There’s no better way to get young girls interested in the sport of gymnastics than through imaginative play. And what could be more fun and inspiring than having your own gymnast doll to act out routines with?
I loved playing with my gymnastics doll when I was a little girl. Looking back, I realize now that my gymnastics doll taught me more than the desire to learn how to do a cartwheel or a back handspring. She taught me about dedication and discipline. She showed me that if you want to be good at something, you must practice. A lot. (Have you ever tried to do a back handspring? They’re not as easy as they look.)
So, if you’re looking for a doll that will inspire your little girl to become the next Simone Biles, or even just to have some fun, here are seven gymnastics dolls that are sure to please.
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures Teresa Spin ‘n Twirl Gymnast Doll
Mattel
Features
- Includes many accessories, including a hoop, ball, clubs, trampoline, and ribbon
- With help, the doll can do flips and jumps, spin the hoop, and more
- Very posable with ball joints at the shoulders and knees that bend
First on our list is the Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures Teresa Spin ‘n Twirl Gymnast Doll! This doll is based on the character Teresa from the popular Netflix series Dreamhouse Adventures. This Barbie/Teresa gymnast doll is specially designed to spin hoops and perform flips.
What’s Hot
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a pretty high-quality doll. Her shoulders are ball joints, which allows her to move her arms in different directions, and her knees bend, so she can really get into the role of being a gymnast. She has many themed accessories, including four apparatuses, a trampoline, water bottle, and her dog. The dog holds two ribbons and waves her arms when you press the bow on top of her head. Such a cute little cheerleader!
What’s Not
The doll itself is not quite as ‘flexible’ as other Barbies, like the Made to Move dolls. You would think that gymnast dolls should be able to move a little better, but at the same time, she has the most articulation out of the rest of the dolls on this list. And on a minor note – one of the apparatuses inherent to rhythmic gymnastics, the rope, is missing. It isn’t a big deal, but I feel like they hit the nail on the head with all the other apparatuses.
Bottom Line
I’m in love with Teresa and think she would make an excellent gift for most little girls. I’m also happy to report that my daughter loves her and has been having a blast putting on little shows for us. I highly recommend this doll to anyone with a little girl who loves gymnastics or wants to learn more about the sport.
LOL Surprise OMG Sports Vault Queen Doll
MGA Entertainment
Features
- Comes with an outfit, hairbrush, hanger, and doll stand
- Packaging doubles as a reusable playset, complete with a dressing room
- More accessories than you can shake a ribbon at
If you’re looking for a gymnastics doll as glamorous as she is talented, then you should meet Vault Queen. This doll is one of four in the OMG Sports collection, and she is ready to show off her skills in artistic gymnastics.
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When you open the box, you’ll find not only Vault Queen but also her fabulous tracksuit style outfit, hairbrush, hanger, doll stand, ribbon, and more. All extras are in little surprise packets to open, which, according to my girl, takes the fun factor up multiple notches. Also, the packaging doubles as a reusable playset – complete with a locker room. The playset lets your child get creative with storytelling, and it’s also a great way to keep all the pieces together (and off the floor).
This gymnastics doll is highly posable and articulated. She has ball joints at the shoulders and knees that bend, which allows her to move in different directions. She is handily the most articulated doll on our list.
But take note: Because she is a regular OMG doll, she cannot pose like a gymnast. However, she is still very posable and can hold a lot of different poses, as long as those poses don’t involve big knee bends.
What’s Not
If you are giving a doll like this to a little girl who is not your child, it’s a good idea to clear it with the parent first. Some people think that LOL Surprise dolls are inappropriate for kids of any age. If a child were to receive this doll only to have their parent take it away, many tears would be shed. Don’t be the reason a little girl cries!
In terms of negatives, I would say that the biggest one is that while Vault Queen is supposed to portray a gymnastics theme, she does it in style alone. Beyond her so-stylish gymnast leotard and tracksuit, the only thing she has that represents the sport is a single ribbon and fashionable outfits.
Bottom Line
Vault Queen would make an excellent gift for an older child who likes gymnastics, but maybe not one that is passionate about it. If you are looking for a doll that is all about gymnastics, I recommend one of the other dolls on our list. But if you’re looking for a fashionable and fun doll with a little gymnastics thrown in, then this one is perfect.
You & Me Gymnast Doll
TRU Kids
Features
- Includes two outfits – a light purple leotard and matching purple tracksuit.
- 15” hollow-bodied doll with simple articulation at the neck, shoulders, and knees
- Comes with rhythmic gymnastics ribbon and gold medal to hang around her neck
Maybe you are looking for a gymnastics doll that any youngster can enjoy, regardless of their prior experience with gymnastics. The You & Me Gymnast Doll might be worth a look if you want a basic doll with no extras. This doll is suitable for any child – whether they’re interested in gymnastics or not!
