It’s pretty interesting how some toys really do stand the test of time. The wooden nesting doll is one of them. Nesting dolls look like a single doll with a small seam around the middle. But, when you carefully pull the doll apart at the seam, several other wooden dolls of graduated size are neatly stacked inside.

The concept is thought to have originated in China around 1000 AD. Modern-day nesting dolls are most often associated with Russian nesting dolls, which were made out of wood that was turned by hand and then hand-painted. The first Russian nesting doll was born in 1890 during a period of great economic and cultural development. It is thought the doll was named “Matryoshka” because it was a popular female name during that time period. The root of Matryoshka means “mother,” and often the largest doll is considered the “mother” and the smaller dolls her babies.

Nesting dolls have long been popular with children. They’re cute and fun, and kids love to un-nest the dolls. It’s also fun to hide treasures inside the smallest one. Parent tip: Nesting dolls’ compact design makes it easy for a child to take something to play with to dinner or a friend’s house without taking up much room at all!

Earth Explorer Toys carries several nesting dolls. We carry two types of Matryoshkas that are great for children 6 years old and up. The Robot Matryoshkas ($17.99) and the Cutie Matryoshkas ($17.99) are both crafted in high-quality ABS materials. The Robot and the Cutie each include six dolls ranging from 4” tall to 1” tall. Each style is sold separately.

We also carry Nesting Birds ($34.99), the perfect toy for toddlers. Our silly birds nest inside one another, teaching the fundamentals of size and shape, while engaging reasoning skills and problem-solving techniques.

All of the nesting dolls are really unique, one-of-a-kind toys that offer endless hours of play. Come on over to Earth Explorer Toys to see them in person. We bet you’ll love to play with them, too!