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The Best 18-Inch Doll

Last updated on August 31, 2022
Best 18-Inch Doll

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Our Picks For The Top 18-Inch Dolls

Show Contents
Our Take
  Top Pick

Gift Boutique Soft Body Lilly 18-Inch-Doll

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Gift Boutique

Soft Body Lilly 18-Inch-Doll

Overall Take

Poseable Arms and LegsIncluded with this 18-inch doll are a few fun accessories, including a pink dress, pink shoes, a hairbow and a gold purse.

  Runner Up

American Girl Truly Me Fun Hair Realistic 18-Inch-Doll

American Girl

Truly Me Fun Hair Realistic 18-Inch-Doll

Overall Take

Storybook IncludedThis 18-inch doll has a soft cotton body and vinyl limbs that are easy to wipe clean.

  We Also Like

Kaydora Handcrafted Non-Toxic 18-Inch Doll

Kaydora

Handcrafted Non-Toxic 18-Inch Doll

Overall Take

Most LifelikeIncluded with this 18-inch doll is an adorable pink giraffe plush.

  Also Great

Kindred Hearts Danica Upright Vinyl 18-Inch Doll

Kindred Hearts

Danica Upright Vinyl 18-Inch Doll

Overall Take

Beautiful Long Blonde HairThe arms and legs on this 18-inch doll are rotatable for more realistic play.

Guide written by Ashley Donohoe
Last updated on August 31, 2022

Because their size makes them compatible with a lot of clothing, accessories and furniture, 18-inch dolls make a great gift for children who love to play pretend. While some 18-inch dolls are based on popular TV, movie and book characters, most of them serve as fashion dolls that often come with a realistic appearance and fun clothing to keep your child entertained.

When shopping for 18-inch dolls, you’ll usually find them either completely made of plastic or with a cloth body and plastic limbs. Cloth-body dolls work well when your child wants something cuddly, while the all-plastic dolls can be easier to keep clean.

Some 18-inch dolls come with fine details that can make them realistic. For example, their eyes may open and close, or they may have realistic eyelashes. Many also have hand-painted faces for a unique and expressive look.

Children often love to play with a doll’s hair, so you’ll find that 18-inch dolls usually have long, silky hair that is fun to style. Many dolls will have rooted hair that you can’t replace, while others will have glued-on wigs that may be swapped out for another if the hair gets damaged. You can even find some 18-inch dolls with hair your child can wash with mild shampoo for more opportunities to play.

Fashion is a big part of playing with an 18-inch doll, so you can shop around for dolls with clothing for various occasions, seasons and styles. Some dolls have fancy dresses, while others have winter clothing or swimwear. Accessories such as purses, necklaces and glasses are also common.

The Best 18-Inch Dolls

1
  Top Pick

Gift Boutique Soft Body Lilly 18-Inch-Doll

Elegantly dressed, this 18-inch doll looks like she's ready for a fancy party. Little ones will love the doll's long brown hair, which can be brushed and styled. Parents will appreciate that the doll's body is nice and soft, making it a safe option for toddlers.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Gift Boutique
Model
2
  Runner Up

American Girl Truly Me Fun Hair Realistic 18-Inch-Doll

Colorful is the best word to describe this 18-inch doll. Not only is her dress filled with stars in every color, but her hair is a combination of pink and blue. She's also outfitted with a shiny pink jacket and shoes that glitter. Included with the doll is a storybook that teaches kids how to make new friends.

Features


Specifications

Brand
American Girl
Model
3
  We Also Like

Kaydora Handcrafted Non-Toxic 18-Inch Doll

Measuring 18 inches, this baby doll for 5-year-old-girls looks the most like a real toddler. Parents will appreciate that the doll is constructed from a high-quality silicone that is safe and non-toxic. The doll comes with a complete outfit, as well as a bottle and pacifier.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Kaydora
Model
4
  Strong Contender

Playtime By Eimmie Realistic 18-Inch Doll & Accessories

Along with a carrying bag and pajama set, this 18-inch doll offers a realistic appearance with thick hair that will be fun to style. She has a dress, posable limbs and a cuddly body.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Playtime By Eimmie
Model
5
  Also Great

Kindred Hearts Danica Upright Vinyl 18-Inch Doll

Younger children will love this 18-inch doll, which has a soft body for safe play. The doll is adorably dressed with polka-dot leggings, a t-shirt, pink jacket and a set of boots. Of course, kids are welcome to purchase outfits separately and give the doll a few new looks.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Kindred Hearts
Model
8

