American Girls For Sale
By Victor - Thursday May 26th 2005 |
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Our favorite mall to Angeleno-gawk, The Grove, is planning to open an American Girl® retail branch in 2006, just the 3rd in the country. And these ain’t your mothers’ dolls. “Molly McIntire® is a lively, lovable schemer and dreamer growing up in 1944. The world is at war, and she misses her father who is overseas caring for wounded soldiers … ” So begins the backstory of Molly, one of the 10 “characters” from the high-end doll phenomenon owned by Mattel. You see, the American Girl® characters come from a wide range of “American” experiences across the 200+ years of our nation. There’s Kaya, the Native American in 1764; Addy, the escaped slave in 1864; Kit, the Midwesterner in the Great Depression, among others. See, it’s progressive American history (accessories not included). Howard Zinn must have the whole set of these dollies. To further give each character a sense of era, there are all sorts of props that go with each.
So let’s have a look at the merch. $84 is the base price for any of the dolls. So you’re already in for a Benjamin just to get started with this stuff. And that’s so just the beginning. This is a whole culture you are buying into. Using at that “lively, lovable schemer and dreamer” Molly, as an example, let’s look at the add-ons. Of course you have to have Molly’s Beach Chair ($20), Molly’s 1944 swimsuit ($24), Molly’s camping equipment ($18), Molly’s Dude Ranch Outfit ($24). And if Molly gets tired of standing, there’s Molly’s Chrome Table and Chairs ($65). The best part is that there is an accompanying series of books for each character that chronicals the adventures of your doll for you. There are over 20 (!) “Molly” books alone (such page-turners as “Molly Learns a Lesson” and “Molly’s Surprise”). Why have your girls imagine their own adventures for their dolls when Mattel can write them out and sell them to you?
Can’t you just see the trophy wives and their spoiled brats lined up at The Grove now? While you’re there snarking on them, grab some enchiladas at Loteria Grill and hoist a pitcher to American history and capitalism. Mainly the latter.
I’m looking for Elizabeth.
Hi Brittany,
I can’t help you find your Elizabeth, but I do want to thank you for digging this deep cut out of the archive and forcing me to re-read some early stuff. It’s like looking at an old picture of yourself with a bad haircut. What were we thinking back then?
You should have done some research before you wrote this cynical post.
American Girl was actually not started by Mattel. It was founded by an educator named Pleasant Rowland back in 1986, and it used to be known as Pleasant Company. Rowland’s original goal in starting this company was to find dolls that were actually GIRLS and not women (like Barbie) or babies. She wanted girls to celebrate their childhood instead of wanting to grow up too quickly.
Her other goal in starting Pleasant Company was to educate children. The books that accompany the historical dolls are well-written and carefully researched so children would be able to learn about bygone eras, ranging from Molly in 1944 to the Native American Kaya in 1764. These will help teach young children a lot about history. For instance, Molly’s stories go into detail why wartime rationing was necessary and why English children needed to flee London during WWII. Molly’s father was also a military doctor who served overseas, and children of today who have parents fighting in Iraq will be able to relate to how hard it is to be separated from a parent.
It’s true that the dolls and accessories are very pricey, and Rowland was well aware of this. However, these items are very nicely made, and the historical dolls’ items are based upon things that existed during their respective time periods. The Pleasant Company/American Girl toys are meant to be passed down as keepsakes. These are not in the same class as cheapy, throwaway items that you would find at Target or Toys ‘R’ Us.
As for this line: “Why have your girls imagine their own adventures for their dolls when Mattel can write them out and sell them to you?” Aside from the historical dolls, there is the modern-day doll line called Just Like You. These dolls don’t come with any stories, so little girls can make up their dolls’ life story if they feel like it. (Are you happy now?) Also, I don’t get why you sound so disgusted by Molly’s huge line of stories. This kind of stuff actually encourages children to READ, which is better than having them watching the TV for hours on end.
K,
I thank you for your passionate post, though I cannot share your rosy view of this doll line and the culture manufactured around it.
I noted that Mattel owns American Girl, and did not say they created the brand.
The backstory you provide on P. Rowland is compelling enough, but you have to admit none of that is in the minds of parents or daughters at the point of retail purchase.
By pricing the dolls out of reach of the average family, they inevitably function as socioeconomic status symbols.
I admit to being cynical, but by creating an endless line of buyable accessories–seriously, a “$9 “skin care kit“? For a doll?–they are indoctrinating young girls into a life of consumerism.
Oh, and they have since moved into TV-to-DVD movies (eg, a 2 hr product placement commericial), so there goes your reading.
Hi im looking for a samantha and a nelly doll that is cheap.
HI i whant a samantha girl
Love
rrr
Hi,
Not sure if many people read these, but I am also looking for any American girl doll and an American girl horse and was wondering if anyone would like to part with theirs.
Thanks
I what a american samantha and nellie like crazy i have a eager to get them but i what them fast and cheap. Please help!!!
Im 10 years old
Love
hlep
I want Felicity so bad she is so pretty and advetureus like me. SHe even looks like me. I want her so bad. What should I do? My mom said I can get her if I pay half of the cost? I have only $26.78! That’s not even a third.
“By pricing the dolls out of reach of the average family, they inevitably function as socioeconomic status symbols.”
