Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Checking Our List #37: Hearts For Hearts Girls Dolls {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Heather R!}

There are some toys that are there purely for entertainment, which is completely fine. It is a toy, after all. Then there are those that fall into the "educational toys" category, which are a great addition to any child's life seeing as they are fun while also encouraging learning at the same time.

But what if there was something more? What if there was a way to provide girls with a toy that they could enjoy playing with while, at the same time, helping to instill a sense of compassion? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of global responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in their own community?

Sounds like it wouldn't be a toy that kids would really want to play with... until you see the Hearts For Hearts Girls in person and realize that they truly are a beautiful collection of dolls.

With a mission to empower girls to become agents of change in their communities, countries and around the world, the Hearts For Hearts Girls are out to change the planet one heart at a time. Each of the six dolls is based on a real girl who has done something to rise above the challenging circumstances in her life to make a positive impact and demonstrate her strength, intelligence and courage... which, from my point of view, is a nice change from some of the dolls out on the market that seem to be there just to show little girls how to dress like they're 21.

Spanning the globe, from Lilian of Belarus to Rahel of Ethiopia to Nahji of India, these dolls do so much more than just provide an attractive plaything. As well as encouraging traditional imaginative pretend play with their intricate details and colorful accessories, a portion of the purchase price is donated to World Vision, a humanitarian charity that runs programs to help support children and families in countries worldwide.

Whether it’s malaria nets in Africa, schoolbooks in Asia, or food supplies in the US, these programs help girls to thrive and succeed. Therefore, each new Hearts For Hearts owner ends up with a high quality, well-crafted doll to play with as well as a realization that their purchase made a difference in the world and that they themselves can take even small steps to promote change.

When Consuelo from Mexico arrived, it was easy to see just how much care and thought went into designing this stunning doll.

Standing 14" tall, Consuelo has a smooth, vinyl body with movable arms, legs and head and shining black hair that ends past her waist. Her ruffled, turquoise skirt and lime green top are bright and colorful, matching well with her hot pink flower headband and shoes and the bright beads on her silver hoop earrings. Standing on her own, Consuelo really is part toy and part collector's item.

As well as Consuelo's fashion accessories (including a comb for her extra-long hair), she also comes with a H4HG power bracelet displaying their tagline, "Changing the world one heart at a time." And, to get to know her true story, each doll arrives with a storybook telling about their lives and giving girls a better understanding of what it means to take action.

Big Sister E sat completely still and silent while I read her Consuelo's life story from Mexico City. Through her family's bakery, she and her mother set up a no-cost restaurant to help feed the hungry children in her neighborhood that can't afford food. In the end, not only are these children provided with food, but they learn lessons about life, manners and respect - all due to Consuelo and her caring enough to want to help.

After I finished reading, Big Sister E took a moment to study Consuelo and look through the book herself, before directing me to read it again while she happily combed through the doll's hair.

With girls in many countries lacking in education, medical care, decent housing and clean water and food, all it takes is a little help to push them in the direction of achieving amazing things for themselves and their families. The idea that parents can provide their daughter with an exquisite, award-winning, multi-cultural doll that can easily teach about world cultures... well, it just makes you feel good all over.

From the intricate and authentic clothing to the country-specific jewelry (which are small and removable, leading to a 6+ age recommendation) to their personal storybook, each Hearts For Hearts Girls doll would be a welcome gift to any girl, as well as her parents, this holiday season. Who knows? She may be moved enough to grow up and change the world!

Retailing for an extremely affordable $24.99, H4HG dolls can be found at select retailers as well as online from Target or Toys R Us. Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to bring home a soon-to-be cherished doll while teaching kindness and supporting a good cause, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Hearts For Hearts Girls doll!

To enter to win: Visit Hearts For Hearts Girls and tell me something you learned or which of these caring dolls is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll over there as well!
1 Extra Entry if you Like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Checking Our List 37: #WIN a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll for fun as well as compassion! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/fxWOQl #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Hearts For Hearts Girls. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on January 7th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Hearts For Hearts Girls for providing a Consuelo doll for me to review as well as the doll of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

768 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 768   Newer›   Newest»
Mamushi Love said...

I like the all, but I think my favorite one is Nahji.

freddie said...

Rahel from Ethiopia is my favorite. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered the Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll Giveaway at A Mom's Balancing Act. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

Hearts For Hearts Girls Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered your Construction Site Giant Floor Puzzle Giveaway. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered your Cuisipro Batter Dispenser Giveaway. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted giveaway. http://twitter.com/#!/flipper211/status/15304637838000129 dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#1 I follow you via Google Friend. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#2 I follow you via Google Friend. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#1 I subscribe to your Google RSS feed. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#2 I subscribe to your Google RSS feed. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#1 Email subscriber. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#2 Email subscriber. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#1 Thanks, Mail Carrier Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

#2 Thanks, Mail Carrier Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

Tracey said...

I like Dell from the USA best because of her cute freckles.
traymona[at]aol.com

Sofia's Ideas said...

