A great way to introduce different cultures into playtime (ELC HappyLand World People)

Member Name: HonestBob

Product:	ELC HappyLand World People
Date:	25/10/08 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Inexpensive, lots of play value, durable,

Disadvantages: Stereotypical

I brought these figures for my 19 month old son with the intention of adding a range of different cultures to his playtime. I liked the idea of him having characters from around the world to play with and particularly dolls of different ethnic backgrounds. The set consists of an American Cowboy, a Frenchman, a Spanish lady, an Indian Woman wearing a Sari, a Kimono wearing Japanese lady and a bagpipe carrying, kilt wearing Scotsman.

The figures are compatible with the other Happyland figures and playsets (which include a fairground, school, fire station, post office, cottage, vet, airport, farm, train set among others) available from the Early Learning Centre, and currently (October 2008) these are retailing at 20% of the Recommended Retail Price at Early Learning Centre Stores, Early Learning Centre Departments within Mothercare and Online via the Early Learning Website. The RRP for this partcular set is £6.00 so currently it is available for £4.80 (plus and additional £4.95 delivery charge if you order off the website).

My son loves these figures and seems to constantly have one or other in his hand erent matter!). My only concern is the stereotypical image they give of people from other countries. I did cringe when I saw the Frenchman in beret and kilt wearing Scot. However, I do think it is good to introduce a mixture of races into a childs playthings and in this regard the figures are good as there is so little choice of multicultural dolls in standard retail outlets.

Summary: A good way to ensure your child has toys showing different ethnic groups.