Every since I found out I would have a granddaughter 6 years ago, I vowed she would get an American Girl doll. I couldn’t afford to get my girls an American Girl doll but I knew thought I wanted to get my granddaughters one……. but once we visited the store, I started asking myself “Are they really worth the money?”
There is an American Girl doll store in Cool Springs, TN. The hubby and I packed up the 6 and 2-year-old and headed there for a fun field trip. I’m not sure who was more excited me or the girls. (It was me, of course).
Our Day At American Girl Doll Store
When we arrived, we were greeted by a very “happy” associate who was excited to know we were American Girl doll virgins. She gave us a grand tour and told us the story behind each doll. Listen, if nothing else, go for the stories behind the dolls.
The 6-year-old was excited. She wanted this doll, that doll, and definitely, don’t forget the other doll. In other words, she wanted them all.
We stayed for a little while and watched the girls interact with the dolls.
As we are perusing the store, we notice a cafe/restaurant for the families, the girls, and the dolls to come for a nice lunch or dinner. This place is RESERVATION ONLY. Y’all the dolls have high chairs that attach to the tables. How Cute…..
But the thing that got me questioning is the dolls worth the money is the hair salon for the DOLLS! Listen, the style of the day was $25…..
I’m standing in the store turning in circles looking at everything and come to the realization that when you purchase an American Girl doll, you are not buying just a doll but you are buying into creating an experience for the doll and your daughter.
Hmmmmm….am I really ready to give my daughter and a doll a full simulated life experience?
What I did like about the dolls, you are able to get a doll that looks like your child. Meaning, if your child wears glasses, the doll can get glasses. Your child wearing braces? Then the doll can get braces. You going camping, don’t worry, you can buy the doll a camper.
Any and everything you can think of for your child, you can get the doll.
As I’m watching the girls touch each doll and say “I want this one” I couldn’t help but think “Will she really understand how to take care of the doll, at this age?” Am I really ready to invest in everything to give my daughter the right experience with an American Girl doll?
NO, I am not and they aren’t ready.
I still plan to get the girls their own American Girl doll but for the price point these dolls start at, I need to start them out with a cheaper doll to make sure they are really ready to take care of a doll of the American Girl statue.
Do your girls have an American Girl Doll? If not, what type of doll did you give your daughters? Share in the comments below.
Tiffany says
I just booked the reservation for my 8 year to have a birthday lunch and get her very 1st doll. I purposely waited and gave her the almost American Girl dolls to be sure she was ready for the investment. I agree they are pricey but as a mom I can’t wait to see her face as we both experience the store and the dolls for the first time.