Earlier this month, I wrote a quick introduction to a 20″ doll line called Maru and Friends, in preparation for a Maru review. Since then, I’ve played around with Maru quite a bit and I am finally ready to give you guys a full review!
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Her adorable little face was crafted by Dianna Effner. The Maru and Friends line was a passion project of doll collector Maritza Gutierrez. Her goal was to make a doll line that would more realistically represent the girls who were playing with them. For an overview of the line, check out my earlier introduction post.
Maru and Friends
American Girl vs Maru and Friends vs A Girl for All Time
Right off the bat, I was surprised by how Maru towered over other dolls within her price bracket. At 20″ tall, she’s taller than both American Girl and A Girl for All Time. She’s completely vinyl, which gives her body a nice weight to it. She feels substantial and well made, warranting the price tag of just over $120.00.
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Maru has well working joints, possibly the best joints I’ve seen on a doll of this size. Her neck tilts in all directions. It holds its pose well and allows for a lot of movement. Continuing down, her shoulders and hip are jointed. They also hold their poses surprisingly well. Unfortunately, Maru is missing the ever important elbow joint, so she can’t carry items as well as I would like. Her arms do have a nice curved look to them, though.
Maru and Friends
Maru stands like a champ. Even with her arms in various poses, she balances on her own.
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Wigged, Maru has hair that is easy to style. They even offer styling services through the company, much like American Girl. In Maru’s case, she has nicely wigged dark brown hair that goes down her back and fringe/bangs.
Maru and Friends
The thing I like most about Maru is her adorable, childlike face. The inset, glass like eyes and ‘real’ eyelashes are two features that really make Maru’s eyes pop. The almond shape of her eyes looks really nice, too. This doll definitely smiles with her eyes.
Maru and Friends
Her round face features full cheeks, a cute nose and mauve lips. Maru has light coloring above her eye lids and light blushing on her cheeks. Overall, her face is relatively clear of heavy make up.
Maru and Friends
Maru comes dressed in an outfit that has 9 pieces total, which is a lot considering what her competition comes with. Accessories that American Girl would charge extra for, like Maru’s purse and hat, come packaged with Maru from the get go.
Maru and friends
Her outfit itself includes a three quarter sleeve orange shirt, a striped orange vest, an orange scarf, a brown corduroy skirt, brown tights, white undies and brown boots.
Maru and Friends
There’s so many pieces to this outfit, I’m amazed. The number of separates shows that those behind Maru and Friends tried to put out a doll that was worth the price, which is a very good thing. How is the quality of the clothing? It’s on par with other companies in the 20″ doll market and fits well.
Maru and Friends
Now, the one thing that bugs me a little? I don’t know of any other doll that is similar enough in size to interchange outfits. My American Girl’s stuffed torso is much wider than this vinyl Maru and A Girl for All Time is much shorter. A reader messaged me about asking if she might fit Karito Kids clothing, but as I don’t own one of those, I don’t know for sure. If anything, that might be the closest to this doll in height, but I have a feeling they might be thinner than Maru and Friends due to Karito’s fabric torso. As others have commented on my introduction post and box opening, it is annoying when a doll is so specific in size that it can’t wear other doll line’s outfits. I realize they want you to purchase Maru and Friends brand clothing, but still, it would be really, really nice if we could find a doll line that might be in line with this one, outfit wise.
Maru and Friends
Maru comes with a certificate of authenticity and a picture book.
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Maru is a beautiful doll. Her face is really captivating with the glossy brown almond eyes.
Maru and Friends
I had a ton of fun photographing her for this review!
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
If I could suggest any improvements, they would be these: I would love to have seen elbow joints on her. I think elbow joints would have opened her up to a lot more pose-ability. Also, I would work on the website a bit to make sure the finalized dolls are the most prominent graphics. For example, owner images of Tanya have different hair than the product page and Maru is shown wearing two different outfits on her product page, making it hard to tell what outfit you actually receive when you order.
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Is Maru worth the cost? Totally. I will always be a fan of American Girl dolls, but they’re falling behind a bit when compared to dolls like A Girl for All Time and Maru and Friends. For more information on Maru and Friends, check out their website. You can also find them on Facebook or you can visit them in person if you live in the Florida area.
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
Maru and Friends
What do you think of Maru from Maru and Friends? Leave your thoughts below!
*This doll was sent to me for a fair and honest review. All opinions stated are my own.
