By
eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- American Girl Books
- American Girl Addy Dolls
- American Girl Bitty Baby Dolls
- American Girl Felicity Dolls
- American Girl Josefina Dolls
- American Girl Kirsten Dolls
- American Girl Samantha Dolls
- American Girl Today Dolls
- American Girl Doll Clothing
- American Girl Doll Furniture
- American Girl Doll Ornaments
Step1
Understand that American Girl dolls represent girls throughout American history and are based on the characters in the American Girl series of books. These dolls are wonderful learning tools and get girls excited about history when they might otherwise not have any interest in the subject.
Step2
Familiarize yourself with the characters the dolls represent. Felicity is a Colonial girl in 1774. Addy is a slave girl in 1864, the time of the Civil War. Kirsten is a pioneer girl in 1854. Josefina is Hispanic and is set in 1824. Samantha is a Victorian girl in 1904. Molly is a post-World War II character in 1944.
Step3
Know that there are also American Girl Today dolls that are meant to represent modern girls. They're made with a variety of hair, eye and skin colors to resemble the child they are being purchased for. Also available are Bitty Babies, which are baby dolls.
Step4
Consider in what historical period your child would be most interested.
Step5
Realize that the American Girl dolls come with a large selection of accessories. These include period clothing, clothing that the child can wear to match the doll, period furnishings and corresponding books. Games, ornaments, stockings and other holiday items can also be purchased.
Step6
See that you can order American Girl dolls only from the American Girl company online or through its catalog.
Step7
Notice that a starter kit, which includes a doll, clothes, furniture accessories, a brush and three books costs about $280.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 8/9/2006 In September, Molly's friend Emily will become the next Best Friend Doll available. Their movie will be on the Disney Channel in November. Kit will have a movie in theaters next year, and it is suspected that she will have a Best Friend doll as well.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't forget the other dolls in the collection. Kaya is a Native American doll from the year 1764. Nellie is a friend mentioned in the popular Samantha books. Kit is a Depression-era girl from 1934.
Not only children would enjoy these dolls. The American Girls collection can be just as suited to adult collecting as to children's play (especially considering how very expensive the dolls and accessories are).
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I collect AG dolls, I actually have 2 (Samantha and Kirsten). I've had Samantha since I was five and I've loved her ever since. Since American Girl Dolls look so realistic, they are great friends!
There's also another new doll who is Felicity's friend. Her name is Elizabeth and she is beautiful! She comes in a really pretty, long, pink dress and has a few outfits of her own. They are beautiful, too. She has earrings that you can change.
Anonymous said
on 12/12/2005 When the budget doesn't allow 100% brand loyalty, it's nice these standard size dolls fit accessories universally available. And the reverse, that American Girl items often work well with old favorites.
My mother, 90, was absolutely delighted with the early 1900's fur trimmed wool coat and matching hat I found from American Girl for her original precious, now antique, 18" china doll. It was a perfect match for a 1920 photo of her own mother in the same outfit. I framed the picture and presented her with her forgotten doll dressed in new American Girl clothes for Christmas (while my granddaughter was simultaneously receiving a new coveted AG collectible set). They brought tears of joy as she cried, "I never thought I'd ever see her again!"
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 This new set of 15 inch dolls by American Girl is based on a kindergarten class and the challenges children age 5 to 7 have as they begin school. They are appealing stories with helpful hints for parents. The dolls are jointed and easier to handle and dress for young girls who want to change their outfits, than the 18 inch Am. Grl. Dolls. The clothes and accessories are great and fun for girls ages 5 to 8.