American Girl Doll Help

[MimiOfTwo]

My 5 year old has asked for an American Girl doll. I don't know anything about them. Is the point to get one that looks like the child? Is it better to get one of the named dolls or a "truly me" doll? I think the 2014 doll looks most like her but would you buy a retired one?

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

Growing up, my sister and I both had one of the historical dolls. From what I hear, the modern ones are more popular now, but we absolutely LOVED having the historic ones. Also it encouraged us to be readers since they come with little stories.

 

[3Gsandme]

Retired dolls are going to be REALLY pricey and for no better quality at all. They're the same doll, just in higher demand and they're going to probably be more than tice the price of a regular doll for a new in box doll. For me, it's not worth it unless you're little one is dead set on her. As to what doll to buy, I guess I'd buy the on you think she'll like the most. It's about what doll speaks to your little girl. My oldest LOVED American Girl dolls and had the historical dolls, girls of the year and look alikes.

 

[Mikie]

When my girls have been interested in them, they usually had a particular doll they wanted. There are the "just like me" dolls that you customize to look like your child, the "girl of the year" who is supposed to represent the current girl of today and changes every year, and there are the historical dolls who come with a story book about their time period and optional accessories that depict her time period in history.

All the clothes fit all the dolls, so if there's some reason you want a discontinued doll, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it - your daughter can still get other clothes/accessories for her (and from other stores like eBay, etsy, Amazon for much lower prices)

 

[katie01]

Definitely ask your DD what doll appeals to her most. American Girl dolls are too expensive to end up with one your DD doesn't like, and my daughters definitely had preferences about which ones they wanted. My older daughter wanted one that looked like her, but my younger daughter likes the one whose "story" appeals to her most.

I agree with 3Gsandme that the retired dolls will be more expensive than new. The resale value is so high as to make it not worth it to me to try to buy a used doll

 

[katie01]

When my girls have been interested in them, they usually had a particular doll they wanted. There are the "just like me" dolls that you customize to look like your child, the "girl of the year" who is supposed to represent the current girl of today and changes every year, and there are the historical dolls who come with a story book about their time period and optional accessories that depict her time period in history.

All the clothes fit all the dolls, so if there's some reason you want a discontinued doll, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it - your daughter can still get other clothes/accessories for her (and from other stores like eBay, etsy, Amazon for much lower prices)

Yes, we pretty much only buy clothing and accessories from Target's "Our Generation" line. The AG clothing and accessories are ridiculously priced in my opinion. The AG dolls themselves are much better quality than Target brand dolls (the hair on the Target ones gets matted really quickly), so I feel it is worth it to buy the doll there, but the Target accessories are decent enough

 

[scoutie]

I agree to ask your daughter. My daughter really wanted Isabelle. You can get a free American Girl catalog and have your daughter pick one out.

 

[RangerPooh]

Our girls have historical and girl if the year dolls. If find out what one she likes best and order one of those; but to not break the bank narrow it down to dolls currently available not discontinued. Our oldest mentioned being interested in Felicity because a friend had her, but since she was discontinued I was not going to pay the eBay prices. Do we reviewed her options and she told us her top choices.

The dolls are well made and worth the money. As for clothes I've found the line at Targrt fit well at a fraction of the price.

 

[MimiOfTwo]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll let her pick out the doll but I'll surprise her with some clothes & accessories. Thanks for the tip about the Target clothes. I'll definitely check that out.

 

[Mikie]

Yes, we pretty much only buy clothing and accessories from Target's "Our Generation" line. The AG clothing and accessories are ridiculously priced in my opinion. The AG dolls themselves are much better quality than Target brand dolls (the hair on the Target ones gets matted really quickly), so I feel it is worth it to buy the doll there, but the Target accessories are decent enough

Totally agree - we have bunk beds from Amazon, a horse and bike from Target and clothes from both. This year, my daughter and her friend really wanted PJs that matched each other and their dolls. Am Girl was having a sale but I got so frustrated because nearly all offerings on the site were discontinued or back ordered for months. Ultimately, I'm glad if it, because I had completely forgotten to search online until I had no other choice. I found some very cute selections where I'm getting the doll+girl PJs for the price of American Girl brand doll PJs alone.

