Is a 13 yo girl too old for an American Girl Doll?

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I think it depends on the 13 year old. If she doesn't feel she is too old for one, then she is not too old for one.

Personally, I think there is something different/special about the American Girl Dolls than there is with a regular doll (especially the Historical ones). I will be taking my daughter to the new AG store in Seattle and even though I am 29 there is still a part of me that wants to buy one for myself I was never able to get one when I was younger because we didn't have enough money so it is like I missed out on something important.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

OP, my DD12 was never into dolls, even though I kept asking her if she wanted an AG doll. My DD8 loves her AG dolls, and DD12 decided earlier this year that she was sorry she didn't have one and wanted one, even if just to have one to pass on to her own child. She felt a little funny asking for one (because she thought she was getting too old to ask for a doll), but we got her one for Easter instead of her birthday (so her friends wouldn't all be asking "What did you get for your birthday?" and she might feel embarrassed). She does play with her and sometimes even suggests to her little sister that they go play AG dolls. I would get it if she asked for it.

 

[a1tinkfans]

just wondering what you think.

nope, seems some kids just "like them" and perhaps not to play, but for whatever reason, they are wanting one.....I say if they asked, and you can do it, why not....no judgement here!

 

[mommyrosa2]

I agree with others....if she wants one, get it. My DD13 has her dolls proudly displayed in her room and while she doesn't seem to play with them as often as she used to, she still does enjoy changing their clothes seasonally.

 

[phoenixphantom]

My DD11 just got her 10th doll for her birthday. She would like to start a volunteer project where she takes "unwanted" AG dolls and cleans them up and gives them to needy children. I do not know how many she would actually get donated, since they are valuable and girls tend to hold on to them for many years. We have found some that have been very "loved" at yard sales and cleaned them up as best we can, but they are hard to find.

 

[okeydokey]

My 13 year old enjoys hers.

 

[IDoDis]

My DD got her first AG doll when she was 5 and ended up with 11 of them by the time she was 10. She stopped playing with them sometime during her 10th year, but liked to display them and would still change their clothes from time to time.

When she was 12 almost 13, she decided she wanted to re-vamp her bedroom to be more teenager-ish. Part of the redecorating, involved packing up all of the dolls (back in their original boxes -- yes, I saved all of them) and putting them away so that some day she could pass them on to her own daughter(s).

Many adults collect AG dolls, so if your DD likes, them then let her have one (or more). I see no harm in that.

 

[luvmyprincesses]

Well, I'm 55 years old, and I would love for someone to give me one for my birthday. A girl is never too old for a new doll.

 

[punkin]

Thank you all. I'll wait a little bit to make sure she really wants it (it's not a cheap gift) and if she still does, I will buy it for her. I was just shocked. It's so not like her personality.

 

[Judique]

Thank you all. I'll wait a little bit to make sure she really wants it (it's not a cheap gift) and if she still does, I will buy it for her. I was just shocked. It's so not like her personality.

Your post sent me to the American Girl website for the first time - I think the featured historical dolls are adorable!

My daughters were not 'doll' girls either. But both of them wanted dolls at some point. Mostly for display. I got rid of a load of them recently to other children that were happy to hug them. My girls gave them away themselves while we were cleaning out basement storage. Oh the money I spent on stuff like that! it's pretty incredible when you start disposing of it.

 

[castanhope]

I don't think it is odd at all, or too old to be asking for one. They are very collectible, and they are just plain fun to dress and accessorize and read the stories about. I don't think 13 is too old for that. Like another poster said, we are pressuring girls to grow up too fast. Why buy her some electronic item that is going to be outdated in a year just because it is what everyone else is asking for, when she is asking for the doll? Plus since you said a friend went with her to the store, it seems like she'll have someone to share her interest with that is her age. I know my girls have had them for a few years now (oldest is 11.5 and still wants another doll for Christmas), but some of her friends have just gotten their dolls in the past year. Her friend just had an American Girl themed birthday party, and she is 11. Part of the fun of the dolls is having friends who share the interest. Even if they are not really "playing pretend" like they would have at 6 or 7, they can still share the fun of dressing them in different outfits and setting them up with accessories and in different scenarios. That is mostly what my oldest does. Of course, she is lucky since she has two younger sisters, she can participate in the playing without it really being about her - she just has to say "well, I had to play with my little sister"

 

[wishesuponastar]

OP - if the 13yo is asking for one then I would get her one. She's still young enough that she would be happy having one in her life then not getting one at all especially if she is requesting it. My DD13 just mentioned the other day at Michaels that we need to get her doll the doll stand she saw there even though she doesn't play with her doll anymore.

 

[wishesuponastar]

My 12 year old would give you that eye roll that only tweens can do at the suggestion of a doll. My 7 year old, otoh, would be in heaven! But it depends on the child. At 13 she's old enough to make decisions about her presents. I'd probably give her the money and take her pick out a present. If she gets the doll, fine and if she gets distracted in the electronics store that's fine too!

Like this suggestion to give her the money and see what she gets. Happy 13th to your DD, OP

 

[punkin]

Like this suggestion to give her the money and see what she gets. Happy 13th to your DD, OP

Thanks. It's not until November so I have some time.

 

[wishesuponastar]

your welcome

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

YES. 11 would be the oldest in my opinion.

 

[frzndaqiri]

I was NEVER a dolly girl - had barbies that sat untouched all my life (my mother likes to say - if only she never unboxed them!).

Now 30whatever I collect Asian Ball Jointed Dolls. They are a high quality resin based doll with realistic posing ability due to the way they are constructed (each limb separated at the joint, and strung with elastic). Eyes, hair, clothes can all be changed and it really calls to the fashion and photography interests I have. I will walk around stores with one in hand - and have no qualms doing so despite some people's thoughts of "too old for dolls".

You're never too old for anything that brings you joy - same as all the adult solo / couple travelers (no children) who visits Disney every year.

 

[aprilgail2]

YES. 11 would be the oldest in my opinion.

My daughters 11 and she would look at you like you were nuts if you suggested that she go play with american girl dolls LOL---last time she touched them was when she was about 9 years old. I wouldn't get them for a kid older than 9.

 

[DVCLiz]

punkin, I think they pump something in the air at the AG stores that cause all the money in your wallet to be sucked out.

DD17 loved her AG dolls and her Barbies far longer than any of her friends. We went to NYC and she wanted a new American Girl doll, even though she and I both realized she was almost grown out of them at that point. I bought it anyway - and she loved it for a little while. Then she outgrew her dolls and I packed them all away. Except for that ratty Barbie mermaid who had been in the tub all those years - I threw that away with pleasure!!

 

[punkin]

punkin, I think they pump something in the air at the AG stores that cause all the money in your wallet to be sucked out.

DD17 loved her AG dolls and her Barbies far longer than any of her friends. We went to NYC and she wanted a new American Girl doll, even though she and I both realized she was almost grown out of them at that point. I bought it anyway - and she loved it for a little while. Then she outgrew her dolls and I packed them all away. Except for that ratty Barbie mermaid who had been in the tub all those years - I threw that away with pleasure!!

Maybe I should never have allowed her to enter the store.