Paper doll | book | play set:The History and Adventures of Little Henry

Paper dolls first appeared in France and England in the 18th century. Some early ones attempted to depict moral virtue and a pious demeanor; some illustrated actors and actresses for use on accompanying paper stages. Other paper dolls encouraged children to cut out printed outfits for the dolls or to fashion their own outfits from bits of fabric, lace, magazine pages, and tissue paper. In the 19th century, newspapers and magazines hoped to increase circulation by including pages of paper dolls to cut out and dress. In the 20th century, American magazines offered monthly installments in series like Dolly Dingle, Peggy Pryde, and The Kewpies. Betsy McCall appeared in McCall's magazine into the 1990s.