a bedtime story. It's a lovely way for children to care...

There’s something quite powerful about the way children care for dolls. A simple moment of feeding, cuddling or tucking in becomes a full story in motion, one filled with kindness, imagination and emotion. What looks like play on the surface is often a child making sense of the world in their own gentle way. Through these small, everyday moments, doll play becomes a trusted part of growing up. Learning kindness through care When a child picks up a doll, they naturally begin to care for it. It might be hungry, tired, or in need of a comforting cuddle. The child...

It happens before you know it. One special companion becomes a shelf full of well-loved friends, each with their own adventures, favourite cuddle spots and treasured memories. Eventually, there comes a time to make a little more room, and that's when a new chapter can begin. Passing on soft toys is a lovely way to share those companions with another family, giving another child the chance to dream up their own stories and adventures. If you're wondering where to donate soft toys, we've gathered some of the best places across Australia, the UK and the US. Preparing your soft toys...

There's something special about giving a soft toy. Before the first cuddle, before they're carried everywhere or tucked into bed each night, there's the excitement of discovering a new little companion. The only tricky part? Soft toys aren't the easiest shape to wrap. Here are a few simple ways to make your gift feel just as thoughtful as what's inside. 1. A gift bag filled with tissue paper Sometimes the simplest option is also the loveliest. Choose a gift bag that's big enough for your plush toy, then layer in plenty of tissue paper to create a soft nest around...

Some companions are never far away. Others spend a little time resting on a favourite shelf, tucked into a cosy basket or waiting patiently for their next adventure. Giving plush toys a proper place to call home helps keep them looking and feeling their best, ready whenever your child reaches for them again. Here are a few simple ways to care for well-loved companions between adventures. Give them room to stay cosy One of the easiest ways to care for a plush toy is to avoid storing it where it's tightly squashed for long periods. When soft toys are compressed...

Sometimes a cardboard box becomes a house. Other times it’s a spaceship, a shop, or a home for a well-loved companion. A few paints, a bit of imagination and a quiet afternoon are often all it takes for a child to turn something ordinary into something entirely their own. In these moments, children aren’t just playing, they’re creating. What creative play looks like Creative play is often mistaken for arts and crafts alone, but it stretches much further than that. It might be building a tower and deciding it needs secret rooms. It might be inventing a story for a...

Some of childhood's biggest moments happen through play. A tea party becomes a chance to practise kindness. A trip to the pretend doctor makes tomorrow's real appointment feel a little less daunting. A favourite companion listens to every story, every secret and every big feeling along the way. While children are busy imagining new adventures, they're also learning about themselves and the world around them. Those everyday moments of play can help build confidence, resilience and emotional connection in ways that feel completely natural. Making sense of big feelings Children experience all sorts of emotions long before they have the...

In the early years, children don’t need much to begin exploring the world around them. A wooden spoon becomes a telephone for important conversations. A soft sponge turns into a bed for a well-loved companion. A handful of stones become stepping-stones across a make-believe river. With every touch, squeeze and discovery, children are learning how the world feels, one small moment at a time. What sensory play really means Sensory play is simply play that invites children to use their senses as they explore. It might be the feeling of soft fabric between their fingers, the crinkle of paper during...

Some of the most-loved companions don't stay perfectly fluffy forever. After countless cuddles, bedtime stories, holidays and everyday adventures, it's only natural for a favourite soft toy to look a little different from the day they first arrived. The good news? A little care can often help them feel soft and cosy again, ready for many more adventures together. Why do plush toys lose their fluff? A well-loved companion spends a lot of time being hugged, carried and tucked under little arms. Over time, those everyday moments naturally flatten the plush fibres and gently compress the filling. Washing without the...

Washing a plush toy removes everyday dirt, but it's only part of keeping your child's favourite companion clean. From trips to the park to playdates and bedtime cuddles, soft toys can pick up germs along the way. The good news is that disinfecting plush toys doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or complicated routines. With the right approach, you can keep them fresh, safe and ready for many more adventures. Always start with the care label Before disinfecting any plush toy, check the care label. Most well-made soft toys can be machine washed, making them much easier to clean thoroughly....

Every well-loved companion eventually needs a little extra care. After countless cuddles, trips to the park, bedtime stories and everyday adventures, it's only natural for a favourite soft toy to pick up a few signs of a life well lived. The good news is that keeping them clean is usually much simpler than it seems. With a little care, they'll be ready for many more adventures together. Check the care label first Before you begin, take a look at the care label. Most quality plush toys can be machine washed, while others may need a gentler approach. The label will...

Somewhere between the ages of two and seven, something magical happens with your little one’s imagination. A cardboard box stops being just a box. It becomes a house, a rocket ship or a stable for tiny creatures. A puddle turns into an ocean. A beloved companion becomes a best friend, a travelling partner or the hero of a brand-new story. In these moments, children are no longer limited to the world around them. They’re building worlds of their own. What imaginative play looks like Imaginative play is simply what happens when children turn ideas into stories. It might be a...

Parents often feel pressure to keep children constantly entertained with organised activities, crafts and educational games. Yet some of the most valuable play happens when children are simply given the time and freedom to explore. Whether they're searching for pirate treasure, building a woodland village or turning the sofa into a mountain range, open-ended play encourages children to follow their own ideas. As they do, they're developing skills they'll use throughout childhood and beyond. The absence of rules: why open-ended play matters Structured games can be great fun, but they usually have a clear objective. Open-ended play is different. There...