Fancy Nancy My Friend Disney Jr. 18-Inch Doll

Based on the character from the Disney TV show, this 18-inch doll will appeal to preschoolers who want to make their own adventures. This posable doll comes with the well-known outfit from the show.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Fancy Nancy
Model
9

Adora Amazing Girls Hypoallergenic 18-Inch Ava Doll

This doll comes with a trendy outfit featuring winter boots, a scarf and a dress with layers underneath. The doll is posable with a realistic face featuring eyes that close and open.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Adora
Model
10

Journey Girls Dana Travel-Inspired 18-Inch Doll

This 18-inch doll has brown hair, blue eyes and realistic face paint. She comes with an animal-themed outfit complete with a handbag and glasses. She has rooted eyelashes and hair.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Journey Girls
Model
11

Adora Amazing Girls Sienna Winter 18-Inch Doll

If your child wants an18-inch doll dressed for winter, this posable one comes with a winter coat and boots with faux-fur details, plus a handbag. She has curly hair and brown eyes that close and open.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Adora
Model

Our 18-Inch Doll Buying Guide

Because their size makes them compatible with a lot of clothing, accessories and furniture, 18-inch dolls make a great gift for children who love to play pretend. While some 18-inch dolls are based on popular TV, movie and book characters, most of them serve as fashion dolls that often come with a realistic appearance and fun clothing to keep your child entertained.

When shopping for 18-inch dolls, you’ll usually find them either completely made of plastic or with a cloth body and plastic limbs. Cloth-body dolls work well when your child wants something cuddly, while the all-plastic dolls can be easier to keep clean.

Some 18-inch dolls come with fine details that can make them realistic. For example, their eyes may open and close, or they may have realistic eyelashes. Many also have hand-painted faces for a unique and expressive look.

Children often love to play with a doll’s hair, so you’ll find that 18-inch dolls usually have long, silky hair that is fun to style. Many dolls will have rooted hair that you can’t replace, while others will have glued-on wigs that may be swapped out for another if the hair gets damaged. You can even find some 18-inch dolls with hair your child can wash with mild shampoo for more opportunities to play.

Fashion is a big part of playing with an 18-inch doll, so you can shop around for dolls with clothing for various occasions, seasons and styles. Some dolls have fancy dresses, while others have winter clothing or swimwear. Accessories such as purses, necklaces and glasses are also common.

DWYM Fun Fact

While they looked a lot different than the 18-inch dolls on the market today, dolls have been around for thousands of years. But unlike the modern plastic and cloth versions, ancient dolls were made of natural items like animal fur, clay, wood and even bones. In places like ancient Greece, dolls had even greater importance as a religious symbol.

In the 1800s, people in the United States made their own dolls at home. These came to be known as the traditional “rag dolls” made of cloth.

During the late 1980s, the Pleasant Company — now known as American Girl — would release its first 18-inch doll. Popularity would continue to rise for competing fashion dolls of this size.

The 18-Inch Doll Tips and Advice

  • When you buy extra clothing for an 18-inch doll, keep in mind that sizing can vary depending on the doll’s shape and material. While you’ll find clothes that make a general claim to fit 18-inch dolls, you can still sometimes get a snug fit. So, it’s helpful to check for brand compatibility and check out customer reviews.
  • If your child’s plastic doll gets dirty with play, first try to use water and a soft cloth to clean it. You can use dishwashing soap for some extra power or even toothpaste for more set-in stains.
  • To fix an 18-inch doll’s tangled hair, try using a small misting bottle filled with water plus a brush made specifically for doll hair. Brush the tangles out gently to avoid damaging the hair. Never allow any hair products or chemicals on the hair.
  • When researching dolls, keep in mind that many have posable limbs and a movable head. However, your child will want to avoid being too forceful with these dolls since the body parts can break off.
  • If you’re shopping for an older child, you can find 18-inch dolls that come with their own books. This provides a fun storyline for the doll’s character and can encourage your child to read more.

About The Author

Ashley Donohoe 

Ashley Donohoe is an Ohio-based writer and small business owner with a background in business, technology and personal finance. She has 10 years of experience writing for various online publications. When shopping for the little ones in her family, she's always researching the best options when it comes to clothes, toys and other daily essentials.