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I like the simplicity of this doll. Sometimes a doll doesn’t need to have any special abilities to be part of an imaginary storyline about being a gymnast. The You & Me Gymnast Doll is appropriate for younger children who might not have the same strength and coordination as older kids.
I also appreciate that this doll comes with two coordinated outfits. The leotard is a light purple with sheer arms and a metallic print on the body. It has a matching purple tracksuit that is easy for small hands and fingers to take on and off. The You & Me Gymnast Doll is accessorized with a gold medal and ribbon – a nice touch.
What’s Not
The biggest downside to this doll is that her articulation is limited. She can only move her neck, shoulders, and knees, making it difficult for her to do anything other than stand or sit. The lack of articulation is acceptable if your child just wants a doll to dress up and play with. However, they will be disappointed if they want a doll that can do flips and tricks like other dolls on our list.
Bottom Line
The You & Me Gymnast Doll is a good choice for a child who likes the idea of gymnastics but may not be passionate about the sport. She’s a basic doll with no extras but comes with two coordinated outfits. While she isn’t a complex doll, she is well-made, inexpensive, and would make a great friend to any little girl.
My Life As Professional Gymnast Doll
My Life Dolls
Features
- Ready for her next event, wearing a show-stopping competition uniform
- Has long, rooted brown hair that girls will love to brush and style
- The My Life As line has a large selection of good quality and very affordable dolls and accessories
I have a secret – every time I get to include a My Life As doll in my list, I get a little excited. I adore this line of dolls, but more on that later. If you aren’t aware of these fabulous dolls, the My Life As Professional Gymnast Doll is an exceptional ambassador. She’s a beautiful doll that is ready to win every event!
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This doll is all about creating the storyline. She comes dressed in a show-stopping competition uniform that says she’s ready to win every competition. The leotard is blue with a white starburst design over one shoulder, with a red stripe that defines the edge of the starburst.
What I really love is her long, rooted brown hair. It’s the kind of hair girls love to brush over and over again, building fine motor skills. Girls can also use the red scrunchie to tie the doll’s long locks into the perfect competition hairstyle.
What’s really great about this doll is… the whole line. Sometimes interests vanish overnight. Last month’s interest in gymnastics is gone, and mermaids are the new theme. A My Life As doll can change with her interests, with a mermaid swimsuit.
It’s just that easy to shake things up. The My Life As line is fantastic in its size and value. From clothing to furniture to complete playsets, many of which cost less than $10, you will never run out of future gift ideas.
What’s Not
Let’s be honest; this Professional Gymnast doll doesn’t come with many extras. And even though I gushed about all the different accessories and sets My Life As has available, there are no other gymnastics-themed accessories in the line. However, other 18” dolls have gymnastics sets – but they can be expensive.
Bottom Line
If you want to build an affordable collection around a doll, the My Life As Professional Gymnast doll is a terrific choice. She is a well-rounded doll that doesn’t disappoint.
Our Generation Athletic Team Series Gymnastic Doll – Nya
Battat
Features
- 18-inch doll with a huggable cloth body, vinyl head, and limbs
- Has long light brown hair with beautiful curls, blue-gray eyes, and a medium skin tone.
- Comes dressed in a red and blue leotard decorated with silver stars, a matching jacket, and a pair of gymnastics socks
If you’ve read this far, you must love these dolls as I am. The Our Generation Nya Doll is a delightful doll for an aspiring gymnast. Just like the My Life As doll, Nya comes dressed in a competition-ready leotard, but what sets her apart is her incredibly curly hair and soft body. She looks like she’s fresh off the Olympic team and sure to inspire hours of imaginative play.
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Thoughtful inclusions to the outfit design include the zip-up jacket with a working zipper which is great for teaching younger children dexterity and concentration. I love the pair of gymnastics socks with grips – We wouldn’t want Nya pretend-slipping on the floor! I also love that her outfit features easy-open closures – no more struggling to get those tiny doll clothes over her head!
What’s Not
There aren’t a lot of cons with this doll, but I will say that her hair is very curly and may require extra care to avoid tangles. Also, suppose you’re looking for a gymnastics set with your doll. In that case, you’ll need to purchase it separately as none are currently available.
Bottom Line
Our Generation’s Nya doll is a good depiction of a gymnast. She will inspire your child to create hours upon hours of storytelling fun. Though she also doesn’t have any special gymnast abilities, she’s another good quality doll that will invite your child to dream of the world of tumbling.
So there you have it! Five of the best gymnastics dolls that I could find currently on the market. Whether you’re looking for a doll to inspire hours of imaginative play or one with a complete gymnastics set, there’s sure to be a doll on this list that’s perfect for every little girl. Gymnastics is a sport that requires dedication, determination, and passion – all qualities that these dolls embody. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get flipping!