American Girl question

[skeettafic]

So here's my dilemma -- we've recently moved and now live about 50 minutes from the D.C. store so I obviously want to take DD in. Her birthday is in December, right before Christmas, and she is asking for Saige. I would love to have her go and tell her she can actually pick one off the shelf but what are the odds that Saige will still be in the stores by then?

I know I could always take her in now and let her pick her out and tell her that's her birthday present but its still a little far away for that. The other option would be to order when free shipping comes out (soon, right) and then do another trip to the store for something smaller.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[PA Princess]

I actually have specific experience with this, because last December for dd's 8th birthday we made a weekend trip DC and specifically to the American Girl store. DD's birthday is the 20th of December, but we traveled the first weekend of the month.

DD wanted last year's girl of the year doll McKenna. I also wondered - wait for our trip or order on line? I ordered, thank goodness. By the time of our trip there was absolutely nothing of McKenna's remaining in the store other than the DVD and books. This came straight from the store manager. I would highly recommend that you order before December.

I highly recommend the birthday meal in the bistro if you can get a reservation (check now). It is not cheap ($30 for the child/children and $20 per adult), but it was really, really lovely...surpassing numerous fine Disney birthday meals we have experienced.

 

[Ephany]

We've been to the Atlanta store on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas and it was CRAZY. If you want to take her in December, I'd take her earlier in the month. Sometimes they have a cute in-store promo, like spend X amount, get something small for a reduced price. One year, I think it was jeans and a shirt. I don't think Saige will sell out by early December, but I wouldn't wait until Christmas time.

Also, if the DC store has a cafe or restaurant and you want to eat there, start looking at making reservations now. Those slots fill up quick and the wait times can be really long.

 

[skeettafic]

I actually have specific experience with this, because last December for dd's 8th birthday we made a weekend trip DC and specifically to the American Girl store. DD's birthday is the 20th of December, but we traveled the first weekend of the month.

DD wanted last year's girl of the year doll McKenna. I also wondered - wait for our trip or order on line? I ordered, thank goodness. By the time of our trip there was absolutely nothing of McKenna's remaining in the store other than the DVD and books. This came straight from the store manager. I would highly recommend that you order before December.

I highly recommend the birthday meal in the bistro if you can get a reservation (check now). It is not cheap ($30 for the child/children and $20 per adult), but it was really, really lovely...surpassing numerous fine Disney birthday meals we have experienced.

Thanks so much -- so my DD turned 8 last year on December 19th! And we lived in PA until 2 weeks ago! How funny.

I think I'll order her. I can always plan a trip close to her birthday and let her open Saige and then we could take her with us to the store and pick out an outfit or something.

 

[skeettafic]

We've been to the Atlanta store on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas and it was CRAZY. If you want to take her in December, I'd take her earlier in the month. Sometimes they have a cute in-store promo, like spend X amount, get something small for a reduced price. One year, I think it was jeans and a shirt. I don't think Saige will sell out by early December, but I wouldn't wait until Christmas time.

Also, if the DC store has a cafe or restaurant and you want to eat there, start looking at making reservations now. Those slots fill up quick and the wait times can be really long.

Thanks -- I'll look into the cafe. And I think we'll try to make it early in December. Maybe we can make it in the afternoon after school or something to cut back on the crowds.

 

[robinb]

If you want the GOTY you will want to get her before December. They sell out every year right around Thanksgiving.

 

[darnheather]

I'd order her and wrap her up. Give her to your daughter the morning that you plan to go to the store. Add a note about taking the two of them on a special trip. While at the store she can pick out an outfit or small accessory. That mall in Tysons is AMAZING. You might want to budget extra time just to window shop. Plus the traffic will be bad, be prepared.

 

[JessB320]

I would order now, I got McKenna last year for DD and they were sold out by the first week of December . Also, free shipping right now until nov. 26th on orders over $100

 

[skeettafic]

I would order now, I got McKenna last year for DD and they were sold out by the first week of December . Also, free shipping right now until nov. 26th on orders over $100

Free shipping is what I was kinda waiting for. Thanks. I'm going to go ahead and order her. DD is actually kinda used to celebrating her birthday after the 1st of the year and understands how crowded and things are at that time of year so I think I'll wrap her up and do kind of a "save the date" card for a lunch at the cafe but not until after Christmas.

