You can blame the teacher in me but when it comes to buying gifts for children, there are certain criteria that I look for and at the top of my list? The educational factor. I admit that it has come second to the "absolutely cute I can't resist" factor. Or even the "isn't this the coolest thing ever" factor. But it's always near the top. When it comes to dolls, though, can they really teach kids all that much? I never used to think so. Until I was sent a Maplelea Girl. Meet Taryn. This all-Canadian doll is a premium quality 18'' doll with a soft, huggable body, long brown hair, and brown eyes that open and close. Like all Maplelea Girls, she not only encourages imaginative play but also teaches about our nation’s culture, heritage and geography. 

Taryn is just one of six Maplelea Girl characters, all of whom are very different - they like different hobbies, sports, school sujects, foods and colours. But what they all have in common is that they are all Canadian, living in different parts of the country, who have a sense of adventure and great pride in their country. Taryn hails from Banff, Alberta where she grew up in the mountains. She has an appreciation of the great outdoors and is an environmentalist who loves clean fresh mountain air, butterflies, wilderness camping, and hiking. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating and has a passion for painting. She also loves hanging out with her Bernese Mountain dog Boulder.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.