I remember every detail of my favorite baby doll when I was growing up. Her name was Elizabeth (named after my favorite character on the Waltons). She had straight black hair, big brown eyes and a soft, cuddly body. She was my best and truest friend.

Elizabeth went with me everywhere: to the park, to friend's houses, on trips, and best of all...to sleep. Elizabeth knew every facet of my life. I told her secrets, shared my fears, my tears and my dreams. She was my most treasured possession.

Now, as a mother of 3 boisterous boys, I don't have many dolls in my life. Fischer has a stuffed Dalmatian named Pizza and Henry has a plush Beagle named Basketball. Every night I watch my boys wrap their arms around their best friends and hear them whisper the secrets of the day. I can't help but feel a tad bit jealous. And although I long to be part of these private conversations, I'm sure it's far more healthy that I'm not!

A favorite doll or stuffed animal not only teaches your child how to be a good friend and promote imaginative play but most importantly these toys make memories that last a lifetime. Are we ever too big (or old) to play with dolls?