when i was a child, one of my favorite toys was a little house on the prairie paper doll set. i spent hours dressing laura and mary, inventing new adventures for them beyond the stories in the books. there was something special about carefully folding those little tabs, swapping outfits, and bringing characters to life with nothing more than my imagination.
today, in a world filled with screens and fast-paced entertainment, i wanted to bring back that simple joy. that's why i’m so excited to share astrid & friends paper dolls, a completely free printable designed to spark creativity, storytelling, and play.
what’s included?
each paper doll set includes:
- a doll in three different skin tones
- a fully colored version and a color-it-yourself version
- mix-and-match outfits and accessories for endless fun
you can print them at home, cut them out, and start playing right away!
the magic of imaginative play
did you know that imaginative play is essential for childhood development? research shows that pretend play strengthens problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity. something as simple as dressing a paper doll and making up a story around her day helps children develop narrative skills and self-expression.
paper dolls also encourage fine motor skills, patience, and independent play—plus, they’re a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy a quiet, screen-free activity together.
how to play
depending on the age and play style of your child, there are two different ways to enjoy your paper dolls!
for younger children (or wild play!)
if your child loves active, hands-on play, try making the paper dolls sturdier and easier to use:
- cut out the doll, clothing, and accessories.
- remove the tabs from the clothing.
- laminate everything, then cut out the pieces again (being careful not to cut too close to the edges).
- use sticky putty, velcro dots, or even play-dough to attach the clothes to the doll. this way, younger children don’t have to fuss with folding tabs—just dress, play, and switch outfits easily!
for older children (or a traditional paper doll experience)
if your child enjoys careful, detailed play, they can use the dolls as traditional paper dolls:
- cut out the doll, clothing, and accessories.
- gently bend the clothing tabs down.
- attach outfits by folding the tabs around the doll’s shoulders and sides.
- play carefully—paper clothing is delicate! after playtime, the doll can be stored flat or displayed on a shelf.
ready to start playing?
click below to download your free astrid & friends paper dolls, print them out, and let the storytelling begin!
i can’t wait to see your little ones’ paper dolls in action! if you share photos, be sure to tag @astridandfriendsnc on instagram so i can celebrate your creativity.
happy playing!
inara