I collect nesting figures on a variety of themes, and this nesting doll is one of my overall favorites. The Khokhloma Russian Nesting Doll is well-made and finely detailed--even down to the smallest doll, which is smaller than my finger nail. The faces are friendly, the eyes are expressive, and the ornate, floral designs are visually interesting. Even the wood smells nice! :) The doll is easily unstacked and restacked for tweens and adults; younger children will, however, require some help. Because of the smallest doll's size, this product should NOT be given to children under five years old or to any child that has a habit of putting things in his / her mouth.

How are nesting dolls educational? They are excellent for illustrating complex concepts where ideas are hidden within other ideas. I use them to teach observation, writing, critical thinking, literature, and mythology. [I developed my particular teaching method regarding the nesting dolls while working on my graduate thesis...soon to be published :) ] Nesting dolls are especially good learning tools for spacial / mathematical relationships, reasoning, and unity. They can be discussed as art and cultural products. They have a magical quality that celebrates mystery and surprise.

RE: The Seller...

Golden Cockerel is a fantastic store, which has a wide variety of unique items including nesting dolls, brooches, ornaments, books, personalized gifts, boxes, thimbles, nutcrackers, Russian porcelain, wooden toys, etc. From my experience with them--nearly three years, their products are always high quality and always, always shipped nicely and carefully. I love to do some Christmas shopping with them. Gifts that I have purchased from Golden Cockerel (GC) have always been well-received by recipients--from tweens to adults. I highly recommend GC as a source for birthday gifts, graduation gifts, holiday gifts, wedding gifts, and what-ever moment surprises.