Light skinned dolls with rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes have always been found in abundance in toy shops but the same cannot be said for dolls that represent children who are darker skinned or from ethnic minority groups. Finding a doll that feels representative of your child is something that should be taken for granted; how does a child feel proud of their identity if there are no toys that celebrate or even acknowledge their existence?

Thankfully, there are now more and more creators and manufacturers making dolls that represent all ethnicities and even though there is plenty more work to be done to provide diverse choice, it is getting easier to find the right doll for you. Here are our favourite dolls that represent the under-represented in terms of skin, hair colour and hair texture, whether you're looking for dolls that reflect your child and your family or you want to create a more inclusive toy collection that nurtures awareness and acceptance from an early age.

{Image above: Shop Darling Clementine}

>> Baby Jojo Doll, £24 (currently pre-order, clothes not included), Bobby Rabbit

>> Maya the mermaid, from £50, Cuddle and Kind

>> Miniland Baby Doll – Asian Boy, £20, Acorn & Pip

>> Mia Rainbow Doll, £53, Meri Meri

>> Salam Sisters Dolls, from €33,54 each, Le Comptoir Givré

>> Ballerina Misty, from €75 Lauvely

>> Pauline Doll, £41, Corolle

>> Nilas Dolls Black Rag Doll Ballerina, from £27, Etsy

>> Little Girl Doll with Dress-up Clothes, £62, Minikane

>> Dinkum Doll Tiny, £49, OlliElla

>> Harmony Handmade Tea Party Doll, $120- $138, HarperIman Dolls

>> Our Generation Riya Doll, £37.95, Harrods

> > Fleur Holdie Doll, £14.95, OlliElla

>> Plan Toys Doll's Family, £19.95, Scandiborn

>> Chad Valley Designafriend Charlie Wavy Hair Doll, £20, Argos