I love both Tipi and Rahel, because they are the most representative of my lil' girls.

sofias (dot) ideas (at) gmail (dot) com

Sofia's Ideas said...

Already a GFC friend!

sofias (dot) ideas (at) gmail (dot) com

Sofia's Ideas said...

Already a GFC friend!

sofias (dot) ideas (at) gmail (dot) com

Sofia's Ideas said...

Already subscribe via Google Reader!

sofias (dot) ideas (at) gmail (dot) com

Sofia's Ideas said...

Already subscribe via Google Reader!

sofias (dot) ideas (at) gmail (dot) com

Mami2jcn said...

I entered your Build a Bear giveaway.

Unknown said...

My favorite is Tipi because I'm Laotian and would like my daughter to learn more about her heritage
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered atg giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered hayneedle giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered build-a-bear giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered rody horse giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered eatsmart scale giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered kolcraft jeep stroller giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered bissell giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered dellossa publishing giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

entered giftzip giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

following you via GFC
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

RSS feed subscriber
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

RSS feed subscriber 2
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

your FB fan as Addison Kat 2
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I think our favorite is Consuelo.

Molls94@yahoo.com

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/15466627755675648

blondredhead at mac dot com

Barbara's Beat said...

Lilian

Barbara's Beat said...

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll over there as well!

Barbara's Beat said...

Like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook

Nicole C. said...

My favorite is Nahji from India.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Barbara's Beat said...

http://twitter.com/#!/blp3/status/15512257081384960

Barbara's Beat said...

follow me with Google Friend Connect

Barbara's Beat said...

follow with Google Friend Connect,

Barbara's Beat said...

subscribe to my RSS feed

Barbara's Beat said...

subscribe RSS feed

Barbara's Beat said...

, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email

Barbara's Beat said...

a fan on Facebook.

Barbara's Beat said...

fan on Facebook.

Nicole C. said...

I entered on A Mom's Balancing Act.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow on gfc #1.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I subscribe on Google Reader #1.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I subscribe on Google Reader #2.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I am a fan on facebook #1.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I am a fan on facebook #2.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristen said...

My favorite is Nahji.

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (1)

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (2)

Kristen said...

I have your holiday button on my blog (2)
http://couponboss.wordpress.com/giveaway-blogs/

Kristen said...

I entered the giveaway at A Mom's Balancing Act.

Kristen said...

entered Cafe Press

Kristen said...

entered Maukilo

Kristen said...

entered Build A Bear

Kristen said...

entered Aeromax

Kristen said...

entered Hayneedle

Kristen said...

entered Magic Cabin

Brandi Elam said...

I like Consuelo best!

brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Follow on GFC 1
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Follow on GFC 2
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Subscribe by email 1
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Subscribe by email 2
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

FB fan 1
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

FB fan 2
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Entered at A Mom's Balancing Act

brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Entered Hayneedle
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Entered Magic Cabin
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Entered Zooper giveaway
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Like Hearts for Hearts on FB
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/15593603086688257

thransom@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Daily tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/DebiHubbard/status/15600511780651008
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/15776884558139392

blondredhead at mac dot com

Mami2jcn said...

I entered your CSN Stores giveaway.

Kathleen said...

i entered the csn stores giveaway

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/15838304654069761

thransom@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Lilian from Belarus.

Unknown said...

entered your new build-a-bear giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Shanna said...

I love Nahji from India. We have a lot of Indian neighbors so she would be neat to have.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

Fan on FB.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

Fan on FB.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

E-mail subscriber.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

E-mail subscriber.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

Follow you.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

Follow you.
shanna dot carlton at gmail dot com

orangefukurou said...

I like Tipi from Laos
tomokofive at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

entered CSN giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Lee said...

It's a hard choice...they are all beautiful. We like Dell, she's cute, and we love the mountains.
leebroom4@gmail.com

Lee said...

I entered the Checking Our List #41, the headphones giveaway.
leebroom4@gmail.com

Lee said...

I entered the giveaway for a Heart for Heart doll on the Moms Balancing Act website.
leebroom4@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

i entered the dB logic headphones giveaway

kathleenkmccoy at hotmail dot com

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/16292291064893442

thransom@gmail.com

Stuff Parents Need said...

I'd love to have any of them, but I think Nahji is my very favorite! So beautiful!

Stuff Parents Need said...

GFC follower

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/16305671087591424

blondredhead at mac dot com

Anonymous said...

Daily Tweet. http://twitter.com/#!/DebiHubbard/status/16311246760452098
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

eek031880@hotmail.com said...

I like the Dell doll! It's nice that money goes toward such great causes!

Kristen said...

entered CSN

Kristen said...

entered db Logic

Nadi said...

