Toy World spoke to Farzana Rahman, founder of the Desi Doll Company, which makes entertaining and educational toys and games for Muslim children.

“When I founded the business there wasn’t really anyone creating fun Islamic educational toys, which is the main reason I felt compelled to start the Desi Doll Company. Ten years later, we’re pleased to have inspired others to enter this market – but The Desi Doll Company remains the clear leader. It’s recognised as the largest independent manufacturer and supplier of Islamic toys worldwide. Our range of over 30 toys includes talking plush, talking wooden puzzles, talking books and much more, catering for ages 0-12 years.

Our latest launch My Little Muslim Friends aims to promote respect and understanding amongst Muslim children and their peers – I feel this is important because we live in a multi-cultural society, especially here within the UK, and we can clearly see the benefits these dolls will offer, helping to build friendships and increase knowledge from the youngest of ages. We hope My Little Muslim Friends offer diversity, challenge negative stereotypes about Muslims, encourage children to form friendships irrespective of beliefs and – above all else – show that all children just like to have fun.

2019 was a busy year for us as we launched new products and entered new markets, and 2020 is shaping up to be no different. We’ll soon be launching new sound books to the range as well as some other very clever (and top secret) ideas for our ever-growing consumer base to appreciate. Marketing continues to be our focus, as we spread the word through social media and global campaigns.

We are taking orders now for Ramadan 2020, so if you’d like to try Islamic Toys in your store, now is the time to talk to us. Please email farzana@desidollcompany.com for our catalogue and price list.”

Read the full interview with Farzana in the Toy World December issue here.