American Girl Doll, Or Not

For the last couple of months I have been doll shopping for my toddler.  She has a couple of baby safe dolls, but I was looking for a doll that she would enjoy for a while.

In my search for doll varieties, someone suggested I go to The American Doll store http://www.americangirl.com/index.php.  I had never heard of this store before, but the company has been in existence since 1986. You can find these stores in several major metropolitan areas, and there is one store in Washington State at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.  

The store offers dolls of different ethnicities with a variety of skin, hair, and  eye colors.  Many of the dolls represent different periods of American history.  You can also buy books that correspond with your dolls.  If you buy the dolls at the store they are between $80.00 and $110.00.  I have been told that you can buy the dolls online at a reduced rate, but I was not told how to find them. 

This weekend, I decided to take my daughter to The American Girl Doll store.  Immediately, upon entering the store, I knew this place was about the experience of owning the doll.  Buying the doll is only the beginning.  Patrons were encouraged to bring previously purchased dolls back to the store to enjoy shopping, dinning, and a day at the salon.  


The dolls look like collectors' items dressed in different periods or fashions with ornate accessories.  There is a styling parlor at the far end of the store with an attendant waiting to help any youngster who brings his/her doll back to the store for a new hair do.  

There are dolls labeled for children as young as 3 years old, but a child can not appreciate the complexity of the toy until he/she is 6 years old.  I knew my nappy-headed, snot-nosed, 2.5 year old was not near ready for this store.  She was overcome by all the pink and the dolls and the strollers.  In a toddler frenzy, she ran around the store trying to take it all in.  If only she could touch the dolls!  But, they were in display cases.  

Eventually, my daughter wore out and broke down in tears.  The sales clerk gave her some stickers, and we walked out the door so as not to bother the serious shoppers.  On the way out the door, we took the time to admire restaurant inside the store.  All young patrons are offered booster seats, that attach to the tables, to set their dolls in during the meals.  There is also a banquet room for parties. 

As an alternative to the expensive American Girl Doll, I was told to check-out the dolls at Jo-Ann's Fabric Store.  These stores are everywhere.  The dolls, clothing, and accessories are much less expensive.  So, we did just that. 

The store is not nearly as glamorous and the lighting is bad, but the dolls are only $25.00.  If you look for a Joann's 50% off coupon, you can get a doll for $12.50.  At this price my toddler can feed it mac and cheese, offer it some milk from her Sippy cup, use a wet nap to wipe its face, sleep with it at night, smear it in chocolate,  lay on the grocery store floor with it, or even set it on her  potty chair. 

Since we have not played with either doll, I am not sure if the more expensive dolls will last longer.  I plan on going back to Jo-Ann's, as soon as I can find a 50% off coupon, and get a doll.  I might get several dolls at that price.  If, some day, my daughter wants to live the American Girl lifestyle, we can make that investment when the time is appropriate.  For now, my daughter is just looking for a baby doll to love.  


Marie