Fake American Girls At Michael's

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks so much for the heads up. My DD 9 is like your 6 year old. Just will not take care of her things. I'll show her these, and if she wants she can save her own money.

I know what you mean about feeling like a bad Mom. I want her to have one so badly. I was in college when the AG dolls came out, and couldn't wait to have a DD to get one for. Well, at some point you just have to draw the line. $100 for a toy that DD9 won't take care of? No. You should see poor Bitty Baby.

If she can play with this one, and really PLAY with it, maybe she could have one later. But I can't justify the money for a careless kid either.

I agree...but...I really didn't feel bad about it until I got some of the responses. I would feel bad if I bought the AG then clothes and walk into her room on Dec 26 only to find that pretty doll had been given a makeover.

 

[sskem96]

My dd9 used to be bad about taking care of her things too. I got her a My Generation doll from Target when she was about 6, and the hair was so gross I ended up throwing the doll away after probably less than a year. Then I got her the Disney doll when she was about 7, and an arm broke off after a few months. So, those dolls were a waste of about $50 total. I told her if she wanted an AG doll she had to buy it with her own money. You should see what good care she takes of the doll she spent her own $100 on! She's had it almost 2 years and it is in great condition. Last year, dd6 got Marisol for Christmas and she is in perfect shape too. Both dolls are played with almost daily. If they will leave the hair in a braid, a knock-off doll is fine for starters, but all my kids really do is style the hair over and over, so AG dolls worked out best for us.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

My dd9 used to be bad about taking care of her things too. I got her a My Generation doll from Target when she was about 6, and the hair was so gross I ended up throwing the doll away after probably less than a year. Then I got her the Disney doll when she was about 7, and an arm broke off after a few months. So, those dolls were a waste of about $50 total. I told her if she wanted an AG doll she had to buy it with her own money. You should see what good care she takes of the doll she spent her own $100 on! She's had it almost 2 years and it is in great condition. Last year, dd6 got Marisol for Christmas and she is in perfect shape too. Both dolls are played with almost daily. If they will leave the hair in a braid, a knock-off doll is fine for starters, but all my kids really do is style the hair over and over, so AG dolls worked out best for us.

I do wish this would work for my DD6. I have had her earn money, use her birthday money for expensive items. She takes care of it the exact same way she takes care of items handed to her. If she destroys the 16 dollar doll (minus the 40%) within a year to me that is ok. I do not want to test her out with a 90 dollar doll.

 

[Operamom]

I'm fascinated by this thread. I've been struggling with the decision to buy my daughter an AG for her 6th birthday. I had no idea that these dolls have been around for so long. I'd only heard about them maybe 6 years ago. Of course the moment my daughter was born I got put on the mailing list.

She does in general take care of her toys and has really wanted one since many of her friends have one or two. I noticed that her 8 year old friends do play with them frequently and take care of them much better than other toys. I decided to buy the doll but I can't bring myself to get the clothes. Too expensive! I knew Target had the clothes but I'm happy to hear that Michaels may have some cheap choices as well.

The day after ordering the Emily doll my daughter got all excited about an "our Generation" doll at Target. She doesn't care about the brand (yet), she just wants an 18 inch doll too. I never was one for brands in fact some brands I wont buy because I can't stand the elitist stigma around them. I am personally so sick of Crocs and how you are nobody if you don't have the expensive official Crocs. (Off my high horse).

I completely understand buying a cheaper doll. It will give her just as much delight as the AG. You know your child. You also will be more comfortable with her mistreating it, if that's what happens. She may even surprise you and take care of it. This can be a good test for her. A good mother gives her child a toy that she can enjoy. Don't be bullied.

I also feel good about my decision to buy an AG doll. My daughter likes to play with the hair of her dolls and its good to know that tha AG doll may hold up better in that regard.

I love the concept of the American Girl Dolls, historical and tied into books. These girls seem strong and not boy crazy and sleazy. I just find it crazy the high price tags put on such a wonderful idea. Another device to separate the Have's from the Have Not's. This is where my struggle stood. I grew up often as a Have Not (as far as trendy brands go), but I by far had everything I needed.

The doll now sits in my closet awaiting her birthday. I know she'll love it, but I don't believe she would be less excited over an "Our Generation" doll. However I'm excited to give it to her and I look forward to sharing the experience of sewing clothes for her. I resolved my issue by spending money on the doll and perhaps books, but not on all the other stuff. That's just wasted money. This is just my opinion.