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   1 – 200 of 768   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

This is really cute! I learned when you buy one of the dolls, the company donates to a children's cause in the country the doll is from

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

"liked" hearts for hearts on FB under Bre Ozak

Anonymous said...

I follow you on Twitter under JustMom42 and tweeted the giveaway

Anonymous said...

I already follow you on Blogger. I just looked at the comments, and JustMom420zaks and jumpedoffabridge are the same person... me!

Anonymous said...

I would choose the Dell doll from USA.
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Sofia's Ideas said...

I was just saying how its so hard for my daughters to find a doll that represents what they see when they look in the mirror, they always have to choose one part of themselves or another. This is fantastic!

Rahel and Tipi are my faves for sure!!!

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

Mami2jcn said...

My favorite is Dell from the USA.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

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

Mami2jcn said...

I like Hearts for Hearts Girls on Facebook-Mary Happymommy

Mami2jcn said...

I entered your 1800 Flowers giveaway

Mami2jcn said...

I entered your Cheerios Spoonful of Stories giveaway

Mami2jcn said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted:

http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/14706618163789826

Mami2jcn said...

I follow you in GFC

#1

Mami2jcn said...

I follow you in GFC

#2

Mami2jcn said...

I subscribe to your emails

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

#1

Mami2jcn said...

I subscribe to your emails

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

#2

Mami2jcn said...

I like you on Facebook- Mary Happymommy

#2

Unknown said...

I like the Dell doll! It's nice that money goes toward such great causes! Also, I'm a new follower from FMBT (It's Me, Melbie!)

Follow me back?

http://bumcovereddiapers.blogspot.com

melissa dot mcaninch at gmail dot com

Trena said...

I love the Consuelo doll from Mexico. My daughter is part Hispanic and we went to Mexico when she was little, she would love this!

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

Trena said...

I'm a fan of Hearts For Hearts Girls on FB.

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

They are awesome! I like the most Rahel from Ethiopia! :)

Unknown said...

Entered at A Mom's Balancing Act

Unknown said...

Like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook.

Trena said...

e-mail subscriber.

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

1

Trena said...

e-mail subscriber.

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

2

Unknown said...

following via gfc

Unknown said...

suscribed by mail

Trena said...

Fan on FB.

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

1

Trena said...

Fan on FB.

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

2

Unknown said...

entered: http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/2010/12/construction-site-giant-floor-puzzle.html

Trena said...

added your button.

www.trena-freetofly.blogspot.com

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

1

Trena said...

added your button.

www.trena-freetofly.blogspot.com

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

2

Trena said...

added your button.

www.trena-freetofly.blogspot.com

raindrops9276@yahoo.com

3

Unknown said...

subscribed via mail #2

Unknown said...

entered: http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/2010/11/checking-our-list-20-aeromax-tie-dye.html

Unknown said...

entered: http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/2010/12/randomline-squiggle-spectacular-100.html

Sylvia said...

My favorite is Lilian
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sylvia said...

I follow with GFC
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sylvia said...

I subscribe by email
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sylvia said...

I am a fan on facebook
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Jessyca said...

Rahel is my favorite doll.
jessycafoster@hotmail.com

Jessyca said...

I like Hearts For Hearts Girls on facebook. Jessyca Foster
jessycafoster@hotmail.com

Jessyca said...

I subscribe via email. #1
jessycafoster@hotmail.com

Jessyca said...

I entered to win a doll over on A Mom's Balancing Act as well.
jessycafoster@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I like Dell from the USA, because I think she looks like my daughter :)

Unknown said...

GFC follower!

Unknown said...

RSS subscriber :)

Unknown said...

Email subscriber! :D

Unknown said...

Email subscriber! :D

Glenda said...

Nahji is my favorite doll. How beautiful!
glendasembree@gmail.com

Liza767 said...

Lilian Doll

.:karen:. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liza767 said...

fb hearts

Glenda said...

I entered at Mom's Balancing Act.
Glenda Embree
glendasembree@gmail.com

Liza767 said...

email 1

Liza767 said...

fb you 2

Glenda said...

I like Hearts for Hearts on Facebook.
Glenda Embree
glendasembree@gmail.com

.:karen:. said...

I learned about the donation going to help the children's causes in each doll's country, and I learned about other "Real Girl" stories which was nice.

