I have torn feelings about sharing some of these Web 2.0 sites. On one hand, I feel they are gender-biased toward girls. On the other hand, aren’t many of the gaming sites on the web gender-biased toward boys? Ultimately, I decided it was worth sharing the sites so that you can be aware they exist and hold appeal for students (particularly girls). Social sites, whether they target boys or girls can be used as an educational tools if parents (and educators) talk to children about safe online practices and interact with children as they use the sites. If you elect to share the computer resources I have included in this post with children, please take time to play dolls [online] with them. I would suggest that these types of sites might also draw unsavory characters who target young girls. Not all the resources I am sharing in this post include a social feature…some are just dress-up and play. If the sites include a social element I have noted that in the descriptions.

As you evaluate and look at the sites you might also ask yourself… are the images appropriate and suitable? Do they represent girls/women in a manner that is respectful and appropriate? Are the characters used as the “dolls” images that reinforce self worth? Are the outfits appropriate and representative of our culture?

You might also find Marc Saltzman’s article Girls go ga-ga over virtual doll websites an interesting read.

Virtual Dolls/Dress-Up Activities (listed in no particular order)….

1. Stardoll – the description from the site….”a virtual paperdoll community site for everyone who enjoys fashion, design and making friends. At Stardoll you can create your own MeDoll or choose from our ever growing collection of celebrity dolls and dress them up in our wide selection of fashions. Every celebrity doll has a wardrobe full of unique clothes and there are new dolls released every week. The membership is completely FREE and most of our members are girls between the ages of 7 and 17. Stardoll is one of few places on the Internet developed with an emphasis on girls’ self-expression through fantasy and fashion play. Stardoll is a great place to spend time with friends and to meet other kids from all over the world. We are committed to Stardoll as an inspiring, safe and creative environment.” While membership to the site is advertised as being free (and much of the site is free), there are some aspects of the site where young girls might be enticed to spend money (to buy more virtual clothes for example). Also, please be aware that young girls can use this site for social interaction. If you do not want your children or students to access the social aspects of the site a free Kid Safe membership is available. In fact, the Kids Safe membership is required for individuals under 13 years of age (but then again, there is the age-old problem of determining whether a person is truthful when they register for the site).
2. Cartoon Doll Emporium – as described at the site….”CDE as most people call it – is is an online playland that has the largest and best collection of dress up games online. In addition to its collection of dolls, CDE also features arcade games, picture galleries, contests, a forum, and one of the most unique social communities online called MyCDE. MyCDE allows you to make new friends, create an avatar, earn virtual money, adopt a baby or pet, blog, form clubs, and much, much more. It doesn’t cost anything to join, and everyone is always treated equally. MyCDE allows you to create a totally new identity and be treated with respect and friendliness at all times.” This site is nice from the standpoint that girls (or boys) can earn points (online cash) as they play games and dress the various characters found on the site. The site didn’t seem as commercial as the Stardoll site.
3. Roiworld – “a style portal that provides visitors with a virtual wardrobe where fashion know no bounds and can discover their own style in a fun online gaming setting.” Registration is suggested and games can only be saved if you have a registration, however users can explore and play the games without registering. This site is sponsored by Lifetime and was one of the only sites that included options for users to create their own clothing.
4. PuterDolls.com – play dress up games with virtual dolls and decorate houses, homes, cakes, and more. No registration required and no social elements are available at the site. Each drag and drop, dress-up or decorate activity also includes a music option so students can enjoy music as they drag, drop, and design. The site also links to several dress-up/decorate activities posted on other sites.
5. American Girls Website – this site features the American Girl dolls that are an iconic part of many young girls’ lives, as well as a multitude of engaging and kid-safe sites…great fun for any age!
6. eLouia Doll Makers – use the numerous doll making generators found at this site to design avatars and dolls to your liking. A sample avatar created at the site can be found to the right.
7. Hula Bunny – click on the dress-up link to access numerous characters you can virtually dress up
8. Bobble Head Creation Zone – create and dress a bobble head doll
9. Bumble-B – have you ever dressed a bumble bee…now you can in a Flash (virtually)!



10. Dress Up Who.com – this site included some heavy, distracting advertising. Registration is encouraged, but there are several free features that can be used without the registration. I experienced frustrating technical issues with this site when I tried to register. The registration difficulties coupled with the annoying advertising made this one of my least favorite sites.
11. I-Dressup.com – “an online flash game site and a social networking service that allows Members to create unique personal profiles online in order to find and communicate with old and new friends.” Obviously, there are social components. Users also need to earn iCoins to purchase outfits for their avatar, play games, etc. Don’t be too drawn in by the free elements and the ability to earn iCoins; there is a strong push to become a diamond member which costs between $5.95 a month and approx. $36.00 a year.
12. Dressup Girl – this site encourages registration, but registration is not required to play the dress up games. Dressup dolls include current celebrities (Michelle Obama, Susan Boyle), as well as fantasy figures and historical outfits (Princess Abella).