By Andrea

October 19, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

Boy - who knew a doll could cause such a controversy!? A doll… our society can find just about anything to fight about these days… that is what is pathetic.

By geesh, judgemental much?

October 16, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

For all you high and mighty people out there who are down on the AG dolls: who the heck are you to judge what others spend their money on? My daughter is 7, I am a single mom with a modest income and I still bought a AG doll for Santa to bring last year. It was worth every penny to watch that kid’s face on Christmas morning when she opened that doll. Tell me what the difference is between buying your kid a $100 doll and a $200 video game system? Yet no one is crying foul on that. I bought the expensive doll because it is a cool toy and it made my daughter happy. I am not responsible for whether or not you can afford one or not. I feel for every person out there who has been squeezed by the economic downturn, but I will not allow you to shame me or make me feel guilty because I bought an expensive dolly for my ONLY child. Thats right, I chose to have only one child, because one child is what I can afford, and while we are probably considered lower income, we do just fine. How? No credit card debt, no debt at all except a mortgage, no excessive cable tv bills, no spending beyond what I can afford to pay for in cash. I saved for months to buy that doll for her christmas gift and I love it.

By ugetwhatupayfor

October 15, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

My daughter has AG dolls. She and her friends play with them, use their imaginations and act out their own experiences. There are other dolls that are much more affordable that are not allowed in my home because they do not portray girls as smart, free-thinking people. AG has my vote and my dollars. You would be hard pressed to find another toy for girls that is so high-quality and with a positive and educational message. p.s. If you don’t want to pay retail, there are pages and pages of used on ebay that are in great condition.

By Trish

October 15, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

I’m perplexed by some of the comments. To some people,AG Dolls are waste of money, and others believe they are worth it. But the people who say there are so many children out there who need clothes, shoes, food, etc. that it makes them sick to see money wasted on something as frivolous as a $100 doll confuse me. Are they suggesting that people who can afford luxuries should not buy them but give their money to those who can’t? Isn’t that redistribution of wealth? My girls wanted AG Dolls (now 20 & 25) & as a single parent I could not afford it. So I didn’t buy them. But I didn’t sit around complaining & being jealous of the parents who could, or expecting one of them to forego their daughter’s birthday AG doll & give me the money to buy my daughter’s school clothes. Suck it up. There is always going to be someone with more than you. That’s life.

By Father of an AG

October 15, 2009 6:25 AM | Link to this

At 5 years old, my daughter desperately wanted an AG doll. My wife told her that if she still wanted one, she could get one when she turned 8. For her 8th birthday, she, mom, and a couple of friends took a “girls weekend” to Chicago to the American Girl store to pick out her doll. She is now almost 10, and it is one of her most prized possessions. As dad, I wasn’t crazy about spending $100 on a doll, but the joy it has brought her over the past two years was well worth it.

By tremont

October 15, 2009 2:46 AM | Link to this

I love how folks justify spending these sums of money on such trifling nonsense. The library is full of much better books, and any child who makes a toy, or better yet gets a handmade toy from a family member, is infinitely better off. Money that could go to so many better and worthwhile things is wasted on nonsense. How many of these same folks rail at the waste in government? Look in the mirror first.

By amy

October 14, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

these dolls and books are great my daugter reads the books all the time she loves the ones that tell history she is one of the advanced readers in her class for the past 3yrs

By nonjudgemental

October 14, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

This is for all those that can afford an AG doll, GO FOR IT!!!. For those that can’t, I’m sure there are other dolls your girls can latch on to, and love. Even hand me downs. But people, please get real!!!! With this down turn in the economy there are people out there that have 2,3,4 kids or more that are having a had time feeding and clothing them. It is not because of irresponsiblity, MR. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE ADOPT YOUR POOR CHILDREN. That is more irresponsible than a parent trying to raise children today. I only raised 1, and it was a struggle and I had a husband. I don’t know how my parents raised five, kept a roof over our heads and gave us everything we needed. Not “wanted” but what we “needed”.

By Cheri

October 14, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Our three girls (who are grown) each had an American Girl doll, but we had them earn half the money to buy them. Some people end up spending that much on multiple Barbies, but these dolls are wholesome quality dolls. Sure, if you haven’t taught your child to take care of their things or if they don’t like dolls, don’t get these. We had little money, but ended up getting each girl one and they enjoyed them greatly.