My favorite doll is Tipi

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Heather R said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/THRansom/status/16583535674527744

thransom@gmail.com

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/16650470655262720

blondredhead at mac dot com

Ruth said...

lilian from belarus is my favorite!
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

superstruts giveaway entrant
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

like hearts for hearts girls on facebook
ruthhill74

Ruth said...

gfc follower
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

gfc follower 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

e-mail subscriber
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

e-mail subscriber 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

like you on facebook
ruthhill74

Ruth said...

like you on facebook 2
ruthhill74

Jana said...

I LOVE that When you buy a doll, Hearts For Hearts Girls donates part of the purchase price through our charitable partner, World Vision, to programs that support girls in that country.

I like Dell form the USA the best!!

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I headed over to A Mom's Balancing Act and entered to win a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll over there as well!

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I Like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook. (Jana Leonard)

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/dropcqueen/status/16876133505040384

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

entry 1

Jana said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

entry 2

Jana said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

entry 1

Jana said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

entry 2

Jana said...

I have your button on my blog http://johnnjana.blogspot.com/

dropcqueen at yahoo dot ocm

entry 1

Jana said...

I have your button on my blog http://johnnjana.blogspot.com/

dropcqueen at yahoo dot ocm

entry 3

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/16916558966169600

thransom@gmail.com

Unknown said...

entered dB Logic giveaway
anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com

Mami2jcn said...

I entered your Joe Shopping giveaway.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered the $75 CSN giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered the dB Logic Headphones giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered the Britax B-Scene Stroller giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

JJ said...

Love the tipi doll!.
stormibays at hotmail dot com

sweetsue said...

I love the Dell doll because she has my granddaughter's hair and eyes.
smchester at gmail dot com

sweetsue said...

I liked Hearts For Hearts Girls on facebook-Susan Chester
smchester at gmail dot com

sweetsue said...

I follow you on GFC.
smchester at gmail dot com

sweetsue said...

I follow you on GFC.
smchester at gmail dot com

sweetsue said...

1.I'm an email subscriber.
smchester at gmail dot com

sweetsue said...

2.I'm an email subscriber.
smchester at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd want to get Nahji or Dell for my niece Joz. They're so pretty and almost lifelike.

Heather P
heatherlybutterfly@yahoo.com

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/17335996928491520

thransom@gmail.com

JD said...

I like the Consuelo doll. Cute.

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/17402039172599808

blondredhead at mac dot com

Kathleen said...

i entered the curious george dvd giveaway

kathleenkmccoy at hotmail dot com

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/17693635646595072

thransom@gmail.com

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/17706427741114368

blondredhead at mac dot com

magic5905 said...

Lilian is our favorite. Thanks.
magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like the doll called Tipi
Thanks!
Maggie
mwkmwkmwk@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

My daughter would love the Tipi Doll

Unknown said...

Follow TMC on Twitter @manthas24 and tweeted http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/17900046477426688

Unknown said...

1 Follow TMC with GFC – manthas24

Unknown said...

2 Follow TMC with GFC – manthas24

Unknown said...

1 Like TMC on FB – manthas24

Unknown said...

2 Like TMC on FB – manthas24

Unknown said...

1 Subscribe to TMC Feed via google reader

Unknown said...

2 Subscribe to TMC Feed via google reader

Unknown said...

I entered for the Curious George

Unknown said...

I entered for the Melissa & Doug

Unknown said...

I entered for the Amazon – Joes Shopping

Unknown said...

I entered for the Britax

Unknown said...

I entered for the dB Logic

Unknown said...

I entered for the CSN

Unknown said...

I entered for the Keurig

Unknown said...

I entered for the Build a Bear

Unknown said...

I entered for the Collections Etc

Unknown said...

I entered for the Inspired Gifts

Unknown said...

I entered for the Zooper

Unknown said...

I entered for the Superstructs

Unknown said...

I entered for the Cheerios B&N

Unknown said...

I entered for the MoBeam

Unknown said...

I entered for the GiftZip Amazon

Unknown said...

I entered for the Kix Pack

Unknown said...

I entered for the Cuispro

Unknown said...

I entered for the Carson Dellosa

Unknown said...

I entered for the Jeep Twin-Sport

Unknown said...

I entered for the Bissell

Unknown said...

I entered for the Dinosaur Train 12-30

Unknown said...

I entered for the Amazon

Unknown said...

I entered for the1-800 Flowers

Unknown said...

I entered for the Personal Creations 12

Unknown said...

I entered for the Café Press

Unknown said...

I entered for the Curious Chef

Unknown said...

I entered for the Random Line Gift Basket

Unknown said...

I entered for the Smart quotes canvas

Unknown said...

I entered for the Umi

Unknown said...

I entered for the Blablas Basic Bunny

Unknown said...

I entered for the Gourmet Gift Basket 12-23

Unknown said...

I entered for the Crafty Kids

.:karen:. said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/17952766617980928

blondredhead at mac dot com

Sarah said...

Nahji is so beautiful!!!! I love her!

Sarah said...

I'm in the gourmetgiftbaskets giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the giant puzzle giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the csn giveaway!

cw said...

I like the consuela doll because my daughter is learning spanish

cw said...

gfc follower 1

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