toy to teach buttons, snaps, laces (Button Up Betsy doll?)

[american_mama]

Is there a toy that enables a child to practice buttoning, snapping, playing with laces, etc.? When I was a child, I had a cloth doll like this called Button Up Betsy. She wore something like a vest with several layers, each of which had the different activity. There was also a matching boy doll that followed the same idea. I don't remember his name, but I recall him looking something like Barney from The Flintstones.

Anyway, is there a toy today either like this, or that promotes the same idea? My daughter is loving snaps and buttons, and I imagine (perhaps a little unrealistically) her sitting entertained for hours with a toy like this. If anyone has ideas, please post name of toy and where to find it. Thanks.

Karen

[zen_bliss]

i love the llama in pajamas! the museum of fine arts boston sold these a few tears ago and they show up on eBay from time to time. there is a small one (about 11") and a big one (about 16"). both sizes are on auction now, but here is a completed one with a better photo.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2598&item=3183875551

[khakismom]

We have the Lamaze Teach-Me Taxi that has buttons, snaps, and zippers (I don't think there are any laces though):

http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Toys-All-Lamaze_Teach_Me_Taxi

Both my kids love it.

[nitaghei]

You can find the old toys on Ebay! How do I know? We just got a "Dapper Dan" for my niece - because that is what my SIL had growing up and she HAD to have it for her little girl. Was this the boy version that you remember?

There is also a doll called Squeak E. Mouse
http://www.liveandlearn.com/dressupmouse.html

Here's one called Learn and Play Teddy
http://tinyurl.com/yqj2y

HTH

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD

[peasprout]

What about the Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board? I don't have it yet but I'm thinking of getting it for DD.
http://creativebrainsonline.com/melanddougba.html

[bluej]

I just saw a boy doll and a girl doll (not the ones from our childhood) a couple of weekends ago. I didn't look to see what brand they were but that was the first time I've seen the girl/boy dolls in I don't know how long (a decade maybe?). Usually I come across animal ones or have seen puzzles with those activities. Hmmm, I'm going home again this weekend, I might have to go and pick one up.

Btw Jeanne (Trumansmom), it was in your town I saw it of all places!

[trumansmom]

Cool! I was thinking of getting one of these as well! Where on earth did you find it here?!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/29/01 and EDD 4/23/04!

[bluej]

A la Mode! Cute little shop. They also have this cute little plush slice of cheese w/ little mice that you can pull out of the holes and stuff back in that I'm thinking of getting for Ryden since he's in a 'stuffing' stage.

[Roleysmom]

I got this board (cheap, TJ Maxx) instead of the Squeak E. Mouse and I have to say that it's not a big hit here. She will occassionally use it like a puzzle, but she isn't at all interested in the laces, buckle, snaps. I might go ahead and get the mouse. She loves dolls and stuffed animals so I think that might be more engaging for her.

Paula-- mom to Roley Julia --01-04-02

[lukkykatt]

We have the Sueak E. Mouse and it is really nice. It was a gift for my younger son, but my 4 year old is the one who plays with it the most so far.

We also have the Melissa and Doug Basic Skills Board, but so far that has not caught on nearly as much as the mouse.

[Sarah1]

We have a similar Melissa & Doug puzzle that just has shoes and laces. It's definitely too advanced for Audrey at this point, though (I looked at the back and it's ages 5+). She definitely cannot lace the shoes--it's hard even for me to do it!

[trumansmom]

Thanks for the tip! I haven't been there yet, but will have to go.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/29/01 and EDD 4/23/04!

[HGraceMom]

DD rec'd a cute bunny for Easter (last year) & still loves it - zip, snap, button, velcro, etc... I'll search the tag & see if there's any info - probably came from TRU or someplace similar -

[smccabe]

I remember it! :) The doll was called Dressy Bessy and her boy counterpart was Dapper Dan! I just looked at ebay for them-- sellers have both the vintage ones that I remember playing with in the 70's, and the new "edition" Hasbro came out with a few years ago.
--S

[american_mama]

Everyone: Thanks for the great ideas! I would have bet a million dollars that the name of the doll was Button Up Betsy... perhaps I mistakenly called her that as a child because I have a cousin named Betsy... but I never would have found Dressy Bessy without all of you! I am bidding on one on ebay right now.

Also, after I posted my message, I found a Dress Me Barney doll by doing a quick search on the internet see http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Preschool-Barney-Barney_-_Dress_Me_Barney.

But I hope I win the Dressy Bessy doll! Maybe a Dapper Dan will be next.