If you've been searching for Olli Ella and found yourself a little confused, you're not alone. The beloved brand behind the iconic Dinkum Doll has rebranded — Olli Ella is now Dinkum Dolls. Same magical products, same quality, brand new name. In this guide we'll walk you through everything: what changed, what the dolls are, which one is right for your child, and where to buy them in the UK.
Here at Learning Bugs, we stock the best of the Olli Ella / Dinkum Dolls range — and we've put together this complete guide to help you find the perfect companion for your little one.
What is Olli Ella? (And What is a Dinkum Doll?)
Olli Ella was an Australian children's toy and lifestyle brand, best known for its soft, weighted baby dolls — the Dinkum Dolls — as well as rattan baskets, Holdie Folk wooden figures, and creative Playpa paper play. Founded in Australia, the brand grew a devoted following across the UK thanks to its beautiful designs, ethical production, and B Corp certification.
The brand has now rebranded as Dinkum Dolls, putting its most iconic product front and centre. If you're searching for Olli Ella, you've found the right place - the products are exactly the same, just under a new name.
What makes a Dinkum Doll special? Dinkum Dolls are soft-bodied baby dolls with a gently weighted body designed to feel like a real baby in little arms. They're made with non-toxic, child-safe materials, are fully machine washable, and are designed to be a child's first true companion — suitable from birth and loved for years.
Where is Olli Ella From, and Where Are the Dolls Made?
Olli Ella was founded in Australia by two sisters, and the brand now operates globally. The dolls are ethically made, and the brand holds B Corp certification — meaning it meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance. This is one of the key reasons Olli Ella dolls have become so trusted by parents across the UK.
The Complete Dinkum Doll Range — Every Type Explained
One of the most common questions we get is: which Dinkum Doll should I buy? There are several different ranges, each with its own personality. Here's a complete breakdown of every type we stock at Learning Bugs.
Dinkum Dolls — The Original
The classic Dinkum Doll is the one that started it all. Soft-bodied with a gently weighted fill, open eyes, and a sweet baby face, these dolls are designed for nurturing play and role play. They're suitable from birth and are the most popular choice for gifting.
We stock the Olli Ella Dream Dinkum Doll — Violet — a firm favourite with our customers.
Dream Dinkum Dolls — For Sleepy Play
The Dream Dinkum is the same gorgeous doll but with closed, sleeping eyes — perfect for bedtime routines, imaginative sleep-time play, and children who love tucking their doll in at night. If your little one has a bedtime routine they love to recreate, this is the one.
Dozy Dinkums — Floppy, Snuggly & Irresistible
With soft floppy limbs, a ragdoll feel, and an incredibly huggable body, Dozy Dinkums are part cuddly toy, part baby doll. They're wonderful as a first soft toy from birth. We stock the Olli Ella Dozy Dinkums Moppet — one of our bestselling gifts for new babies and toddlers.
Cozy Dinkums — Animal-Inspired Comfort Companions
Cozy Dinkums are the animal-inspired members of the Dinkum family. Part cuddly toy, part doll, they come in a range of adorable animal characters including bunnies and teddies. We stock the Olli Ella Cozy Dinkums Bunny Moppet — a beautiful gift for a new baby or toddler who loves animals.
Dinky Dinkum Dolls — Smaller, Perfect for Little Hands
Dinky Dinkums are a smaller version of the classic Dinkum Doll — easier for younger children and toddlers to carry, cuddle, and take on adventures. They come in a wonderful range of characters. We stock Olli Ella Dinky Dinkum Doll — Fairy Faye, which is magical and much-loved.
Dress Me Dinkys — Dolls You Can Dress
The Dress Me Dinky range is perfect for children who love dressing up. These dolls come with changeable outfits and accessories, encouraging creative and imaginative play. We stock Olli Ella Dress Me Dinky Sophie Sundae and Olli Ella Dress Me Dinky Mia Melody.
Dinkum Doll Clothes & Accessories
Part of the joy of a Dinkum Doll is dressing them up and taking them on adventures. The dinkum doll clothes and accessories range lets children really personalise their doll's world.
We stock the Olli Ella Sollie Stroller Rainbow — perfect for pushing the doll around the house or garden — as well as a full range of dollhouse furniture sets including the Olli Ella Dining Room Furniture Set, Living Room Furniture Set, and Single Bed Furniture Set — ideal for imaginative small-world play.
