Every child loves dolls — and even more so dolls they've made themselves! These adorable little dolls with paper hair are so easy to make that even the youngest children can create them on their own. Each little doll takes on its own personality — and becomes the child's new favourite friend!
What You'll Need
- Printed template (below)
- Scissors (child-safe, rounded tips)
- Glue
- Toilet paper rolls
- Optional: small buttons, glitter, fabric scraps for clothing, googly eyes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Print the template Download and print the free template.
Step 2 — Draw the face (optional) Using markers, draw eyes, a nose and a big smile on your doll — if you'd like! Each child chooses the expression they want — happy, surprised or serious!
Step 3 — Make the hair Cut strips of paper — these will become the doll's hair! You can make it short or long, straight or curly!
Step 4 — Decorate your little doll! Add buttons, glitter or whatever else the child can imagine. Each little doll is completely one of a kind!
Educational Benefits
This doll-making activity offers valuable developmental benefits for young children:
Fine motor development: Cutting, gluing and decorating strengthen the hand muscles and prepare children for writing.
Creativity and imagination: Each child designs their own unique doll — choosing colours, expressions, hair and clothing — nurturing original thinking.
Self-expression and confidence: Creating something with their own hands gives children a sense of pride and boosts their self-esteem.
Language development and storytelling: Using the dolls in role play and storytelling enriches children's vocabulary and develops their narrative skills.
Social skills: Making a "family" of little dolls helps children understand social roles and build empathy through play.
Variations & Ideas Make a whole family of little dolls — mum, dad, children — and use them for storytelling! You can also use them for role play. A wonderful activity that develops creativity and imagination!
