American Girl dolls have been beloved by many kids for years, and it turns out that boys are just as smitten with them! In response to this trend, resourceful parents are getting creative and crafting charming ‘American Boy’ dolls that are almost unrecognizable from their original counterparts.
The Story of Lisa Hartman
Take the story of a creative mom named Lisa Hartman, who gifted her daughter an American Girl “Create Your Own” doll for her seventh birthday. These customizable, 18-inch dolls can be tailored to resemble their owners. Naturally, Lisa’s son became enamored with his sister’s new friend and wanted a doll that looked like him. Unfortunately, American Girl hasn’t yet released boy dolls in that size.
Lisa shared with a parenting magazine that she hoped her son would forget about the idea of a boy doll, but a friend joked that she could simply give a girl doll a haircut, sparking a brilliant idea. She ordered a doll from a different brand online that shared similar features with her son, gave it a haircut, removed the makeup using acetone, and voila!
The DIY Doll Transformation Trend
This innovative doll transformation is not a unique occurrence. A quick online search reveals countless tutorials on platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, along with blog entries that guide parents on how to design their own ‘American Boy’ dolls. Some enthusiasts opt for more affordable dolls, while others use the actual American Girl dolls, resulting in astonishing transformations.
Most of these makeovers involve clever haircuts and stylish outfits sourced from online retailers. Many crafty parents even purchase wigs for the dolls, because honestly, who wants to risk snipping a $125 doll’s hair? The end products are adorable companions that look nothing like their original selves. If your doll ever finds itself in a sticky situation, these tutorials could come in handy—the authorities would be none the wiser!
The Need for Inclusivity in the Toy Industry
This trend is significant enough that doll manufacturers should take notice. It’s heartwarming to see parents spending time revamping dolls, but it would be fantastic if toy companies made more inclusive options. Traditionally, dolls have been viewed as ‘girl’ toys, but any parent knows that boys can love them just as much. My son is captivated by his sister’s dolls and would be thrilled to have an ‘American Boy’ that looks just like him. Toy companies are definitely missing out on a huge market by assuming that little boys aren’t interested in having a cool companion of their own.
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Conclusion
In summary, innovative parents are crafting ‘American Boy’ dolls through creative DIY modifications, showing that toys can be for everyone. This movement highlights the need for inclusivity in the toy industry, as many boys are just as eager to have their own dolls.