By Erika

October 14, 2009 2:09 AM | Link to this

Susan - I’m glad you can afford everything you need and more. I’m happy that you weren’t obviously affected by the recent recession. For those of us who were, we have to think twice before spending that kind of money on a doll… especially those of us who’s daughters wouldn’t play with them in the first place. Perhaps I do buy the best for my daughter and son, it just doesn’t happen to be a stupid doll.

By Leslie

October 13, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

I cannot afford to get my daughter an AG but she wants one so much she can taste it. My mother and father are getting her doll for her for Christmas. She is getting Julie and I cannot wait for her to open it. Our church library has all the books from all the dolls and since they recieved Julies books I read her a chapter everynight. She is only 5 years old but she loves the books and cannot wait to read all the others.

By susan

October 13, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

People, get over it! There will always “haves” and “have-nots”(unless we go Socialist—then we’ll all have nothing.) These dolls a beautifully made, and give children a personal view of history they would not normally see.How many kids love reading a history based story? American Girl collectors do! Quit begrudging those of us who can still afford to give the best to our children!

By Jan

October 13, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

My daughters (now 20 and 14)had dolls when they were growing up. The creator suggested that the historical dolls should not be purchased until the child could read the books, so my daughters were aobut 7 when they received their first dolls. They learned a lot from the books and other items and took good care of their things. The dollls led to a lot of creative play, and held their interest longer and lasted way better than Barbies and other junk. Parents do not have to buy every single item just because a child asks for it; AG experience led to a lot of great problem-solving and decision-making when it came to choosing favorite items on a budget.

By Mom of 4

October 13, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

This is really sad. I can’t even afford to buy real clothes for my daughters let alone give them this kind of over priced nonsense. I wonder what message these girls are really getting when they get a doll that cost that much. They probably throw it in the toy box and don’t think twice. There are so many kids out there that could get decent clothes, shoes or even medical care for the price of one doll. What are the parents and grandparents thinking?

By greatgift

October 13, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

The AG dolls are great for kids that aren’t rough on toys. Yes, they are expensive, but they have a good message that goes along with them. Also, they hold their value. When your children are done playing with them you can sell them on Ebay and get what you paid for them back or as another poster said donate them to a needy family. For those parents that aren’t aware, go to the website for AG. They always have good sales for the clothing and accessories.

By so sad

October 13, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

This is part of what is wrong with the kids of America today. They expect to have whatever they want no matter what it cost and 9 times out of ten don’t appreciate what they have. I know that it’s a different time now but come on parents! if you give them everything they want they will expect to have things when they become adults and real life just don’t work that way.

By Hamiltonian

October 13, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

When my daughter (now 17) received her first American Girl at age 6 my father who was in the paper business for 38 years was facinated by the bag. He kept saying “this is a high quality bag. What a high quality bag”. He finally said to my mother “if the bag is this expensive how much was the doll?” My mom simply said “you don’t want to know”. And that was the last time he or my husband ever asked. My daughters now 17 and 13 have all the American Girls and the youngest from time to time get’s them all out to play with. The historical information provided is excellent. In the 6th grade my daughter did a state project on New Mexico and took Josefina and all her merchandise in for the project! You are only a kid once, play as hard as you can!

By MeBeABoomer

October 13, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hi Moms! I am 55, and as a child, I just loved my dolls. My younger sisters & I had a zillion dolls. Barbies, Chatty Cathy, Thumbalinas, Patty Play Pal, etc. Now I have been collecting Vintage Barbie for the last 9 yrs. + pay oh so dearly. So, Moms, after your little girls outgrow their AM dolls, store them away carefully to be enjoyed by your grandchildren. About me? I would rather have one GOOD handbag than 10 cheapies, and the same with shoes. I vote to gift your little girls with the AM Dolly of her dreams.

By Zuzu

October 13, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

The dolls are only part of the American Girl collection. The books and movies are absolutely wonderful. They create opportunities to learn about social history and are excellent sources of learning. It is understandable that a daughter would want to have an American Girl doll or dolls of her own. Buying a high quality doll doesn’t spoil a child. Many parents spend far more over the course of time on poorly made, less engaging toys than what parents who have bought American Girl dolls do. It is better to have a few nice toys than a lot of low quality ones that break easily or are not played with. Another aspect of American Girl dolls is that they are collectible and once they are no longer being made they become valuable and can be sold at a profit. Spoiling is a matter of giving in to excessive demands, and providing a child a high quality toy now and then is not spoiling.

