Last year, when we asked our then-second grader, Lily, what she hoped to find under the tree, her response caught me off guard: “I want an American Girl Doll!” My heart sank as I braced myself for what that might entail.
As a child, I adored reading, especially the beloved “American Girls” series that introduced me to characters like Molly and Samantha, whisking me away to different times and places. Now, however, the brand has transformed into something that feels more like a ticket to financial strain than a nostalgic journey. With dolls priced at over $100, not to mention the extravagant outfits and accessories, it feels like a one-way trip to the poorhouse.
I still remember the Facebook post I saw last year: “WARNING: THE AMERICAN GIRL CATALOG IS IN TODAY’S MAIL!” If I had only intercepted that catalog before Lily got her hands on it, I might have saved us both from this predicament. When she announced her intention to ask Santa for an American Girl doll, I knew it was time to act. After all, there was no way we would be spending that much.
When she countered my concerns about the price with, “So what? Santa’s elves can make them!” I quickly explained, “Santa doesn’t deliver gifts that parents don’t find suitable.” Whew! I sidestepped that potential disappointment like a pro. I’d used a similar line when her sister was born and she wanted a puppy. Unless Santa planned to deliver a puppy-sitter and all the puppy supplies, that wasn’t happening.
But honestly, $120 for a doll? We’re not in the Cabbage Patch era anymore, folks. Speaking of Cabbage Patch dolls, let’s consider Exhibit A: last year, she begged for one, and now that doll spends most of its time… well, who knows where? I assure you, I didn’t pose that doll for the photo—it just ended up in a lonely corner.
Lily was so excited about her Cabbage Patch doll that she used her Christmas money to buy another one. But do I have any idea where those dolls are now? Not a clue. If I thought Lily would cherish an American Girl Doll, I might reconsider. I would have adored it when I was her age, but my daughter is just not as into dolls as I was. It’s perfectly fine, but I won’t be spending that kind of money on something she might not appreciate.
After she pored over the AGD catalog, she plastered her walls with posters of the dolls. In addition to that, she also decorated with posters of popular Disney stars. It seems like the only reason she desires an American Girl doll is because she thinks everyone else has one. And maybe they do. But we prioritize our spending elsewhere; for the cost of one outfit for those dolls, I could treat myself to some new shoes.
So, unless I decide to buy a used doll from someone who’s moved on, Santa won’t be delivering a mini-me doll this year. Instead, we opted for Plan B: using a 30% off coupon at Kohl’s to get a more affordable alternative. To our delight, Lily was thrilled with her new doll, which she named “Julia.”
Months later, I snapped a photo of Julia, now residing on the top shelf of the closet, looking a bit disheveled and lonely, proving my point. This year, no matter how much she pleads, we’ll stick to our decision: no American Girl Dolls.
For more insights into family decisions and parenting dilemmas, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination and its various aspects. If you’re interested in fertility, you might also find this article on fertility boosters for men useful. And for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, resources such as this Wikipedia entry on in vitro fertilisation can provide valuable insights.
In summary, while American Girl Dolls might be a dream for some, they simply don’t fit into our family’s values or budget. We’ve found joy in alternatives that suit our needs without breaking the bank.