American Girl Dolls

Anyone have one for your girls?

My nearly 4 year old is obsessed with these dolls and wants one for her birthday. Problem is she only wants the dolls that are supposed to be for 8 years + not the itty bitty doll.

I was surprised to see that they were for 8+ as I thought at that stage girls wouldnt be into dolls but maybe I am wrong.

I think they are expensive and considering she may be over them the day after they arrive I really dont want to spend that much money.

So talk to me....

When did you buy one for your DD?

Which one did you buy?

Was it worth the $$$?

Anything else to add?

THanks a lot.

Re: American Girl Dolls

I don't have a DD....

But I had the original American Girl dolls, I think I probably got my first one when I was about 8. I think that 6-10 is probably the appropriate age for them. I would think a mature 5 year old would be ok.

They aren't dolls to be messed up, played with yes, but I don't think I would buy one for my four year old...

My nine year old cousin has ten of them and I think it is really excessive

ETA-I don't actually think they are really that expensive in the long run, they are meant to be used and taken care of. And I think it is interesting that they were $88 back in the late 80's early 90's and are about $100 now, that mark up isn't too bad, KWIM?

Message edited 1/8/2010 9:16:32 PM.

Re: American Girl Dolls

My niece is 6 now and really into them But she started when she was around 4 I think. Every year for the past 2 years we go into the city with dd and my 2 nieces to the american girl doll store.

So to answer your question, dd was 2 when she got bitty baby, and 3 when she got her first older girl doll. She plays with bitty baby more but likes them both.

Re: American Girl Dolls

DD started getting into them at 4. We received the catalog in September and she read it everyday until xmas and studied every page. She wanted Ruthie that year and of course we got it for her. For her 5th birthday in March we gave her Mia.

ETA: Was is worth the $$? Well as far as a toy that DD played w/ a lot I would say no. As far as quality, yes.

I actually got them on QVC before xmas and they had a great package deal w/ the doll and a few outfits for each. I think I payed about $130 for each doll and they both came w/ two outfits.

DD did ask for an outfit for Ruthie this holiday season and MIL bought it for her. I also just bought her the trudle brass bed (american generation brand) from Target last week so now they have a place to sleep.

Message edited 1/8/2010 9:47:39 PM.

Re: American Girl Dolls

DD is 3 months old. She got the Rebecca doll for Hanukkah. I am putting it away for her until she is old enough to really play with it. I am guessing 5 or so. We viewed it as a keepsake.

Re: American Girl Dolls

My 5yo niece got one for her birthday in May and she was obsessed at first but I didnt see her play with it once during my last stay at their house in December although I will say she was super excited to get new outfits and accessories for her so maybe it was all the new Christmas toys that distracted her...

Interestingly I got a bitty baby for her 2yo sister for her birthday in Aug and she was still playing with it a TON when I saw them in Dec. Maybe it just depends on the girl?

ETA: come to think of it my 9 yo step niece also seems less into the one she got last Christmas while her 2yo sister who has the bitty baby is still very into dolls. Maybe it is better for the little ones?

Message edited 1/8/2010 10:03:52 PM.

Re: American Girl Dolls

DD is 8 months and got it for xmas from G'parents.... I think they are VERY expensive for a doll but with that being said it was of VERY GOOD QUALITY...

DD isnt playing with hers, it will be displayed...

I hope to get her the itty bitty baby for her 1st bday....

Re: American Girl Dolls

I got my DD got her first doll for her 6th birthday and then she got the itty bitty twins last Christmas. I think they are adorable and very well made, but they are ridiculous price wise. I think in total my DD has played with them 10x over the years.

Re: American Girl Dolls

My 8 year old has 3 , I only bought one and the others were gifts. At the age of almost nine, they are still getting played with. I think she got her first one when she was 5. I personally think its crazy to spend that much on a doll(but I did get sucked in ) If my DD was younger, I would buy the "Knock Off" ones from Target. They look VERY similar. I think they are called My Generation. If she took good care of that doll then I would get her a real one. I have to say that My DD takes awesome care of her toys, and her dolls look brand new still. My nieces have them and they are colored on and the hair is matted, that would not fly with me!

Message edited 1/8/2010 10:10:59 PM.

Re: American Girl Dolls

My DD has the itty bitty twins I think she was a bit young for them.... got them at 12 months a brithday gift from her godmother.... but now at 18 months she is kinda coming around to them

Re: American Girl Dolls

DD got a real American Girl doll for her 3rd birthday- besides her party- it was her gift from us- we went to the store in NYC and then took her to brunch at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain (though they do have a restaurant at the store, it was completely booked and it was pricey- so I figured better to go to a better restaurant)...

We got her Chrissa b/c she was literally talking about it for 6 months before her birthday- she doesn't play with her all that much- maybe like once a week- DD is more of a crafter anyway.

Of course the new catalog came out and she wants Rebecca- she'll have to wait until her birthday.. October.

Re: American Girl Dolls

My dd got her first bitty baby at about age 3- hardly took an interest. She is now 8 and has 2 American girls and getting a 3rd later this year. She took a real interest in them about a year ago and when she saw some were being retired, she REALLY wanted those. She got Chrissa(retired) last month and her grandma and great grandma have been spoiling her! I love them but they are $$$, more than the dolls, the accessories are ridiculously overpriced.

Re: American Girl Dolls

I cannot wait to buy these for my girls. Maybe for next Christmas or their 1st birthday.

Re: American Girl Dolls

Thanks for all your replies. I think I am going to get her the small version of the dolls - you can get them on amazon. They are really small but the exact replica of the larger dolls. If she takes care and shows interest in this then MAYBE she will get one of the larger dolls.

Thanks so much.