 

[jtobykrauss]

Right now the how the 12 days of giving sale happening different item each day at 30% off and also a site wide sale of 20% off until 12/12 so you might want to check it out .

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We prefer the historical dolls.

The girl of the year is my least favorite. The limited purchasing window for everything just bugs me. Brilliant marketing for AG, though.

 

[MickeySP]

I just ordered the one my DGD most resembles in not looks but activity/personality. Luckily we have a store within 45 minutes so if she wants to change we can.

 

[sailorstitch]

Hi! Adult AG collector here. I currently have 13 dolls and I have been part of the collectors community since 2009. Ask me anything!

My 5 year old has asked for an American Girl doll. I don't know anything about them. Is the point to get one that looks like the child? Is it better to get one of the named dolls or a "truly me" doll? I think the 2014 doll looks most like her but would you buy a retired one?

You need to talk to your daughter! This is a BIG decision. Sit down with her and look through the catalog or website. You might also go to the library and check out some of the books for you to read together. Not every girl wants a doll that is her mini me. I never did. I love the stories that go with the character dolls. I also recommend you check out http://www.agplaythings.com/ for more info.

Retired dolls are going to be REALLY pricey and for no better quality at all. They're the same doll, just in higher demand and they're going to probably be more than tice the price of a regular doll for a new in box doll. For me, it's not worth it unless you're little one is dead set on her. As to what doll to buy, I guess I'd buy the on you think she'll like the most. It's about what doll speaks to your little girl. My oldest LOVED American Girl dolls and had the historical dolls, girls of the year and look alikes.

That is NOT always true! There are some dolls that are highly sought after like Kanani, Nicki, Lindsay and Nellie. But the average Truly Me doll, unpopular Girl of the Year dolls or historicals that have been produced for decades can be bought for FAR less than retail. However, finding those dolls can take some time and effort. If you are wanting the doll for Christmas it's best to buy one new at this point in the year.

When my girls have been interested in them, they usually had a particular doll they wanted. There are the "just like me" dolls that you customize to look like your child, the "girl of the year" who is supposed to represent the current girl of today and changes every year, and there are the historical dolls who come with a story book about their time period and optional accessories that depict her time period in history.

I'm sorry. It really irks collectors when people say that. It gives people who are new to the brand false impressions. You can't choose your own face mold, skin tone, hair color, eye color combo. You can choose from a large selection of dolls in various combinations. Currently there are 40 Truly Me dolls available. But 64 different combos have been produced since 1995.
http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Visual_Chart_of_My_American_Girl_Dolls

Yes, we pretty much only buy clothing and accessories from Target's "Our Generation" line. The AG clothing and accessories are ridiculously priced in my opinion. The AG dolls themselves are much better quality than Target brand dolls (the hair on the Target ones gets matted really quickly), so I feel it is worth it to buy the doll there, but the Target accessories are decent enough

For a five year old just starting out... I'll agree. (Older kids... not so much.) Target's OG line has really stepped up their game in the past year or two. Before their stuff was really junkie. But do be careful with some of their stuff. Clothes that are black, red, dark pink, etc can bleed onto your doll. If that happens with an AG outfit on an AG doll, AG will repair the doll for free. If that happens with off brand or home made clothes on an AG doll, you have to foot the hospital bill yourself.

sailorstitch

 

[katie01]

Totally agree - we have bunk beds from Amazon, a horse and bike from Target and clothes from both. This year, my daughter and her friend really wanted PJs that matched each other and their dolls. Am Girl was having a sale but I got so frustrated because nearly all offerings on the site were discontinued or back ordered for months. Ultimately, I'm glad if it, because I had completely forgotten to search online until I had no other choice. I found some very cute selections where I'm getting the doll+girl PJs for the price of American Girl brand doll PJs alone.

