Serena Williams Gifted an 'Important' Little Mermaid Doll to Her Daughter

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  • In a recent social media post, Serena Williams's daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, can be seen reacting to the gift of a new doll.

  • In the clip, she opens a present to find a Mattel doll of the new Halle Bailey Little Mermaid.

  • Commenters are loving how ecstatic little Alexis Olympia is in the clip.


When it comes to the latest live-action Disney remake, The Little Mermaid, opinions have been somewhat split. But if there's one thing everyone can agree on, from the film's biggest boosters to its strongest detractors, it's that Halle Bailey makes a "splash" (we couldn't help ourselves) in the lead role as the titular mermaid. For some, Bailey's spin on the princess with fins is simply a star-making performance, but for many little girls out there, it means so much more.

That's even true for a girl whose mom is a real-world inspirational figure: acclaimed athlete Serena Williams. In a video posted to her official social media channel, Alexis Olympia Ohanian can be seen opening a gift. When Alexis Olympia, the daughter of Williams and Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, sees the doll of Halle Bailey's Ariel, her reaction can only be described as elated.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4865GL1?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2089.a.44067268%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Disney the Little Mermaid Ariel Doll, Mermaid Fashion Doll with Signature Outfit, Toys Inspired by Disney's the Little Mermaid</p><p>$29.50</p><p>amazon.com</p>

The Mattel doll elicited not just a "Yay!" from the little girl—coincidentally sporting a Disney princess dress in the video—but an adorable exchange between father and daughter.

After saying "Thank you, Daddy! Thank you!" and being reminded to "Thank Mama too," Alexis Olympia notes that, "I never had a Little Mermaid doll before." To which Dad is quick to say that "this is the most important one." Alexis Olympia also insists that she will bring the doll with her to see the movie.

Naturally, commenters were touched by the moment, with some stressing the importance of kids being able to see themselves in their onscreen heroes. But others also celebrated how grounded the young child was, considering the wealth and fame of her parents. "So sweet to see even though her parents can buy her anything she is so grateful and expresses that with so much cheer!" one commenter wrote, with many agreeing. With so many stories of celebrity kids apathetic to even the most lavish presents, it's nice to see Alexis Olympia feeling such joy from this simple Disney gift.

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