Maru and Friends made its debut in 2008. The doll line was the brainchild of Maritza Gutierrez, a doll collector turned doll designer. To help bring her vision to life, she enlisted world renowned doll sculptor Dianna Effner to give her dolls a realistic, childlike look. If you’ve been collecting long and have an eye for porcelain dolls, you most likely know that name, as it’s graced the insides of doll magazines for years! (Her Expressions site has some interesting doll making tutorials you may want to check out!)
At 21″ tall, these dolls are similar in size (about 4″ taller) and price to A Girl for All Time and American Girl. Maru and Friends are made of vinyl and have jointed shoulders and hips. Their head tilts in all directions.
The line currently consists of five characters. The character that brings the line together is Maru, a Hispanic doll. When we meet Maru, she is traveling to America from her home country to live with her aunt and uncle. At school, she meets other girls in similar, but different situations.
Maru and her Friends
Maru’s friends include Tanya, Raven, Jamie and Savannah. My favorite of her friends is Raven. Savannah is, also, very cute, with her ginger hair.
Outfits for Maru and Friends
Outfits for Maru and Friends
Of course, a doll needs outfits. Maru and Friends offers a nice variety of clothing for the line. Outfits include the adorable bathing suit line, collectable outfits (like the Cozy Collection above) and cute ‘fashionista’ fashions (also pictured above). The sweater set is adorable, isn’t it? I, also, like the Rock Star look that Tanya is modeling in the pictures above.
Friends Forever Armoire
Maru and Friends have some pretty cute furniture pieces, too. The color scheme isn’t terribly exciting, they’re all stark white, but the sets look like they are well made.
Tea Table
Color would add a lot to these furniture pieces, but I like the look of them. The bunk bed is my favorite.
Sleepover Fun Bunk Bed
Maru and Friends dolls are wigged and have hair that is easy to comb and style. They even offer styling services! Those in the Florida area can see these dolls in person at Aventura Mall, Town Center at Boca Raton and Coral Gables. Check the website for exact addresses or call the number below.
Maru and Friends Florida Locations
It looks like they host a good number of activities and even do tea parties! If you can’t make the trip to Florida, don’t fear– you can order these dolls online, too. For more information on Maru and Friends, check out their website or visit their facebook page.
Why am I writing about this company, other than the fact that the dolls look adorable? Well, I received one for review and wanted to give you a little insight into the doll before posting a full overview of Maru. When she arrived, I put together a box opening video! It’s been live on my YouTube channel for a week or so now, but, in case you missed it, here’s your ‘first look’!
A full review is on the way, so stay tuned! Until then, why not check out the Maru and Friends website and let me know what your favorite doll, outfit or furniture piece is!
*Photo credit: http://www.maruandfriends.com