[keirasmom]

Why not look at the catalog or website with your DD casually, maybe she'll give you a hint as to what she likes best? My sister is Chinese and never showed any interest in the dolls that my mom bought her that were "like" her. Instead she preferred caucasian dolls to Asian dolls. And my own DD who is blonde with blue eyes prefers Josephina and Kaya. I've learned that sometimes kids like what's different to them, even when we well-meaning moms think they'll prefer something that looks like them.

I'm sure whatever you choose she'll love. Its a great company, and if I remember correctly they usually have free shipping before the holidays so search for a free shipping code before ordering.

[keirasmom]

Also, for those of you waiting until your daughters are older I wouldn't wait until dd was 8 to make the purchase. My dd is 11 and sadly hasn't played with her american girls since she turned 10 no matter how many times I mention it. I think between 4-6 is a good age to start with the American girls. They're expensive, better to get your moneys worth of playtime imho

[dianneemily]

I loved dolls as a child, but my dd, almost 5, doesn't seem to play with dolls as much. She has no idea that American Girls exist, much less want one. I'm wondering if any of your girls loved their American Girl dolls even if they were not really into playing with baby dolls. Just wondering - it is an expensive purchase, especially if it doesn't get played with.

[0328Lisa]

American Girl is a spectacular product for any girl. I have 4 nieces and my mom & I have taken them to Chicago to American Girl Place for their dolls. They have Samantha, Kirsten, Kit & Kaya. They each picked their doll based on the stories in the catalogue.

Someone asked about the outfits wondering why you can't dress the dolls in any ole thing -- Well, each doll has a special historical setting important to women and our country. So, part of playing with the dolls is to learn American history. The dolls also have a series of books that correlate to the outfits, so you get the picture.

I have never been more moved than I have at the American Girl Place. There are hundreds of girls with their moms, chatting about the dolls in their historical setting. It's incredible to here the chatter about women's suffrage, the birth of USA, the affects of WWII, or slavery where the children are expressing themselves more than the adults.

Some of you may be skeptics, like my husband, so I took him to the store (at the time it was next to Ralph Lauren Polo store, so we made a quick side trip). Under protest he walked in the store, but it didn't take 30 seconds for him to get caught-up in the “feeling," ask why I didn't buy more items for our nieces.

This makes me wish I had a little girl to share this experience with. Enjoy!!

[happygmom]

Originally Posted by keirasmom

Why not look at the catalog or website with your DD casually, maybe she'll give you a hint as to what she likes best? My sister is Chinese and never showed any interest in the dolls that my mom bought her that were "like" her. Instead she preferred caucasian dolls to Asian dolls. And my own DD who is blonde with blue eyes prefers Josephina and Kaya. I've learned that sometimes kids like what's different to them, even when we well-meaning moms think they'll prefer something that looks like them.

Sorry, butting in here - I do not normally post but the American Girl doll title caught my eye!

My 25 yo daughter has 3 American Girl dolls that she received when she was young. They were lovingly put away when she went to high school and then off college. The dolls now sit on the bed in our guest room, and she and I have a tradition of changing them into summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday, etc. outfits and taking their picture to add to our special occasion scrapbook. My point is that they are expensive, but as they are high quality, they can be cherished family collectibles in their "second life".

I agree about letting the child choose the doll. My daughter chose the dolls whose stories she liked. My red-haired, blue-eyed 9 yo niece asked for Addy. My sister (having read that a child should have a doll that reflects their appearance) asked her why she wanted Addy. My niece responded, "Mom, are you one of those racists? I like her story, okay!"

Oh sigh, enjoy! The time goes fast.

G'Ma

[myguatbabes]

My 4 year old girls picked the doll they will be getting for Christmas, one picked the Josphina doll and the other picked a just like me that has blond hair and blue eyes???Yep, that is right. go figure! I can't wait to give them to them on Christmas morning!!

[JanCA]

Last year we got an Alexander Girlz doll from costco mostly because they are less expensive and that the latina one looked exactly like V! they have one on ebay rihgt now just search Alexander Girlz and look for the one with furry pink boots and a pink ski-vest.