What’s the big deal about the different American Girl dolls?
I’ll admit it: we’re a bit doll crazy here. My daughter had her gymnastics/American Girl birthday party… and in the last year we’ve gone from no dolls to more than I’ll share with you (I’ve sold 2 before I gave them to my daughter, and I’m giving one away now!). But now, my big question is, I bought a doll off ebay and I’m going to give her a bit of a rehab, but I’m confused… WHICH American Girl doll do I have?Â
Why are American Girl dolls unique?
American Girl dolls are unique because they tell a story. I remember being above reading level of these books but checking them out every week when I was in 5th or 6th grade. Then, I continued to read them years later. So, while we were living in India, I kept bidding on the books on Ebay and when we arrived in the US, we had a stash of books my daughter wasn’t ready to read. But, now she is… And she also has a love for the dolls. I encourage it. A bit. Okay, a lot.
From Wikipedia:
Pleasant Company was founded in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland, and its products were originally purchasable by mail order only. In 1998, Pleasant Company became a subsidiary of Mattel.
American Girl is an American line of 18-inch (46Â cm) dolls released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. The dolls portray eight- to eleven-year-old girls of a variety of ethnicities. They are sold with accompanying books told from the viewpoint of the girls. Originally the stories focused on various periods of American history, but were expanded in 1995 to include characters and stories from contemporary life.
The dolls also come in small 6” variety, as well. They have tons of accessories and also Just like Me/Truly Me versions that don’t have a story but can attempt to “look” like the girls.
Doll Differences
Okay, so which doll do you think we have? Is it Kirsten (amazon link), Girl of today 51 or Girl of Today 3?
Which doll would you say this is?
American Girl dolls are of better quality than many of the dolls in the $20 range. Well, they better since they are 5 times that in price!
My husband didn’t see the differences in any of the dolls. But then I explained there are major differences:
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Eye shape
- Hair texture
- Bangs/no bangs
- Face mold
Well, now I have a doll with blond hair, blue eyes, bangs and what appears to be the classic mold.
But, is it Kirsten Larson or a Just Like Me/Doll of Today?
What’s your verdict?
http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Just_Like_You_3
I vote that it is this one. Kirsten’s hair looks slightly darker.Doll 51 has fair less bangs. Just my guess.
Thanks! I think so too. But it is seriously difficult at times to tell!
I had no idea about any of this. My granddaughter loves these dolls
I have all boys, so I am totally out of the American Girl Doll loop. They are expensive, so in a way I am glad 🙂
I love that the dolls have a story with them. It really makes each one special
I was obsessed with these books when I was a kid, but the dolls were way out of my family’s price range, so I near had one. I still swear that if I have a daughter someday, she will get an American Girl Doll! 🙂 Samantha was my favorite, but Molly was a close second.
I love that each of the dolls have their own stories and personalities!
Sophie | MapleTreeBlog
I still have my Felicity doll somewhere. Now that I think about it she might be at my mom’s house. My sister had the Molly doll. Samantha was also my favorite at one point but I thought I heard that they retired her.
My Mom has gotten my niece a couple of these. My Mom likes the quality. My niece just likes the dolls and that’s what’s most important.
I’d say Kirsten–the teeth have that small space between them and the bangs look the same. The eyes in the looks like me are much bigger and/or wider then the one you have.
That is hard to tell the difference in those dolls! It is amazing how much better the quality of the dolls are from Amercian Girl dolls.
I think it’s the Girl of Today 51, based on those big cheeks. But it really is hard to tell!
This is all new to me and yes, the differences are there so I guess I better learn them! I have a feeling my daughter will be interested in AG soon 🙂
My little girl just never got into playing with dolls. I always loved dolls, so I was a bit sad about that!
My nieces have so many of those dolls. I do think they all look similar though but for colorations and hair styles, etc.
My girls have the Just Like Me. I hoping the daughter sitting next to me sees this and will go play with her doll. 😉
I had no understanding of the differences in these dolls. Grandkids are boys. I do have neices who were into them but I didnt pay much attention.