It's a far cry from Barbie or Bratz but if you'd like your child to play with a more positive role model, how about the Condoleeza Rice doll? An American toymaker, www.herobuilders.com, which specialises in newsworthy dolls has come up with a 12in doll that retails for about £13.

'I think she appeals to everyone,' owner Emil Vicale told The Times. 'She is a soothing, powerful influence.'

A quick look at the company's website reveals a host of bizarre action figures for sale including a Tony Blair doll - with or without tattoos. However the company's best-selling political doll was former Iraqi Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, aka Comical Ali.