Last holiday season, when we asked our then-second grader what she desired for Christmas, her response left me in disbelief: “I want an American Girl Doll!” I was taken aback, struggling to compose myself.
As a child, I was an avid reader and delighted in the “American Girl” series. The tales of characters like Molly, Samantha, and Kirsten transported me to different eras, offering insights into life during those times. However, the current incarnation of the brand, with its exquisite dolls, elaborate wardrobes, and furniture that rivals my own, seems to lead only to financial strain. (Is it inappropriate to say that? Perhaps I should consider credit counseling.)
These dolls retail for over $100 each, not including the essential designer outfits that any respectable owner would require. There are nearly a dozen dolls available, and you can even customize one to resemble your daughter.
I remember being shocked by a Facebook post that warned, “WARNING: THE AMERICAN GIRL CATALOG HAS ARRIVED!” If only I had intercepted that catalog before my eager child could set her sights on it. When she informed me of her intention to ask Santa for an American Girl doll, I knew we couldn’t justify that expense. I quickly reasoned with her, explaining, “Santa doesn’t deliver gifts that parents deem inappropriate.” I had successfully dodged a potential disappointment.
The price tag of $120 for a doll is staggering. To put it in perspective, I recall the simpler days of Cabbage Patch Dolls. Last year, my daughter was ecstatic about her Cabbage Patch doll, and yet, it now spends much of its time in disarray, forgotten in the depths of her closet.
If I believed my daughter would genuinely cherish an American Girl Doll, I might reconsider. Yet, based on her past enthusiasm for her Cabbage Patch doll—now relegated to a dusty shelf—I doubt she would give the same attention to an AGD. While I would have cherished such a doll at her age, my daughter displays little interest in nurturing toys.
After devouring the AGD catalog, she decorated her walls with posters, believing that every other girl her age had one. While that may be true, our family prioritizes spending in other areas. For the cost of one doll outfit, I could easily treat myself to a new pair of shoes.
Consequently, I opted for an alternative: we purchased a lookalike doll using a 30% off coupon at a department store. My daughter was thrilled with her new doll, “Lila.” Months later, I discovered Lila sitting neglected on the top shelf of the closet, her hair a mess and clothes missing. This further substantiates my decision to avoid the American Girl Doll purchase this year.
As we approach the next holiday season, we remain steadfast in our resolution: no American Girl Dolls.
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In summary, the decision to forgo an American Girl Doll stems from a combination of financial considerations and an understanding of my daughter’s interests, which lean away from nurturing play.