Last year, when we asked my then-second grader what she desired for Christmas, her answer sent a jolt through me: “I want an American Girl Doll!” I took a deep breath and steeled myself.
As a child, I was an avid reader who delighted in the release of the “American Girls” series. The tales of Molly, Samantha, and Kirsten whisked me away to different eras, and I cherished the lessons they imparted. Nowadays, however, the dolls come with a hefty price tag that leaves my wallet feeling lighter. With their exquisite outfits and furniture that rivals my own, the only destination these dolls take you to is financial strain. (Am I allowed to say that? Time to call for credit counseling.)
These dolls typically cost over $100 each, and that’s without the necessary designer outfits that every American Girl doll owner must have. Sure, there are many dolls to select from, or you can even customize one to resemble your daughter closely.
I was taken aback last year when I saw a social media post that read, “WARNING: THE AMERICAN GIRL CATALOG IS IN TODAY’S MAIL!” If only I’d known. I would have done anything to intercept that catalog before my eager-to-fit-in second grader laid eyes on it.
When she declared her intention to ask Santa for an American Girl doll, I knew we couldn’t justify such an expense. I mentally congratulated myself when, after explaining their steep prices, she responded with, “So what? Santa’s elves can make them!” I quickly countered with, “Santa doesn’t deliver gifts that parents deem inappropriate.” Dodged that bullet! This was similar to the reasoning I used when explaining why Santa wouldn’t be bringing us a puppy the year her sister was born. Unless he planned on also delivering a year’s worth of red wine, a live-in puppy sitter, and a pharmaceutical regimen, there was no way I was managing a new baby and a puppy at the same time.
But let’s get real. $120 for a doll? We’re not in Cabbage Patch territory anymore, folks. And speaking of Cabbage Patch Dolls, here’s the reason my 7-year-old will not be receiving an American Girl Doll this year. Last year, she pleaded for a Cabbage Patch Doll, and this is how that doll currently spends her time:
I assure you, I didn’t stage this moment for the photo.
She was so excited about her Cabbage Patch role as a mother that she even spent her Christmas money on a second doll. Do you think I have any clue where that prized possession is now? Absolutely not. I couldn’t even locate it for a second (entirely unstaged, I promise) photo.
If I believed my daughter would truly treasure and care for an American Girl Doll, I would consider buying one. I certainly would have purchased one for my 7-year-old self back in 1985; I would have adored her and played with her daily. But let’s face it, my second grader is not the nurturing type that I was at her age. And that’s perfectly okay. I don’t mind that dolls aren’t her thing, but I refuse to spend that much money on something that doesn’t align with her interests. Unfortunately, after pouring over the AGD catalog, she convinced herself that they are indeed her thing.
In no time, my daughter covered her walls with posters from the AGD catalog. Naturally, she also decorated with stars from the latest Disney shows.
In my view, the only reason she desires one is that she believes all her friends have one. Perhaps they do. But our family chooses to allocate our funds differently; for the price of one of those trendy doll outfits, I could buy myself a new pair of shoes. I’m serious—I’d think twice about purchasing an outfit that costs as much as some of those American Girl Doll outfits.
Therefore, unless I decided to find a gently used doll from a previous owner on Craig’s List, Santa was not going to be delivering a mini-me doll to our home this year. We opted for Plan B: we utilized our 30% off coupon at Kohl’s and purchased a less expensive doll instead. Our daughter was thrilled with her new companion.
Months after “Julia,” my daughter’s beloved faux-AGD, arrived, I captured this revealing image of her residing on the top shelf of the closet. Please note her disheveled appearance and lack of clothing. I rest my case.
This year, regardless of how much she pleads, we will steadfastly maintain our stance: no American Girl Dolls.
Summary
The author reflects on the desire of her daughter for an American Girl Doll, explaining the financial implications and her decision to forego purchasing one. Despite nostalgia and admiration for the dolls, she shares her reasoning and past experiences with similar toys, concluding that they will not be buying an American Girl Doll this year.
Keyphrase: American Girl Doll
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