Paper doll

Paper dolls of the mid-19th century showcased the latest in stylish fashion and feminine comportment. Magazines for women and for children and some newspapers offered pages of paper dolls for young readers. Manufacturers promoted their products with paper dolls that served as trade cards. When chromolithography produced paper dolls of vibrant colors, the toy became even more popular in the 20th century, especially the dolls made of the new celebrities of movies, radio, and television. Some think, in fact, that girls gave up their paper dolls to watch television. The heyday of paper dolls ended at about the time that most American owned their first TVs.