Hey friends!

Have you ever heard of worry dolls? These tiny, colorful little dolls can actually help your child manage their worries and anxieties—especially at bedtime when those big feelings tend to bubble up.

My girls can sometimes get super anxious, and worry dolls have become a beautiful little ritual for us. The idea is simple (and kind of magical): your child tells their worries to the doll before they go to sleep, and the doll “takes the worries away” while they rest. Cool, right?

A Little Backstory

Worry dolls come from Guatemala, where they’ve been used for generations. Traditionally made from scraps of fabric and string, they’re tiny enough to fit under a pillow—and absolutely adorable. Each one is unique, colorful, and full of character.

The best part? You can make your own worry dolls at home with your child. It’s a fun, creative activity—and a meaningful one too.

Here’s What We Used (Easy & Low-Mess!)

I kept it super simple (and mess-free), using supplies we already had around the house:

• Markers
• Pipe cleaners
• Clothespins
• Scissors (adults only, for trimming pipe cleaners if needed)

How We Made Them

1. Start with the clothespin. Use markers to draw a little smiley face and decorate the “body”—we added pants, shirts, even little hairstyles.
2. Wrap the pipe cleaners. This gives the dolls a cozy, dressed-up look. We wrapped them around the middle like little outfits.
3. Add arms (optional). If you want, cut a small piece of pipe cleaner and wrap it around the center to make arms. Just be sure an adult handles the scissors.

That’s it! The possibilities are endless. You can go as simple or detailed as you want.

Why We Love Them

My girls had a blast making these—not just for themselves, but for our whole family. One of the sweetest moments? They made a worry doll for my grandma that looked like my late grandpa. Cue all the tears. 🥹 It was the most thoughtful, heartwarming gift.

A Small Craft with a Big Impact

These little dolls aren’t just cute—they’re powerful. They give kids a way to express their feelings in a tangible, comforting way. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, easy to make, and double as sweet handmade gifts.

If your little ones deal with worries (don’t we all?), give worry dolls a try. It might just become a new bedtime tradition.

Let me know if you make them—I’d love to see your creations!

If your child is feeling anxious or worried, suggest they talk to a worry doll. (My middle child Alayna likes to keep hers under her pillow.) It might just help them feel better and get a good night’s sleep. And as a parent, it’s always great to have a tool to help your child deal with their emotions. Give worry dolls a try!