By Regina

October 13, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

My daughter is 10 and still plays with her American Dolls -3 and 3 Target brand . They get along wonderfully. I’m glad that we chose such high quality dolls and let her play with them and not sit on the shelf. We also got books from the library that go along with the dolls. She knows each of there stories and has been inspired to follow many of their character traits in real life. The investment in her current life is much more valuable to me at this time than her maybe be a great career woman someday. Age appropriateness is important. She did get a Bitty Baby, but she was 6 years old. The other dolls she got as gifts from grandparents or Santa. She’s not a brat… and she’s not allowed to have Bratz dolls. Her limit of gifts at birthdays is 1 from each person. Christmas is the same.Plus we give away before Christmas any unwanted toys,but so far she’s never wanted to get rid of any AG items or Target ones for that matter. I have all my dolls from when I collected them as a child. None of them are AG,but each one has special memories I recall of the giver.

By AG Fans

October 13, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

By auctioning it off to the poorer children it gives them ownership in the doll. If we just gave them the dolls they wouldn’t appreciate them as much. We don’t make money on the dolls as they sell for less than what we paid for them. It really brings us joy when the poor girls in subsidized homes can have something they previously could only dream about. If you post your email I can let you know when we are going to sell the next dolly and you can let us know if you are interested. It’s okay if you live in subsidized housing - we aren’t prejudiced as to who can own one.

By Sarah

October 13, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

They obviously DO NOT know the value of a dollar and have always had everything given to them when they wanted it. As a parent I cannot justify something like this. It must be to be able to afford these items. Some people are not born with a silver spoon in their mouth, they work hard for their money

By Say what!!

October 13, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

You said you like to help the “poor girls” then give them to them. When you auction them off you make money. That’s not helping anyone. We have 4 girls and they don’t even want those dolls. They know the value of a dollar and they want useful things. And YES we can afford them.

By Terry

October 13, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Store in Spfld. Country Custom Design (Dol Mart) 1161 Bechtle Ave. have knock off dolls (good dolls) for less than $ 25.00. Home made clothes and furniture. Shoes and much more.

By Spoiled Brat

October 13, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Just another “gotta have” item to buy so you can spoil your precious angels. Be sure to check out “Gwen” who is a homeless American Girl doll. Yes…a homeless doll. American Girl dolls are a racket. I’m just sorry I didn’t think of it first!

By mom of 7

October 13, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe anyone would spend this kind of money on something disposable. Even grandparents. I would much rather them put the money into a college savings than into something you can throw away. Or that can be broken or lost. We can’t take things with us when we die and I think alot of us don’t think about that. If you have that much money, especially the people with multiple girls, send it to charity. You can’t take your money with you when you go. “Lay for yourselves treasures in Heaven”. Let’s remember what’s really important, people. God and His grace.

By AG Fans

October 13, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this

Our daughter loves these dolls. We have purchased about twenty of them for our little angel. When she gets tired of one she’ll take it to school and auction it off to children that are more needy. We believe we need to share the finer things in life with those that aren’t as fortunate. The poor children really get excited when they too can have an American Girl doll.

By WHAT?

October 12, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

Are you serious? They are great dolls, I admired them when I was a child. But I surely hope you have them work at least for the accessories so they learn something other than the backgrounds of plastic objects!

By MCC

October 12, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this

The Cranberry Cupboard craftmall in West Carrollton has AG outfits handmade by a crafter. Nicely done and affordable. She also sells a bedframe.

By tk

October 12, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

I can’t ever see paying that much for a doll. My daughter (she’s 3) is quite rough on her toys, and most of the time doesn’t look at baby dolls she’s given for holidays and her birthday. Her absolute favorite doll is a simple cloth one my mother-in-law bought over a decade ago. It doesn’t have changeable outfits, or accessories. It’s just a doll. And she loves it. That’s plenty good enough - money can’t buy the happiness that’s given her.

By Girlsx2

October 12, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

When my daughter looked at me and said “mom if it is the only thing under the Christmas tree I don’t care,” that is when we bought our first doll. Since we have been to the store and now have 4 dolls total!! My 9 year old loves her 3, and Bitty Baby was the best purchase I have ever made for my 4 year old!! These dolls go everywhere with us, and will be around for years to come for my grandbabies as well!!

