What a unique idea for a doll. This Clara/Nutcracker Prince Topsy Turvy Doll by North American Bear Co. is two dolls in one. On one side is Clara from “The Nutcracker,” complete with taffeta dress. Flip the 17″ doll upside down and it reverses into the Nutcracker Prince with a sword. This would make a great holiday gift and also a collector’s item for those who enjoy the Nutcracker ballet each holiday season.

You can purchase this doll at Amazon.com, where it sells for $37.95.

This adorable little doll caught my eye while I was looking for something else, and I am now trying to figure out how I can fit it into our plans for the nursery.  I am absolutely in love with this toy’s unusual appearance.  Made by San Francisco artist LolaBee, “Colleen,” is part of a whole collection of “Kooky Dolls,” so-named for their slightly unexpected appearances.

Each doll is made from 100% cotton and sustainable corn fibers, so she is as eco-friendly as she is cute. She measures 13″x8″ and would make a great friend for your child or a great decoration for a nursery or bedroom.  You can bring her home for $23 from OlieBollen.com.

What little girl wouldn’t love to have a doll that looked just like her? It’s possible, through MyTwinn personalized dolls. Go to MyTwinn.com, choose an outfit, hair color, and skin color for your MyTwinn doll, and either upload or mail them your child’s photo. Each doll is handmade by an artist who uses the photo to create a personalized doll that looks just like your child.

The MyTwinn doll takes 3-4 weeks to create, so if you’re thinking of it as a Christmas gift, you’ll want to order early. If you place your order by November 17, the MyTwinn doll costs $149, and the price increases as the date gets closer to Christmas. It isn’t cheap, but think of the smile on your daughter’s face when she sees a doll that is her twin under the Christmas tree!

There aren’t many children’s television programs that kids and parents both love. Sesame Street has to be at the top of the list. I remember watching the show when I was a young child in the 1970s. Now my 4 year old son is a fan. How many shows have that kind of staying power?

I think my son would love these Sesame Street Plush Dolls. You can choose their favorite character among Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, the Count, and Oscar the Grouch. Each plush doll measures 12″, and would be great to help your child re-enact skits he saw on Sesame Street, or even when reading a Sesame Street book. This would make a fabulous Christmas gift. You can buy one at Firebox.com, where each retails for $14.95. At a price like that, you might want to choose your own favorite character and buy one for yourself as well!

If you are looking for some cute-as-can-be baby toys that aren’t made out of plastic, you will love Alimrose.  These toys are some of the sweetest rattles and squeakers that I have seen.  I am in love with this Japanese Doll Squeaker, which will make a perfect first friend for your baby.  She features a “body” of Japanese-inspired fabric, and has a cute little face and two buns in her hair.

Babies will love to explore this little doll with their hands and mouths.  The pleasant squeaking sound will delight them further.  Although she won’t be old enough to enjoy her first Christmas, I know I’ll be buying a few gifts for our baby, and this is likely going to be one of them.  You can purchase one for your own little one for $22.95 at Cute-ture.com.  While you are there, you can also check out the entire line of products from Alimrose Designs.

Just looking at this Chenille Bunny Doll by Alimrose makes me want to touch and hug it. And that’s exactly what your little one will do. Young children are especially tactile. They receive so much information about their environment by touch.

You can cut down on all the wear and tear on your personal items that interest your little explorer by giving them this little bunny doll with chenille accents. It makes a perfect bedtime pal too.  It is priced at $44 at BellyDanceBaby.com.