Build suspension

While I understand the appeal of fashion dolls — and adored my own childhood Barbies from Ballerina to Western — now that I’m an aunt to five smart, sassy nieces, I want to share the concept of the new GoldieBlox Zip Line Action Figure. GoldieBlox is a girl who likes to learn how things work and to build things, and she relishes the thrill of an adventure. This 6-inch-tall doll is dressed for play in purple overalls. She doesn’t have an absurdly developed body, wear makeup, or sport high heel shoes. (But she does have long, yellow brush-able hair, because there’s nothing wrong with styling your doll’s hair after she comes down from the zip line!)

Goldie comes with an instruction booklet, so the child (ages 4 and older) can build the doll-size zip line while learning about the engineering concepts of a pulley and suspension. The set comes with the materials needed to make the zip line, from suction cups to washers and a long cord. On a rainy day, your child can visit the digital playground BloxTown.com to watch tutorial videos, which will help little Toolbox Divas get even more creative with their spacers, elbow joints, and mini axles.

GoldieBlox and the Zip Line, $24.99, GoldieBlox.com.