By Allysons mom

October 12, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

I have an 8 year old daughter that has 6 dolls and many accessories. We’ve been to Chicago twice just to go to the American Girl place. It’s been great fun for both of us because we love the different dolls, eras and products. The products are extremely well made and definitely last. The dolls have more than just play value, each story has a message to be learned. We love the dolls and everything about them!

By Barosebud

October 12, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

We bought our daughter her first (she has 3) American Girl doll when she was in 3rd grade. Our daughter is now 25 and will keep them for her daughter. Over the years we have purchased items that were related to her activities i.e., flute, soccer, ice skating, violin, etc. Along the way grandmothers/Aunts/mother/dad/grandfather made clothing and accessories(bed, dresser, knitted sweaters). Our daughter has played, read the stories, and shared with her doll with us all. It can be a good thing and isn’t all about the cost and “gotta have it”spending. Relax - Enjoy this time watching your daughter grow.

By Lora

October 12, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Our daughters love their American Girl Dolls!!! We have 6 dolls all together! They have beds, horses, wardrobes, glasses, hair-care supplies,etc… Molly even got to go to Chicago with a family friend and get her hair done in the salon there!! Oh, she also got a new pair of designer glasses and a new outfit along with baking supplies!! Yes, the girls wait for the catalogs to come. They also sale replica American Girl Dolls, clothes, and accessories @ target stores..I don’t mind the prices, as long as the grils are happy and respect their dolls.

By Cougar Queen

October 12, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

How could anyone justify spending that sort of money on TOYS when there are so many children that don’t have clothing, shelter or food? You will also wonder why your brat has to have $200 jeans in a few years!

By null

October 12, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

While I respect the nurse’s opinion regarding choking hazzards, my daughter had one at 15 months old and there really isn’t anything they can pull off the dolls or clothes that they can choke on. The eyes are painted on and the fingers and toes are solid cast plastic. What you have to do is monitor any accessories because they can have small parts, but if you remove anything that could pose a problem there shouldn’t be a problem. You just have to use common sense. I wouldn’t let her sleep with it in bed, but to play with while you’re watching, she will be fine.

By Katrina

October 12, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

I don’t have girls and have never bought an AG product, but I do have boys and I don’t think it would be any different than spending $40-$60 for the latest released video game, train set, race track set, the Nike basketball he just HAD to have or the $90 ladder fire truck that my youngest convinced his grandmother he just couldn’t live without. So, if you can afford it and the child actually plays with it…then go for it.

By Courtney

October 12, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Try Target - they hae a Target brand doll (it looks the same as the American Girl dolls) and it’s $22. There is also a fancy version that costs about $33 9it comes with a few things.) The outfits are $12 at Target. Also - Michals has dolls that come without clothes, but Michaels also sells lots of clothes / shoes / accessories (and you can use a coupon!!

By MDMHM

October 12, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Although I think they are way too pricey & wouldn’t buy, I’m more concerned that your child isn’t 3. The doll says 3+ because of potential choking. I’m a CMC nurse & we admit kids regularly that choke on toys that weren’t made for them. Your child will be very unhappy when you remove it, but you don’t want brain damage. Let her have her fit, move onto an age appropriate doll then bring the AG doll back out at her 3rd Bday. Educate the grandparents on why you did this so they don’t ask to see the AG doll in front of your daughter.

By BG

October 12, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

The grandparents need to look at the age recommendation for such a purchase. If a bitty baby is what this grandchild is receiving before she is born - what are they going to buy her when she is 5 - a car?

By 3girlsdad

October 12, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have three teenage daughters and would suggest that in their combined youth, I spent well over 1000 dollars with American Girl. Dolls, Clothes, Horses, furniture, accesories, etc. To their credit, the products are well made. In addition, the first one we purchased had the legs pulled out of the socket twice.. and both times, AG fixed them for free. Mind you I had to buy an AG Wheel Chair because my daughter insisted that her doll “Kit Kitridge” needed it to rehabilitate after her “hip replacement surgery”.

By been there...

October 12, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

Ahhh the joy of girls! As a mom of 2 (now) tweens I know first-hand the price tags that come with those American Girl dolls. My girls think the AG store is Mecca…