 

[ktlm]

I would order her now. I'm not sure how popular Saige is as far as the GOTYs go, but I know one year, the doll and most of her stuff sold out in October. Last year I think McKenna made it until right around Thanksgiving. They are doing free shipping right now. I'm pretty sure there is a post here on the DIS budget board with the code. You can also find it on one of the coupon report websites if you can't find it here.

 

[bridgie04]

I live in DC. AG is in the Tyson's Corner Mall. I cannot recommend strongly enough you to go in December as early as you possibly can, or even November (with the exception of Thanksgiving weekend.) The traffic in Tysons can be nearly unbearable. They literally direct traffic in those intersections during Christmas. It once took me an hour to get from the exit into the parking garage. I avoid Tysons at all costs with the exception of the AG store.

I would suggest arriving on a Saturday or Sunday morning as early as possible--right before they open. You really have to do a rope drop strategy to avoid any traffic nightmares.

You just don't want your outing to turn into a nightmare with a tired, hungry girl on your hands in the car etc.

 

[clh2]

How fun! I so enjoyed taking my DD to the AG store in Chicago. What memories. Now - DD is in college, so I can only live through you all!

I would definitely get the doll now. If you need something to get it over $100 - don't forget about the comb for their hair.

I would most definitely take your DD after Christmas for a lunch date (perhaps when she is off from school?) and let her pick out some accessories/outfits for her GOTY.

If you "need" a gift for her actual birthday - what about a GC from AG?

I also think it would be fun - if she opened the doll on Christmas - with an "invite" from the doll for the luncheon!

At the same time - my DD's birthday isn't near Christmas - so I never had to balance the two events, so that the birthday didn't get folded into Christmas!

 

[wiigirl]

If you want the GOTY you will want to get her before December. They sell out every year right around Thanksgiving.

I made that mistake last year....

 

[robinb]

I made that mistake last year....

I would also say the same for any cool GOTY accessories. I remember two years ago Lanie's Camper was a HUGE hit even at $295 that it was completely sold out before Thanksgiving. It was on eBay for 2-4 times as much! Heck, used campers are on eBay right now for more than they sold for new.

 

[Gorechick]

You may be able to purchase the doll before she sells out and have her held at the store with a personal shopper. The personal shopping service is free however you need to make an appointment. Call the store and ask to speak to someone in personal shopping, they are very helpful.

 

[skeettafic]

Thanks everyone for all the ideas.

You know what kills me though -- I don't even really like the Saige doll. My DD likes her because of the horse aspect but I don't think her accessories or clothes are that cute. Sigh. Not about me, I guess! LOL

 

[robinb]

Thanks everyone for all the ideas.

You know what kills me though -- I don't even really like the Saige doll.

My favorite of all my DD's dolls is Kanani. Sadly, my HS DD just outgrew all her AG dolls except her original Bitty Baby . I think I'll keep Kanani for myself!

Here she is relaxing outside the Royal Hawaiian while my DH and I enjoyed a Mai Tai at the beach bar. (ETA: YES! My DD was with us and arranged the photo shoot.)

 

[sydneysmom]

If you're looking to buy Saige, you may want to go ahead and order it. I just got an email from American Girl today:

"Hurry, Last chance to bring home Saige before she says goodbye" and then it goes on to say that "she will only be available until December 31 or until supplies last"

Good luck! I hope you get one!!

 

[RyMacJ]

Thanks so much -- so my DD turned 8 last year on December 19th! And we lived in PA until 2 weeks ago! How funny.

I think I'll order her. I can always plan a trip close to her birthday and let her open Saige and then we could take her with us to the store and pick out an outfit or something.

Just had to shout out a Happy early Birthday to your DD, because December 19th is my birthday, too!

Can't help with the AG doll questions, as my DD's aren't into that quite yet. Although I do still have my dolls from when I was a girl. I had Molly, Samantha, and Kirsten. Molly and Samantha look very played with, but Kirsten is still pretty pristine for not being in her box. I wish you could still buy some of her things!

 

[Princess_Meghan <3]

I think getting Saige early and wrapping her up and presenting her the day of is a wonderful idea- Saige can always 'help' your daughter pick out a new accessory at the store. The time of year your looking at with your daughter's birthday, everything will be sold out. A lot of her things have been back ordered off and on already.

I did want to say that Saige is one of my prettiest dolls I have- once her hair is out of that side braid, it's beautiful. I was skeptical when I only saw pictures of her, but seeing her in person really changed that.

I hope your daughter loves her!