American Girl

[adventure_woman]

Haha - budget right? Do, we're going to do this in Chicago for DDs 6th birthday, I have a year to plan, but I like to plan! I'm looking more for ideas on ways to save on things I can save on - buying matching dresses online, etc. Do you look on eBay, Etsy, etc.??? When have you found the best time to buy things, if it matters...

 

[kmax9]

online american girl has a clearance section. Last year day after thanksgiving they had some awesome specials! they also did a few specials right before christmas. Good luck

 

[kmax9]

also target has our generation girl stuff. I don't buy the dolls there but stuff like the clothes closets are a fraction of the price. a wardrobe holder at american girl is 300 bucks. at target it is 50.

my daughter is 8 and doesnt care if the clothes are american girl brand or home made. a lot of the craft shows around here have homemade american girl clothes. they are a lot cheaper than in the store.

 

[AnjieNet]

Kohls actually had a dress and doll outfit back in the spring for about $30. Very cute. Don't know if they carry them all the time or not. I'm going to check for Christmas though. I would love to take DD7 to Chicago for the whole styling thing. Don't know if we'll make it before she looses interest though.

 

[mom2val]

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[roliepolieoliefan]

I'm taking my daughter to Chicago to AG this October for her 8th birthday. I am so excited . I think more so than her.

 

[jpuglvr]

If it's in your budget buying their package day deal saves you some Money and not all the vouchers need to be used on the same day. We also arranged for a personal shopper it's free to go around and explain the dolls and their history to us. I highly recommend that! You can pre arrange or we saw some walk ins when we were there. It was the AG store in Ny we went to.

 

[tink576]

I'd say look at Craigslist for deals as well

 

[gower525]

K-mart also has matching girl/doll outfits. Most were about $18 for the set.

 

[Styx Fan]

I second getting accessories at Target. Last Christmas DD8 got a trundle bed, a camping set with tent and a styling chair from there. They have held up to normal play just fine and DD didn't care a bit. And so much cheaper. Think this Christmas it will be the horse from Target. We were at the Chicago AG store last month and she really liked the horse, but it was $$$$$.

I also 2nd craft shows. We have gotten some really adorable clothes for a fraction of the price. Several outfits of matching things for DD and the doll. I also find the clothes to be cuter than the real AG items.

DD was adopted from Korea. Last Christmas season I found a traditional Korean outfit called a Hanbok at a sale for the doll. This lady specialized in ethnic outfits and her work was wonderful. The Hanbok even included matching slippers and part was made from frabic brought back from Korea during the war.

 

[Styx Fan]

Almost forgot...Pottery Barn kids had some AG doll size items over the summer. Not really cheap, but cute. Might be worth watching for sales.

 

[foltzy]

I bought a matching outfit for DD and her doll,from Target, off Amazon. It was from the same company as the ones from Kohls. She doesn't have an American Girl doll yet but she's getting one for Christmas. I've also found wonderful beds, sheets, and clothes on Etsy.

 

[mcbj]

Have fun! I took my DD to Chicago for her sixth birthday and we had a wonderful time, such a special experience. We had so much fun we are going to the new store in Washington DC in March.

 

[tzeitel]

The dolls at Target are called Our Generation and I belive they are made by Pleasant Company (same as AG).

Check the link, they have the horse and the jeep on sale!

http://www.target.com/s/generation+dolls

I have also bought some things on Ebay but there it helps to know specifically what you are looking for - it is a keyword nightmare!
Like others have mentioned AG has a sale section where you can find some nice things - but you have to check often and be fast if you see something you like!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Marshalls and TJMaxx has a ton of matching dress sets at Christmas and Easter.

 

[lizabu]

I don't know if you know where you're staying yet but Starwood properties near the Michigan Mile have a promotion sometime where you get a discounted room, milk and cookies and an American Girl doll bed

http://starwoodpromos.com/americang..._Google_american_girl_chicago_04102007_NAD_FM

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

I go to consignment shops in the area, I have gotten authentic AG things for half off or more! Last year I got DD Kit's Roll top desk and chair for $30 at the consignment shop, Nellie for $60, and some AG clothing for $8-$12. All in great condition! Nellie was in amazing shape, I don't think she was ever played with, these were her gifts last year for Christmas

 

[AnjieNet]

I got a card in the mail that by booking now, you can "receive delicious refreshments and signature gift packaging" to your complementary personal shopping during your visit through November 20, 2011. Promo code 83615. Supposed to bring the card in, but who knows if they'll enforce that or not. Won't be using ours. If anyone wants it, let me know.

 

[ccdoster]

We (I mean Santa) bought the wardrobe from Target as well. It's awesome. As far as clothes, I'm a crafter and make most myself. I had bought some from Michael's with the 40% coupon but it fell apart. I think AG has good quality clothes and hold up to play very well. The clothes I bought elsewhere did not last which is what led me to invest into making them myself. We went to Chicago as well....it's hard to resist while there but if you buy before with free shipping you (depending on where you live) will save a lot without the tax. Have fun!!

 

[panmalv]

Thanks, AnjieNet, for the info about that personal shopping postcard. I would love to use it--is it only for Chicago, or for any of their stores? I am planning to take my daughter to a store for her birthday. Would you mind PMing me about it (I only have 5 posts so I can't PM you).
Thanks!