Russian nesting dolls are also known as Matryoshka dolls or Babushka Dolls. The name Matryoshka is a diminutive form of a popular Russian female name "Matryona" and "Babushka" is the Russian for grandmother. These dolls are brightly hand painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another.

The first set of Matryoshka dolls was produced in Russia in 1890, in a colorful Russian market town called Serviev Posad about 50 miles from Moscow, inspired by a set of souvenir dolls from Japan. In 1900, the dolls were presented at the World Exhibition in Paris earning a bronze medal and within no time their popularity spread, and craftsmen all over Russia began creating these dolls. Soon many other places in Russia started making nesting dolls of various styles. There are usually between five to thirty or more figures in a set, but there can be many more. A set of 72 nesting dolls, the largest being one meter high was created to celebrate the birthday of Lenin in 1970.

The traditional theme is peasant girls in traditional dress, but they can be found on almost any theme these days - you are just as likely to find nesting dolls devoted to Russian political leaders as you are to find them on animals, sports, fairy tales, cartoon and film themes or even the Beatles. Basically if you can think of a design you are most likely to find it with some on-line stores having over 1000 different styles in stock.

Nesting dolls are so popular that artists outside Russia have now started to produce their own versions. Popular Israeli artist, Yair Emanuel, produces one with exquisite Jerusalem panoramas, and another that is decorated with wedding and floral scenes inspired by the paintings of Mark Chagall.

Nesting dolls make such a good gift since there are so many different themes that you are bound to find one to suit the interests of the person receiving it. Traditionally nesting dolls were given as gifts to wish prosperity and happiness to loved ones. They make marvelous housewarming gifts, children's birthday gifts, Christmas, Mother's Day and New Baby Gifts and are also great as Collectibles. Both beautiful and entertaining a set of Nesting Dolls will become a talking point in any home or office, and will be a treasured gift for years to come.