Here’s my two cents (okay maybe a little more) on AG dolls. My sister and I had a few growing up…we had Kirsten, Molly and Samantha, and then I got the Bitty Baby. We had so much fun learning about the time periods they were from, and what kinds of cloths/food/furniture/hobbies girls had back then… it taught us that there is a common bond between young girls of all generations. That, if I recall, was the original intent of the company. I loved history from an early age, and in large part because of those dolls. Now, the modern dolls (American Girl Today) have for all purposes taken over the company. I am not saying all girls are disinterested in the “old fashioned” dolls, but I would say a great many are. What’s cool now, is to get the doll that looks the most like you (you can custom-order your doll with your hair color, eyes, etc.) and dress her up trendy and do her hair. That stuff is fun (I had dolls like that growing up) but not worth the price and sad because how much are you learning? History, and the original purpose of the company, is being shoved aside.
For example: I was recently in NYC and went to the big AG store there. The ENTIRE first floor was dedicated to the AG Today dolls (oh and the dog). There was a huge hair salon, where hair stylists were doing the dolls’ hair (at an outrageous price). I overheard these women talking, and one lady said “oh yeah, my daughter loves this place! We come here every two weeks to have her hair done!” (the dolls hair!!!) I think this is outrageous. The place was PACKED with young girls, a good 95% with the modern dolls. (I think I saw a Molly and maybe a Samantha.)
THEN, on the second or third floor, tucked into the corner, was the section of the store for Kirsten, Molly, Samantha, and all the “old fashioned” ones.
(( Not too many girls were up there.
Nicole
Betsy Wetsy and Betsy McCall were both from the fifties. Barbie began in 1959.