Beyond the Dolls — Holdie Folk & Playpa
If you're looking for something a little different from the Olli Ella / Dinkum Dolls world, we also stock two other beloved ranges.
Holdie Folk are beautiful hand-painted wooden peg figures, perfect for imaginative small-world play. We stock Olli Ella Holdie Folk — Leif and Olli Ella Holdie Folk — Beck. They make wonderful additions to a Dinkum Doll set.
Playpa is Olli Ella's creative paper play range — large-format role play mats and sticker scenes that children can use again and again. We stock the Olli Ella Playpa! Role Forest and Olli Ella Road Playpa Stickers — perfect for imaginative floor play.
Are Olli Ella Dolls Worth It?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask — and the answer, in our experience, is a resounding yes. Here's why:
Quality that lasts. Dinkum Dolls are built to be loved hard. The soft body, weighted fill, and durable fabric mean they stand up to years of play. Many families pass them between siblings.
Safe from birth. All dolls are made with non-toxic, child-safe materials and are tested to the highest safety standards. The weighted fill is specifically designed to be safe for newborns.
Machine washable. A huge plus for parents. All Dinkum Dolls can go in the washing machine — which is essential when a doll goes everywhere with your child.
B Corp certified. Olli Ella / Dinkum Dolls is a certified B Corp, meaning the brand meets independently verified standards for ethical production and environmental responsibility.
Award-winning. The Dinkum Doll range has won multiple toy industry awards and has been featured in countless gift guides across the UK.
How to Clean an Olli Ella Doll
One of the most practical questions parents ask is how to clean a Dinkum Doll. The good news is it's simple:
All Dinkum Dolls are machine washable on a gentle/delicate cycle at 30°C. Place the doll in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it, and reshape while damp. Air dry rather than tumble dry, and avoid direct heat. The doll's fill will plump back up once fully dry.
For spot cleaning between washes, a damp cloth with mild soap works well on the fabric body.
Which Dinkum Doll Should I Buy? A Quick Gift Guide
Not sure which doll is right for your child? Here's a simple guide based on age and play style:
New baby gift → Cozy Dinkums Bunny Moppet or Dozy Dinkums Moppet
Toddler who loves nurturing play → Dinkum Doll Violet or Dream Dinkum Doll
Smaller child or travel companion → Dinky Dinkum Fairy Faye
Loves dressing up → Dress Me Dinky Sophie Sundae or Dress Me Dinky Mia Melody
Creative floor play → Olli Ella Playpa! Role Forest
Imaginative small-world play → Holdie Folk — Leif or Beck
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olli Ella?
Olli Ella is an Australian children's toy and lifestyle brand that has recently rebranded as Dinkum Dolls. The brand is best known for its soft weighted baby dolls, rattan baskets, Holdie Folk wooden figures, and creative Playpa paper play. It is B Corp certified and beloved by parents across the UK.
Where is Olli Ella from?
Olli Ella was founded in Australia by two sisters. The brand now sells globally, including through UK stockists like Learning Bugs.
Why is Olli Ella so popular?
Olli Ella dolls became popular because of their unique combination of quality, safety, and charm. The weighted, soft-bodied Dinkum Dolls feel genuinely realistic for children, they're machine washable, non-toxic, suitable from birth, and ethically made. They also come in beautiful, collectible characters that children grow deeply attached to.
What is special about Olli Ella dolls?
The key features that make Dinkum Dolls stand out are: a gently weighted body that feels like a real baby, soft child-safe fabric, machine washability, suitability from birth, and ethical B Corp certified production. Each doll also has its own name and personality, making them feel truly unique.
Are Dinkum Dolls worth it?
Yes — Dinkum Dolls are widely regarded as one of the best quality baby dolls on the market. They are durable, safe, machine washable, and made to last through years of play. Many parents report their children forming strong bonds with their doll from a very young age.
How do I clean an Olli Ella / Dinkum Doll?
Dinkum Dolls are machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30°C. Place in a laundry bag, reshape while damp, and air dry. Avoid tumble drying or direct heat.
Where can I buy Dinkum Dolls in the UK?
You can shop the full range of Dinkum Dolls — formerly Olli Ella — at Learning Bugs. We offer fast UK delivery on all orders.
Shop the Full Dinkum Dolls Range at Learning Bugs
Whether you're looking for a first doll for a new baby, a birthday gift for a toddler, or a creative play set for a growing child, we have the full Olli Ella / Dinkum Dolls range in stock and ready to ship.