Children with Down syndrome or who use cochlear implants will see reflections of themselves in gameplay from now on. Nenuco, the Alicante toy store famous for its new models of popular dolls, aims to strengthen inclusion and diversity. The line includes dolls with glasses, patches, and representations of different ethnicities, designed to mirror a broad range of real-life experiences.
The launch drives a message of representation for all children. The company notes that every child should have toys that reflect their own characteristics and help bring diversity into daily life. This approach also supports educators, fathers, and mothers in demonstrating to future generations that disability does not define a person, but rather enriches society with varied perspectives and experiences.
By engaging with little ones from an early age, fundamental values such as equality, diversity, and respect for all people become tangible concepts. Irene Sotillo, Iberia Marketing manager for the toy company, spoke during the introduction of the new models about this important idea.
Information
An event in Madrid featured the presence of Agustín Matía, the director general of Down Spain, and Laia Zamora, Youth Director of the Spanish Federation of Cochlear Implant Associations (AICE). Both organizations contributed to the development of the updated Nenuco line, underscoring collaboration across sectors to broaden representation.
Miniland, Famosa, and Playmobil earned recognition as the best toy brands of the year, a nod to their commitment to inclusive play and thoughtful design. The message from Matía emphasized that early childhood experiences pave the way for a society that embraces difference. The federation’s representative Zamora added that such initiatives deserve appreciation and that society should empower all children, whether they have hearing loss or other differences, by normalizing inclusive play for everyone.
New babies were welcomed at a dedicated ceremony during the event. Attendees included Carlota Cajigas, a girl with Down syndrome whose experiences highlight the importance of every child feeling represented in everyday play. Maria Doussinage and her daughter Marietta showcase daily life with Down syndrome on their Instagram profile El Cromosoma de Marieta, aiming to shift public perception and celebrate authentic experiences. Estela Lorenzo, a cochlear implant user and AICE Federation collaborator, shared daily moments from her TikTok profile, illustrating real-life inclusion during the event.
Giochi Preziosi expanded its portfolio by acquiring Arias dolls and their reborn babies, signaling continued growth in the sector of inclusive and diverse toy lines. One notable aspect of Nenuco’s new series is the legacy behind the designs: the dolls draw from the original patterns created by Tino Juan, the son of the late Augustine Juan, who helped shape the classic Nenuco face. Tino, having recently retired after decades in the toy industry, contributed new touches to the sculpt while preserving the familiar charm that fans remember.
In sum, the refreshed Nenuco line embodies a broader, more inclusive vision for play. The collaboration across organizations and the involvement of families underscores a growing commitment to making representation a core feature of childhood traditions. The initiative reflects a larger trend in toys toward authenticity, accessibility, and the celebration of differences as a source of strength for society. [Citation: Brand press materials and event coverage]