I also really like the Rahel doll. Her hair is very similar to my daughter's and I like to find dolls that resemble her in some way. But I also like the Nahji and Tipi dolls for teaching my daughter about the different cultures of the world.

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

I've entered your #27 Umi shoes giveaway.

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

I've entered your #22 Rody giveaway.

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

I've entered your #23 EatSmart digital scale.

blondredhead at mac dot com

Glenda said...

Follow you on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway.
@busyathome
http://twitter.com/#!/busyathome/status/14741010001174528
glendasembree@gmail.com

Glenda said...

I liked you on Facebook. #1
glendasembree@gmail.com

Glenda said...

I liked you on Facebook. #2
glendasembree@gmail.com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

My favorite H4Hdoll is Lilian from Belarus.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I entered the EatSmart Bathroom Scale giveaway.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I entered the Gourmet Gift Basket giveaway.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I entered Blabla Basil Bunny giveaway.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I entered Ramdom Lines Basket of 13 Games giveaway.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered the $50 GC to the Flowers brands.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

Entered Zoopers giveaway.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

1. email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

2. email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

jmajor4870 said...

all of these are adorable. My granddaughter would love Rahel.
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

jmajor4870 said...

email subscriber #1
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

jmajor4870 said...

GFC follower (jmajor4870 #1
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

jmajor4870 said...

GFC follower (jmajor4870) #2
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

Kim B said...

My favorite is Nahji! Kimbarsness at yahoo dot com

Kim B said...

I subscribe by email #1 kimbarsness at yahoo dot com

Kim B said...

I subscribe by email #2 kimbarsness at yahoo dot com

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

My daughter adores these dolls! We love Lilian and Dell. They look like my daughter and her best friend!

dawn.blackcrow@gmail.com

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

I like Hearts for Hearts Girls on FB!

dawn.blackcrow@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

The Lilian Doll is my favorite

Kathleen said...

i subscribe by email 1

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

I follow via GFC and Google Reader:)

dawn.blackcrow@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

i subscribe to your RSS feed thru google reader 1

Kathleen said...

i subscribe to your RSS feed thru google reader 2

Kathleen said...

i entered the construction site giant floor puzzle giveaway

Kathleen said...

i entered the cuisipro batter dispenser giveaway

Kathleen said...

i entered the hook on chair giveaway

Kathleen said...

i entered the jeep stroller giveaway

Kathleen said...

i entered the personal creations giveaway

Kathleen said...

i entered the hay needle gift certificate giveaway

Heather R said...

The Dell doll is my favorite!

thransom@gmail.com

Heather R said...

I Like Hearts For Hearts Girls on Facebook.
(T.h.Ransom)

thransom@gmail.com

.:karen:. said...

follow you and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/LilMamaK77/status/14760118625247232

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/14760126401486848

thransom@gmail.com

Heather R said...

I follow you on GFC

thransom@gmail.com
entry 1

.:karen:. said...

Already follow via GFC #1

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I follow you on GFC

thransom@gmail.com
entry 2

.:karen:. said...

Already follow via GFC #2

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I subscribe to your RSS Feed

thransom@gmail.com
entry 1

.:karen:. said...

Already subscribe via RSS #1

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I subscribe to your RSS Feed

thransom@gmail.com
entry 2

.:karen:. said...

Already subscribe via RSS #2

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

Already an email subscriber #1

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

Already an email subscriber #2

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I am a Facebook Fan
(T.h.Ransom)

thransom@gmail.com
entry 1

Heather R said...

I am a Facebook Fan
(T.h.Ransom)

thransom@gmail.com
entry 2

.:karen:. said...

Checking our list button is on my blog #1: http://bit.ly/9hBM57

blondredhead at mac dot com

Heather R said...

I entered A Mom's Balancing Act's giveaway

thransom@gmail.com

.:karen:. said...

Checking our list button is on my blog #2: http://bit.ly/9hBM57

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

Checking our list button is on my blog #3: http://bit.ly/9hBM57

blondredhead at mac dot com

.:karen:. said...

Also entering at Mom's Balancing act!

blondredhead at mac dot com

laura20v said...

i love dell from usa! laura20v@hotmail.com

laura20v said...

i liked hearts for hearts girls on fb! laura20v@hotmail.com

laura20v said...

GFC follower. laura20v@hotmail.com

laura20v said...

email subscriber. laura20v@hotmail.com

laura20v said...

fb fan! laura20v@hotmail.com

joycemlinek said...

