When we first received our 21' Karito Kids doll, named Ling, I didn't know what to think. The brightly colored box was exciting -- what was it all about? My kids asked "Mommy, does she talk? Is she electronic?"  "Nope...but this is cool" I tell them, "She comes from China...maybe we can learn about China...and she comes with a storybook and a 'passport.'" The passport has an activation code that you input into the website at http://www.KaritoKids.com.  "Maybe that will make her talk," my kids thought...

Well, what I found didn't make the doll talk...but it did make my children THINK.  Not just think, but think about children who were less fortunate than they were -- in a very positive way.

When you sign into the website, using your dolls activation code, you are automatically given one "World Change" Coin. Then you get to choose which charity you want to donate your World Change Coin  to.  You can help children in different countries get enough food to eat, get the medical care they need, live in adequate homes or get the books they need for their schools.

After your children  pick a charity and donate their first World Change Coin,  they can play fun online games (that teaches them different cultures ) to earn more World Change Coins so they can give more charity!  Apparently, this isn't all just fun and games - it raises real money for an organization called Plan -- which you can find at http://www.planusa.org/

I think this is a remarkable, innovative gift for any school age child.  I love the idea of combining a toy, with a way to teach children about different cultures and helping others that are less fortunate than them.

Keep your Cabbage Patch Dolls and Tickle Me Elmos -- I hope THIS becomes the "Hot" toy this holiday season.

Think about it, it's not just a good toy -- it's a toy that does good for your child, and the world.

It just doesn't get any better than that. That's why I'm happy to give KaritoKids.com my Seal of Approval.