Abigail, aged 6 from B.C Canada, dreamt of a doll who loved stargazing and space just as much as she did - from her imagination, to the doll being created, and onwards to the International Space Station – Stargazer Lottie, designed by Abigail herself, will forever be remembered at the very first doll in space!

Abigail’s idea for an astronomy-themed doll captured the imagination of the Lottie Team when she submitted her design, with the help of her mum, to our Outfit Design Competition. Stargazer Lottie was created in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), and has inspired lots of children to get involved in astronomy and STEM activities - all thanks to one little girls’ idea!

Stargazer Lottie spent #264 days aboard the International Space Station, voyaging alongside British ESA Astronaut, Tim Peak. Lottie's personal mission during her time on board was to inspire children to dream big, and reach for the stars!

The Certificate of Authenticity and the actual Stargazer that joined Tim Peake on the ISS! Photo credit: Dr Niamh Shaw

Abigail has become an incredible role-model herself, scoring tweets about Stargazer Lottie from Tim Peake from aboard the ISS itself, and tweets of support from her hero – retired astronaut and fellow-Canadian - Chris Hadfield!

Stargazer @Lottie_dolls designed by 6 y/o Abigail cannot wait to get out of her box to look at the stars. #STEM pic.twitter.com/aUiqQyKSrL

— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) January 24, 2016

The Lottie 'Inspired by Real Kids' campaign tells the stories of the girls, just like Abigail, who have directly inspired Lottie Dolls through their dreams and designs – submitting their ideas to us and watching then unfold (in doll form)!

"For Stargazer Lottie's box Abby thinks there should be a telescope, constellations like Andromeda and Ursa Major. She would also like the Earth to appear as it does from space, a meteor shower, the moon, and Venus.” – Instructions from Abigail’s mum, Zoe, on the contents and box of Stargazer Lottie

Stargazer Lottie was the recipient of the esteemed Space.com ‘Little Scientist’ Space Age Award at the New York Toy Fair 2015, who said “This doll was one of our favourite things at Toy Fair, hands down. The creator's mission to get young girls interested in astronomy is laudable, and the doll itself is perfect for a young child first exploring the cosmos”.  Stargazer Lottie also went on to be nominated for ‘Toy of the Year 2017’, which proves that children have the power to create something amazing, just by staying true to themselves and their passion.

Inspiring and empowering kids to be themselves, one doll at a time – Lottie is true to childhood, and the ‘Inspired by Real Kids’ campaign celebrates the remarkable real girls that have inspired Lottie Dolls.

Could you be the next Lottie Designer? Check out our Inspired by Real Kids Competition page for this month’s competition.

About Lottie

www.lottie.com // @lottie_dolls

Lottie Dolls start at RRP: €19.95 // £18.99 // $19.95

Lottie dolls, an Irish doll company who believe that childhood should be an inclusive place where every child belongs regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability and aim to reflect that in their collection. Developed alongside academics in child development, unlike other dolls, Lottie Finn and Friends are based on nine-year-old children, the dolls are therefore relatable to all the elements of childhood – Lottie’s motto is Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You!

Six of the Lottie products to date have been inspired by ideas from real children from around the world. When launching Lottie, the vision was to create a range of dolls that would empower children to be themselves, to be imaginative and adventurous and - most of all – to have fun!

Lottie Dolls are now on sale in over 30 countries and here, on www.lottie.com