A great place to find the "Dollie and me" matching doll/girl outfits or doll/girl PJs is on the website Zulilly. It can take longer for their items to ship, but it's well worth it. I bought the most gorgeous dress outfits with matching doll outfits for my DDs for Christmas, I forgot how much they were exactly, but I know it was cheaper for the matching sets than for just a girl outfit at a store like Target or Kohl's

 

[keiraliz]

Hi! Adult AG collector here. I currently have 13 dolls and I have been part of the collectors community since 2009. Ask me anything!



You need to talk to your daughter! This is a BIG decision. Sit down with her and look through the catalog or website. You might also go to the library and check out some of the books for you to read together. Not every girl wants a doll that is her mini me. I never did. I love the stories that go with the character dolls. I also recommend you check out http://www.agplaythings.com/ for more info.



That is NOT always true! There are some dolls that are highly sought after like Kanani, Nicki, Lindsay and Nellie. But the average Truly Me doll, unpopular Girl of the Year dolls or historicals that have been produced for decades can be bought for FAR less than retail. However, finding those dolls can take some time and effort. If you are wanting the doll for Christmas it's best to buy one new at this point in the year.



I'm sorry. It really irks collectors when people say that. It gives people who are new to the brand false impressions. You can't choose your own face mold, skin tone, hair color, eye color combo. You can choose from a large selection of dolls in various combinations. Currently there are 40 Truly Me dolls available. But 64 different combos have been produced since 1995.
http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Visual_Chart_of_My_American_Girl_Dolls



For a five year old just starting out... I'll agree. (Older kids... not so much.) Target's OG line has really stepped up their game in the past year or two. Before their stuff was really junkie. But do be careful with some of their stuff. Clothes that are black, red, dark pink, etc can bleed onto your doll. If that happens with an AG outfit on an AG doll, AG will repair the doll for free. If that happens with off brand or home made clothes on an AG doll, you have to foot the hospital bill yourself.

sailorstitch

Hello, fellow adult American Girl collector!

This is sound advice. Definitely let your daughter pick out her doll. As silly as it may sound, your daughter will play with a doll that she "connects" with but will lose interest in a doll she doesn't connect with. American Girl dolls are special, so your daughter's doll should be one that she can "bond" with. Getting outfits to play with will make a wonderful Christmas! Like jtobykrauss stated, American Girl is having a big sale (20% off store/site wide), so it might be worth checking it out before it ends on Saturday.

 

[sailorstitch]

Hello, fellow adult American Girl collector!

I thought I was the only one here!

sailorstitch

 

[mom2rtk]

I resisted the high price of the AG phase while my daughter was in it. Thankfully I caved on more than one occasion and she ended up with 3 dolls, and several matching girl/doll clothing sets before it was over.

I just wanted to say to enjoy this phase. Don't resist it like I did. Because it will be over before you know it. I really wish we had made the trek to Chicago for lunch and a hair appointment.

 

[scoutie]

I resisted the high price of the AG phase while my daughter was in it. Thankfully I caved on more than one occasion and she ended up with 3 dolls, and several matching girl/doll clothing sets before it was over.

I just wanted to say to enjoy this phase. Don't resist it like I did

I agree with this too. I didn't think I would ever spend $100 on a doll, but my MIL bought my daughter her first doll, and two years later, I bought her the second. She and her friends play with them all the time.

 

[learningtolive]

I live in Chicago and work downtown, I always see the kids coming from the AG store! I walked in there once and left lol, I remember when AG first started and I bought a Magic Attic doll instead! '

But agreed, have her pick out the one she wants. My DD is 4 so she has no idea about these girls yet, but I know she will soon. My mom says she'll buy the first doll though, phew!