Playdate Friends Alex, Ellis, Nico: Soft Doll Comparison
By Manhattan Toy | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Buying Guides
Compare Playdate Friends Alex, Ellis, and Nico soft dolls. Alex has a front closure for easiest dressing; Ellis and Nico have back closures. All are machine washable and come with a plush companion.
Quick answer
For toddlers who love dressing and undressing, Playdate Friends Alex offers the easiest outfit with a front closure. Ellis and Nico have back closures, which are slightly trickier for little fingers. All three are fully machine washable, making them great for messy play.
What makes Playdate Friends dolls special?
Each Playdate Friends doll comes with a removable outfit and a small plush companion (a bear, dog, or chicken). The outfits are designed for easy dressing practice, and the entire doll—including clothes and accessories—can go in the washing machine and dryer. This makes them ideal for toddlers who take their dolls everywhere.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Alex: Easiest dressing: Front closure on the outfit makes it simplest for toddlers to manage. Comes with a bear companion. Best for younger toddlers or those new to dressing dolls.
- Ellis: More outfit pieces: Includes a vest and overalls, offering more dressing steps. Back closure requires a bit more dexterity. Comes with a dog companion. Good for toddlers who enjoy a slightly more complex dressing routine.
- Nico: Simple with a bow: Similar back-closure outfit to Ellis but with fewer pieces (shirt and pants). Embroidered bow adds visual appeal. Comes with a chicken companion. A middle ground between ease and variety.
Product facts
- Playdate Friends Alex: Playdate Friends Alex has a removable outfit and bear companion that are all 100% machine washer and dryer safe. Outfit includes hat, booties, t-shirt and pants with closure in front for easy removal. Front closure makes it the easiest doll for young toddlers to dress and undress independently, boosting motor skills.
Playdate Friends Alex - Playdate Friends Ellis: Playdate Friends Ellis has a removable outfit and dog companion that are all 100% machine washer and dryer safe. Ellis wears a vest, booties, overalls and t-shirt with closure in back for easy dressing. Back closure adds a slight challenge for fine motor practice, but the overalls and vest offer more outfit variety.
Playdate Friends Ellis - Playdate Friends Nico: Playdate Friends Nico wears booties, shirt and pants with closure in back for easy dressing, and features a sewn-on white onesie with an embroidered bow on the collar. Nico's embroidered bow adds a cute detail, and the back closure provides similar dressing practice as Ellis.
Which doll fits your toddler?
Best for
- Toddlers who need the easiest dressing practice: Alex
- Toddlers who enjoy more outfit pieces and a slightly bigger challenge: Ellis
- Toddlers who want a simple outfit with a cute detail: Nico
Not for
- Children who prefer dolls with hard plastic bodies or rooted hair (these are soft cloth dolls with embroidered features)
