Fantastic for Imaginative Play
Comments about Product:We own the entire set of fairy dolls, their accessories, the tree house, the silks, and the animals. Some of this was a gift from grandma, some we bought to round out the collection for my two daughters (now age 11 and 7... they were 8 and 4 when we first got two fairies and their tree house). The dolls are snuggly and sweet, as well as beautifully made.
Of all the toys that we own, this one has been one of the best, most high quality choices. The dolls are beautifully handcrafted in Latvia, so there are variations in them (which I feel only enhances their beauty). They are stuffed with lambswool and cotton, with incredibly tactile mohair hair that can be carefully styled (no brushes!) using ribbons or the included wired flowers. The clothes that they come with are simple yet beautifully made. The accessories are fantastic--from the hand-knit wool sweater for Crystal Tinselfrost to the adorable booties or the hats. I wish that they offered more clothing options for purchase, but the lack has encouraged us to hand sew, quilt, embroider, felt and bead our own lovely creations, making these even more precious to us as a family. Even my 13 yr old son has played at times (albeit, he was more into the treehouse than the dresses!).
I find this set encourages creative play and storytelling with my girls and their friends. One child might play alone by creating an elaborate set out of the treehouse and silks, using the baskets, wool roving, and other bits and pieces. Two children create elaborate story lines to act out, create dioramas with the animal friends, or work on creating new clothing designs. Three or more children will create flying games or travel adventures that have the fairies roaming the house on a quest. Other dolls will join in on the act, whether or not they are fairies. Sometimes plastic animal toys and Breyer horses get in on the action, even the occasional dinosaur. Sometimes musical instruments are incorporated into play.
No, they aren't cheap. But overall, these fairies have been played with for many hours, over many years, and STILL are played with by my 11 year old (and of course my 7 yr old). These are toys that hearken back to yesteryear in that they aren't battery operated, don't make noise, and need imagination to play with. I have spent a lot of money on toys that have not gotten nearly the amount of play time these have; in my opinion, these are worth the cost.
The only real con that I can come up with is that our cat is utterly fascinated by wool roving and wool rope. We have to be careful not to leave these out or he completely destroys them!
WARNING CHOKING HAZARD (1) 