Actually I agree with you – but still struggle with the fact that so many little girls (including my own) get so much pleasure and hours of play time from these dolls. That is why we started Emily Rose to try and provide a source for Parents who are looking for quality clothes and accessories that they can actually afford. I suppose we are guilty of supporting over-consuming capitalists as well – but unfortunately I can’t tackle a problem that big :-) http://www.dollsclothes-emilyrose.com
I have found that the best prices for used almost new American Girl dolls is Craigslist. That way you can find a good quality doll for a quarter of a new ones price. Hope this helps some of you out.
i am looking to buy 2 american girl doll.felitily and elizabeth. i need them cheap with cheap shipping and in very good condition. for my granddaughters
I’m looking for a Nicki doll for a good price before she goes off the market
I am looking for an american girl nicki in good shape and cheap lik under 60$. American Girl is too exspensive for me right now. I was going to get her for my b-day last week but my dad hasn’t been in work latley so could someone help me find one? Please and Thank-you!
i am looking for kirsten and kit do you have any dolls of those 2 availble
iam looking for a nicki doll cheap and in good condition.
I am looking for a cheap Niki Doll or any kind of cheap doll.thanks if anyone has one please post it one this site and please post it for MarisaThanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am looking for a cheap american girl doll.thanks if anyone has one please post it one this site and please post it for MarisaThanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi! I have an Emily doll and i absolutley love her so if you looking to get your daughter a doll go with Emily!!!!!!!!!
I have the Renzo doll! He doesn’t have many clothes, though.
I don’t need Nicki help anymore. I am getting here with all her stuff! So I can get her. THANKS!
Leanna big congrats on your new doll!!!!!!! Nicki is a great doll i know you will love her!
My kailey doll was totally damaged in a flood and if anybody is willing to part with theres I am totally intrested!
I am looking for any American Girl doll for CHEAP. Must be in good condition preferably with box. I’d love to get one with blonde hair/blue eyes but any will do. Please email me at chizzyaldans@aol.com
Hi Alex,
I would be willing to buy your Kailey doll from you, even damaged!!
hey haley I’m really sorry to tell you but my mom made me give my kailey doll to my little sis but don’t give up hope you can always find someone else who owns a kailey doll i’ll put out the word for you
Well, if your little sister decides that she doesn’t want it any more, please let me know. I would be willing to buy her.
Thank you Alex
SOME MEDICAL ISSUES HAVE CUT OUR CHRISTMAS BUDGET MY TWO GIRLS WOULD LOVE SOME AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS DOESNT MATTER WICH ONES HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!
bRANDY
Ditto on the craigslist suggestion. I tried it for the first time this week (my daughter wants one and they are SO expensive!) I put an ad out and a lady contacted me the next day for TWO brand new dolls! I gave her an $80 gift card (present from last year) and fifty bucks. They are a new felicity and elizabeth that her daughter won at barnes and noble and wasn’t interested in keeping. I am still pinching myself!!!!!!!! Try it – not everyone values the same thing so it is a great way to trade or get a doll for very little! And often people will want something you are trying to get rid of yourself in return.
BTW – in response to the original post – why on earth do you find the line of accompanying books a bad thing??!! I thought we wanted our children to read. It makes them compassionate and intelligent. And if you honestly evaluate any brand name toy line, it is pricey. (esp. video games, legos (which I happen to like as well), action figues. At least these dolls are vastly more educational. My daughter is only six but her she loves history… esp american indian history. We live near the chesapeake bay so we take her to all the landmarks and williamsburg, jamestown… I would rather spend $100 for her to have one doll, a book and clothes than spend that same money on just video games, or even barbies. Get a grip and do your research next time…
I’m looking for Kaya and Kit….please help!!!!
Those are the ones I prefer, but looking for any…just lost job and my two of my girls are dying to have these for christmas!!!!
PLEASE!!!!
I am really looking for nicki!! but she sold out, please help me
lol wtf. Losanjealous- hub for American Girl doll collectors. Also, Ashley, I didn’t realize people want to teach your children distorted American history, especially about the Native Americans. Maybe you should do your research and, as alluded to earlier, read A People’s History by Howard Zinn.
Ok this one’s getting best-of’d soon.
i love american girl doll’s
I’m a 20-something year old and I always wanted one of these American Girl (Samantha or Felicity) dolls as a child but just felt that it was asking for too much from my parents. So my younger sister and I would just be content with reading the books and admiring the American Girl catalog for hours. Is it wrong that I feel a tinge of jealousy when I see 7-year-olds triumphantly emerging out of the AG store at the Grove clutching their Kirsten doll and their parents running after them with red shopping bags full of doll accessories?
Pearl,Ashely,and who ever else is fighting in this chat room STOP!!!!!!!!!! we are all in here to buy dolls not argue and to be perfectly honest nobody cares that much what you think!!!!
And Lisa what you are going through i totally normal
so buy a doll play with it! Its never too late.
I apologize, but you do know this is not really the place for that?
Not everyone reading this is here to buy and sell dolls – this is a forum for commenting on the article (see above). So if you don’t want to know what people think about an article, why are you reading the forum discussing just that?
This has to be the funniest post of the year. I’m just waiting for someone to post saying they are looking for an actual “American Girl” for sale.
LOL!!!!
hey Michael is cool
Ashely aren’t you a little OLD for this chat room!
ha ha :)
lol – no… I hope I never get that old!
lol
OMG! What are you wearing? I think you are Kewl too. I bet you make really good sweet tea.
Hi I am trying to find a just like you american girl doll or felcity or samantha the just like you would have to have brown hair and blue eyes can you help me? and it needs to be cheap thank you (if possible)
Looking for a Nicki doll for my granddaughter’s birthday February 2nd.
Please contact me if you have one reasonable.
Thank you.