Limb different toys & dolls matter – here’s why

Blue background with a lighter blue circle and white text that says, “2025 update | limb different toys & dolls” and a pink teddy bear with a limb different arm and @ontheotherhandtherapy

I never had a toy with a limb difference like mine – until just recently. Growing up with a partial hand, I tried so hard to adapt to the limb typical world that it didn’t occur to me that toys with limb differences like mine could be possible. I can only imagine how much my 5 year old self would have loved one of these dolls! 

But of course they’re not only possible – there now are so many incredible options available! Here are the dolls and toys I know about; please message me additional ones through social media so that I can add them to the resources page.

For children with limb differences, these toys can …
These toys can ALSO …
For children with typical limbs, these toys can …
Where do these toys belong?
How can people who are raising or work with “limb typical” children be allies?
Who makes limb difference toys?
At what age can children benefit from playing with inclusive dolls? 
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Pink background with title in blue that says “limb difference toys & dolls” (on all pink slides) and a photo of Nemo with text that says, “first up: Nemo, the most iconic limb different character | In Pixar's 2003 "Finding Nemo, his father calls Nemo's small fin his "lucky fin” | Disney brand plushy” and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Pink background with a lighter blue circle and pink and white text that says, “LEGO® Friends Autumn | Autumn has a partial arm and her sets come with adaptive gadgets!” along with a photo of Autumn and @ontheotherhandtherapy

For children with limb differences, these toys can: 

  • boost self-esteem – encourage them to embrace their differences
  • offer belonging, comfort, & connection – remind them they aren’t alone
  • provide representation – help them see themselves positively

These toys can ALSO:

  • foster imaginative play that includes their differences
  • offer opportunities to practice responding to questions about their limb difference
  • open conversations with peers & siblings

For children with typical limbs, these toys can:

  • normalize disabilities & differences in body shapes/sizes
  • promote acceptance, empathy, & understanding of differences
  • serve as powerful tools for inclusion
Pink background with two photos, one of a child sitting with a “A Doll Like Me” whose hand matches the child’s and a child holding a Budsies doll that looks like him and has the same hand difference and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Photo credits: @kimberly_gallagher (Max) & @thehandweredealt (Chase)
Pink background with three photos, two of the Mayana and friends animal plushies (an alligator and monkey with limb differences) and a Vermont Teddy Bear doll with a partial arm @ontheotherhandtherapy

Where do these toys belong?

Wherever children live, learn, play, & visit, such as:

  • daycares
  • extracurricular activities
  • homes of peers & loved ones
  • public libraries, recreational & after care centers
  • schools & educational facilities
  • summer camps

How can people who are raising or work with “limb typical” children be allies?

  • promote inclusive toys with educators, librarians, & program staff
  • encourage children to role play asking kind questions
Pink background with two photos of dolls, one of Kikilishop’s Limb Difference Doll with a partial leg and the other of the Uniquely Me plush doll with a partial arm and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Pink background with two photos of dolls, one of A Step Ahead Prosthetics’ customized American Girl Doll with a partial arm (can be customized with arm or leg prosthetic or none) and the other of The Doll for All’s dolls (upper and lower limb difference options) and @ontheotherhandtherapy

Who makes limb difference toys?

  • Plushies + soft dolls
    • A Doll Like Me – custom plush dolls customized to the child’s difference
    • Budsies – custom plush dolls customized to the child’s difference                     
    • Crochet-ABLEs – custom crocheted dolls and animals matched to any limb difference
    • Kikilishop – personalized cloth rag dolls featuring upper and/or lower limb differences
    • Mayana & Friends – a collection of animal plushies representing diverse limb differences
    • Uniquely Me – companion doll to Trace Wilson’s book Uniquely Me
    • Vermont Teddy Bear with theAmputee Coalition – plush bears with limb differences   
Pink background with text that says “Crochet-ABLEs” and two photos: a mermaid with brown skin and a partial arm and a large white bird with a shortened wing and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Pink background with a lighter pink circle and blue and white text that says,“Barbie with prosthetic leg” and two photos of the Barbie®, one in the box and the other @ontheotherhandtherapy

At what age can children benefit from playing with inclusive dolls? 

  • the younger the better!
  • it’s never too early to make the world kinder & more inclusive

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I do not do not receive any commissions or kick backs for toy recommendations. Occasionally companies send me free products to try; Mayana & Friends sent me their adorable “Dougie” doll.

Please note that I can no longer find these products that previously were available; they may still be available on Ebay or used:

  • “My Life” as a gymnast with prosthetic leg by Walmart
  • “Our Generation” with prosthetic leg by Target

Many thanks to the families for sharing photos of their children with their dolls: @kimberly_gallagher and @thehandweredealt

© 2025. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy

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