Stackable Dolls – Start Building Lasting Memories Today

Stackable Dolls are handcrafted dolls, made in Russia by skilled artisans. They are known by several names, which all refer to the same dolls, albeit with subtle differences. For example, ‘matryoshka dolls’ originate from the Russian name ‘Matryona,’ meaning motherhood and family. Another common name is ‘Babushka dolls’, derived from ‘babushka’, meaning grandmother in Russian. These names are significant, because they represent the traditional nature of Russian society. The main doll represents the head of the family, whilst the smaller dolls represent the status of the other family members, the youngest being the smallest doll.

How big is Russia?

Russia is the biggest country in the planet with 11 times zones. In 2004 I travelled from Moscow to Beijing on the Siberian Express with my friend Steve, covering 5000 miles over 7-days. We flew from London to Moscow and the trip got off to a very poor start, upon arrival in Moscow. Steve passed effortlessly through immigration, but when it was my turn, it soon became apparent, that all wasn’t well! Suddenly, a red light started flashing above my head, shortly followed by the swift arrival of two burly security guards. They took me to a small room where I was held for about an hour. It transpired that there was a problem with my visa, which quickly disappeared, once I placed $100 on the table! Steve suffered more than me, because he had no idea what was happening, and the hotel reservations and train tickets were inside my backpack!

My first trip to Moscow

After this ‘blip’ we enjoyed 2 memorable days in Moscow. We visited the Kremlin and the ‘tomb of the lost soldier’, which commemorates the 29 million Russian soldiers who perished during World War 2. To understand a country, you must understand its history, and few countries have suffered like Russia. Moscow is a beautiful and cultured city but the suburbs bare testament to the soviet era, with huge numbers of dour communist apartment blocks.

The Trans-Siberian Express

When we arrived at the train station, we boarded the train and made our way to our compartment consisting of 2 bunk beds and settled in. Once we left Moscow, the wooded countryside didn’t change for hour after hour, apart from a few occasional houses. We travelled in September but there were still huge blocks of ice floating down the rivers, evidence of Russia’s brutal winters. It took 4 days to reach Mongolia, before crossing the Gobi Desert for 24 hours, and travelling onto Beijing via the Great Wall of China.

This once in a lifetime trip made a lasting impression upon me and proffered a very brief introduction to Russian Culture. It is hard to imagine how tough life can be for people living in rural Russia, and one can imagine that family unity is essential for survival. And this is why Stackable Dolls epitomise the Russian spirit and strong, traditional values.

Why are Matrysohka Dolls popular souvenirs?

When we were in Moscow, I bought a matryoshka stackable doll as a souvenir. Nowadays, that doll, is much more than just a doll. Whenever I glimpse it, great memories come flooding back, and I instantly recall certain incidents, and think about my great friend Steve. This is a good example of how memories are brought into consciousness via association of an object, with a particular person. And this is why Stackable Dolls, can be much more than just a doll, over time. In my own case, it was a great souvenir. But they also make great gifts for kids. Firstly, the child gets the pleasure of receiving a thoughtful gift, and then they get the benefits of learning to play with it, and maybe other children. Unfortunately, kids don’t stay kids for very long, but that doll will forever be associated whoever gave it, in a very positive way.

What are stackable dolls?

Typically, matryoshka dolls consist of 4 to 6 pieces, made up of a doll inside a doll inside a doll. The largest doll is between 5 and 7 inches tall, and should be stamped on the base, to show the workshop of origine, and prove authenticity. The internet is awash with cheap imitation stackable dolls which serve a purpose, for a period, but they are unlikely to last. For example, I bought a branded t-shirt 15 years ago which still looks as good as new, even after countless washes. During this same period numerous cheap t-shirts have come and gone, often after just a few washes. You tend to get what you pay for, and stackable dolls are no different.