I like Consuelo.

joycemlinek said...

I entered A mom's Balancing Act giveaway.

joycemlinek said...

I like Hearts for Hearts Girls on fb.

joycemlinek said...

I entered your Zooper Double Stroller giveaway.

joycemlinek said...

I entered your $50 Amazon Gift Card giveaway.

joycemlinek said...

I entered your hook-on chair giveaway.

joycemlinek said...

I entered your Superstructs giveaway.

joycemlinek said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect.

Alison said...

I like Consuelo from Mexico. I really appreciate a company that is doing more than just selling toys to make a profit. Thanks for featuring them on your blog. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I like hearts for hearts girls on fb (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered zooper giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered amazon gift card from gift zip giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered cuisipro giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered Bissell giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered Carson-Dellosa giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered Kolcraft giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered Curious Chef giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered cafe press giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered Umi giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered crafty kids shuttle giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered gourmet gift baskets giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered blabla's basil bunny giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered eat smart giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered rody horse giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered build a bear giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered aeromax giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered hayneedle giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

Entered ATG giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I subscribe via email (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I like your page on fb (alidear at hotmail dot com)

ashleynichole said...

I like Tipi :)
ashleydangit(at)gmail(dot)com

ashleynichole said...

I follow GFC #1
ashleydangit(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered at A Mom's Balancing Act
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered ATG Stores $75 gift Certificate giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered Hayneedle $100 gift certificate giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered Rody Horse from Magic Cabin giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered Bissel Steam and Sweep har Floor Cleaner giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered $50 Amazon G.C. from GiftZip
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered MoBeam Numi Key giveaway
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Following on Twitter. Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/DebiHubbard/status/14835975729455104
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

follow you with Google Friend Connect
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to your RSS feed
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm a fan on Facebook.
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm a fan on Facebook. #2
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

follow you with Google Friend Connect. #2
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to your RSS feed. #2
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email. #2
pizzanumber2 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

They are wonderful...similar to a doll I reviewed last year. We would get Dell because she is sporting a camo hat!

Anonymous said...

I like them on Facebook KiddiesCorner Deals

Anonymous said...

Follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/KiddiesCorner/status/14856790873210880

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC #1

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC #2

Anonymous said...

Like you on facebook KiddiesCorner Deals #1

Anonymous said...

Like you on facebook KiddiesCorner Deals #2

Anonymous said...

Cute button in blogroll www.kiddiescornerdeals.com

Anonymous said...

Cute button in blogroll www.kiddiescornerdeals.com

Anonymous said...

Cute button in blogroll www.kiddiescornerdeals.com

Anonymous said...

Holiday button under bloggy events www.kiddiescornerdeals.com

Anonymous said...

Holiday button under bloggy events www.kiddiescornerdeals.com #2

Anonymous said...

Holiday button under bloggy events www.kiddiescornerdeals.com #3

Niurka said...

I like the Consuelo doll

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Niurka said...

follow on twitter @lindalatina

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Niurka said...

email subscriber

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Niurka said...

http://twitter.com/#!/lindalatina/status/14857547068477440

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Yours Truly said...

My favorite doll is Dell from USA.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Yours Truly said...

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

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Yours Truly said...

I entered the Bissell giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

dannyscotland said...

I really like Tipi.

Jessica said...

You have such great information on your blog! I'm your newest follower--hope you'll check my blog out and follow back if you'd like:
www.homeandholidaykeepsakes.blogspot.com
Thanks!

delaney's mom said...

i would get the dell doll. she has my daughter's blue eyes!

delaney's mom said...

i follow via GFC (1)

delaney's mom said...

i follow via GFC (2)

Heather R said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/THRansom/status/15232810231013376

thransom@gmail.com

Kimberley Meier said...

Consuelo is my favorite I love the flower headband!

Kim Meier
kimberleymeier@rocketmail.com

Kimberley Meier said...

I like Thanks, Mail Carrier on Facebook!

Kim Meier
kimberleymeier@rocketmail.com

Kimberley Meier said...

I like Hearts for Hearts on Facebook!

Kim Meier
kimberleymeier@rocketmail.com

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 768   Newer› Newest»