An important life lesson we’d like to impart to our sons: A man of steel doesn’t have to be as hard as plastic.

Sophie & Lili’s superhero dolls have the power to soften things up. The twelve-inch dolls are handmade from high-quality quilter’s cotton and can be personalized to resemble your little caped crusader.

Choose the skin tone, hair color, and tee/cape combo that best matches your mini. His first initial will be prominently displayed on a shield across the doll’s chest.

And have no fear: Just because they’re squishy doesn’t mean they aren’t tough enough to ward off evil, fight villains, and save the day. They just do it with a more tender touch.

Available online at sophieandlili.com, $30.

BRANCH OUT
Flatbread Company Fund-raiser for CitySprouts
What: Bowl a few games and dig into pizza straight from the wood-burning oven.
Why: Need another reason to savor those slices? Proceeds go to sustainable school gardens.
When: Tues., 5-11:30 p.m.
Where: Flatbread Company at Sacco’s Bowl Haven, 45 Day St., Somerville (617-776-0552). Admission is free.

MUNCH
Sweet Cupcakes Winter Flavors Menu
What: Snack on snickerdoodle, cookies and cream, and other decadent seasonal flavors.
Why: The hot chocolate-inspired cuppie is a spill-free spin on his favorite beverage. 
When: Thru Mar. 31. Hours online at sweetcupcakes.com.
Where: 49 Massachusetts Ave., Back Bay; 225 Newbury St., Back Bay; 0 Brattle St., Harvard Square; 617-547-2253.

THAW OUT
Groundhog Day at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
What: Learn about hibernation, wildlife, and animal tracks on the (fingers crossed) auspicious day.
Why: Loads of activities make it fun even if it turns out spring is months away.
When: Wed., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S. Great Rd., Lincoln (781-259-2200). Adults and children over 12, $6; children 2-12, $4; under 2, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Sophie & Lili