American Girl dolls have been cherished companions for many children, but it turns out that boys are just as captivated by them. In response to this trend, inventive parents have begun crafting charming ‘American Boy’ dolls that bear little resemblance to their original counterparts.
The Story of Lisa Henderson
Take the story of mom and writer Lisa Henderson, who gifted her daughter an American Girl “Truly Me” doll for her seventh birthday. These 18-inch dolls are customizable to reflect their owners’ appearance. Naturally, Lisa’s son was drawn to his sister’s new toy and expressed a desire for a doll that looked like him. Unfortunately, American Girl does not currently produce 18-inch boy dolls.
Lisa recounts to Family Magazine how she tried to explain to her son that boy dolls were unavailable, hoping he would forget the idea. However, after a friend’s teasing suggestion to just cut the hair of a girl doll, inspiration struck. She found a similar-looking Madame Alexander doll on eBay, gave it a trendy haircut, removed the makeup with acetone, and just like that, she created a whole new character!
A Trend of Transformation
This clever doll transformation is far from unique. A quick search reveals a wealth of YouTube tutorials, Pinterest boards, and blog posts dedicated to helping parents craft their own ‘American Boy’ dolls. Some parents opt for more affordable dolls, while others take the plunge with actual American Girl dolls, giving them remarkable makeovers.
Most transformations involve creative hairstyling along with clothing and accessories sourced online. Some resourceful parents have even purchased wigs for the dolls because, let’s face it, no one wants to risk a haircut on a $125 doll! The results are stunning little friends that look nothing like their original forms. Honestly, if your doll ever finds itself in a sticky situation, these tutorials can help it go incognito.
The Call for Inclusivity
This growing trend is notable enough that doll manufacturers should take heed. It’s heartwarming to see parents investing time to reinvent dolls, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if companies embraced inclusivity more fully? Traditionally, dolls have been marketed as ‘girl’ toys, but anyone with a son knows this stereotype is outdated. My son, for example, loves playing with his sister’s dolls and would be thrilled to have an ‘American Boy’ doll that mirrors his own likeness. Companies like Pleasant Company are missing out on a significant market by assuming boys aren’t interested in having their own unique companions.
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Conclusion
In summary, the trend of creating ‘American Boy’ dolls reflects a desire for inclusivity and creativity in the toy industry. With a little ingenuity, parents can transform existing dolls to better represent their children, proving that playtime can be for everyone, regardless of gender.