American Girl dolls have been cherished by children for generations, and it turns out that boys have a fondness for them as well. In response, inventive parents have started crafting unique ‘American Boy’ dolls that bear little resemblance to their original counterparts.
In a recent story, creative mom and writer Lila Thompson shared how she surprised her son with a customized doll. She had gifted her daughter a Truly Me American Girl doll for her seventh birthday, which is a customizable 18-inch doll designed to resemble its owner. Lila’s son quickly became enamored with his sister’s doll and expressed a desire for one that looked just like him. Unfortunately, American Girl does not currently produce boy dolls in the full size.
After explaining the situation to her son, Lila hoped he would move on. However, a friend suggested she could simply cut the hair of a girl doll, sparking a brilliant idea. She found a similar doll on an online marketplace, gave it a stylish haircut, removed the makeup with acetone, and there you have it!
This approach is not unique to Lila; a simple online search reveals a plethora of DIY tutorials, Pinterest boards, and blog posts that guide parents in creating their own ‘American Boy’ dolls. While some opt for more affordable doll options, others use original American Girl dolls, resulting in stunning transformations.
Most of these makeovers involve creative hairstyling and the addition of clothing and accessories sourced online. Some crafty parents even purchase wigs for their dolls, as few would want to risk cutting the hair of a $125 doll. The end results are charming companions that look nothing like their original forms. If your doll ever finds herself in a sticky situation, these transformations could help her evade capture.
This trend is gaining enough traction that doll manufacturers should consider expanding their offerings. It is heartening to see parents invest time into providing their dolls with new identities, but it would be even better if companies recognized the demand for more inclusive options. Traditionally, dolls have been viewed as toys for girls, but anyone with a son knows this is outdated thinking. Many boys, including Lila’s son, are captivated by dolls and would happily embrace an ‘American Boy’ that mirrors their own likeness. Companies like Pleasant Company are overlooking a significant market by assuming that young boys do not desire a friend in doll form.
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In summary, the trend of creating ‘American Boy’ dolls showcases the creativity of parents who wish to provide their sons with dolls that reflect their identities. This movement highlights the need for inclusivity in the toy industry, as boys are just as likely to enjoy dolls as girls.