MOMania

By Marylin

February 13, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

My daughter had a Holiday gift swap at school with her classmates. Each child brought in a gift under 15 dollars and then they drew numbers and got a random present…well my daughter brought home a “bling-bling Barbie”. The doll was only half dressed and was the most tragic TRASHY thing I have ever seen…I know I over reacted, but I took the doll back to the school and asked the teacher for the name of the mother that sent such a doll to a second grade gift swap…The mother’s arguement was that it was on sale…my rambling point is A: I can not believe they make dolls like this and B: If we would quit purchasing them and let the makers know that they are undesirable maybe they will go away…geez I was so disgusted!!!

By Jeff

February 13, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

We live in the days of people - my new boss, assuming I get the job - that will pay $5000 for a WATCH!

As for me, I was raised on off-brand things, outlet stores, even generations old entertainment consoles. And I was perfectly happy. My kids will learn the same lessons: money and happiness are NOT synonymous.

By beth

February 13, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

This is a neat topic. If I had kids, I wouldn’t mind them having maybe one special American Girl doll if granny wanted to give it to them for Christmas or birthday (that’s what grannies are for).

I wouldn’t go overboard in outfitting the doll though. One AG doll w/ standard clothing would be enough.

I think that an older child WOULD be aware of her doll not being an American Girl doll, and it might be embarassing for her if hers was a copy. But I remember not having everything every other girl had and somehow I made it to adulthood.

I would say, if you can afford AG fine. If not, don’t take out a home equity line just to finance your child’s every whim.

By past50mom

February 13, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

People spend a lot more money on other toys, dolls, games, electronics, so I think Clark is off base in his assessment of these dolls. IMO it’s better to spend more on a few treasures than the same amount on a lot of cr@p that the kids don’t value and you end up giving them away or selling. It’s all about choice and American Girl Dolls are an excellent choice. Along wiht the story books, they are something a girl can treausure and keep to hand down to her daughter one day.

By herstoryian

February 13, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

My daughter wasn’t real into dolls; it was grown-ups, mostly strangers to our family like church babysitters and cashiers in stores, who pressured her to like dolls and to call them “babies.”

Barbies came and went quickly when she discovered they were hard to dress.

Dolls seemed to fall out of favor with her during ages 6-9. Stuffed animals were better. After age 9, dolls came back with a vengence.

She bought with her own money a copy of an American Girl doll at a yard sale and a friend signed her up for the American Girl magazine and catalogs. Suddenly, she wanted to buy!buy!buy! and have what wealthier friends had. Since she’s 11 now and gets money for Christmas and birthdays, we told her to buy it herself. She recently held a yard sale to raise money to buy American Girl stuff. Afterward, she decided to donate part of the proceeds instead to St. Jude’s and to use the rest for a special trip. When she had to do it herself, American Girl went right down the tubes and her real priorities fell into place.

By motherof 17monold

February 13, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Have yet to buy a babydoll and probably won’t I fell thatey are not in this generation it is so many meaningful more educational still fun toys!!!!! ELMO ROCKS!!!!

By cobbie

February 13, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Being a little “Clark-ish” myself, my initial reaction was to balk at the price and try to move my daughter on to another intrest. I held out for years but, she persisted so I did a little researh and found the dolls and each backstory to be interesting and wholesome. The stories are a wonderful history lesson that girls might otherwise ignore or skip at school. Our doll came with a WWII ration book and a passport since she is from England. My daughter could not believe that sugar had to be rationed! I am not a doll person (ick!), but these are special. Yes, I caved but I don’t regret it one bit.

On the other hand, I refuse to buy my daughter a trashy Bratz doll or one of the nasty street-walker Barbies. There is absolutely no reason to let our little girls idolize a doll that look like a prostitute. There is nothing wrong with letting them be (and look like) little girls.

By the way, she only has one AG doll and the items she came with.

By past50mom

February 13, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Marilyn, I don’t think I would have confronted the mother and embarrassed her as you did. Perhaps she didn’t have the money to buy something better. And if she chose that doll, then obviously she thought it was OK. Plus your attitude about the doll probably influenced your daughter’s opinion about the girl who gave her the doll, too. Wouldn’t it have been better to ask your daughter if she wanted to exchange the doll for one that was more her style?

By SA

February 13, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with AG dolls. My daughter has a Bitty Baby that she loves. However, the AG culture is a little sickening. I went to American Girl Place in NY on a business trip and could not believe all the useless expensive stuff they try to suck you into buying——not to mention the hair salon (for the dolls), cafe and other things that reel the little girls right in. Herstoryian is absolutely right—if it means that much to your daughter, make her earn the money to buy all the accessories.

By Maria

February 13, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I have always liked that the American Girl company encourages reading. The dolls and books first appeared when I was in the fourth grade, and though I and most of my friends felt “too old” for dolls at the time, we all enjoyed reading the books… even my friends who weren’t habitual readers. I like how a book comes with each doll, and hopefully encourages girls to keep reading the rest of the books in the series. They’re well-written and teach good values without being overly moralistic.

My sister got an American Girl doll when she was in elementary school, and she still has it now, as a college graduate. She didn’t have many accessories for it, but the ones she did have were very well-made, unlike a lot of the other toys we went through when we were kids. If I were a parent of a young girl, I’d rather get her ONE very well-made doll rather than a bunch of cheapo plastic toys that don’t hold up, or Bratz dolls that present just about the worst body-image lessons imaginable. I’d use the American Girl doll to teach her the value of having “nice things” and taking care of them accordingly.

By lovelyliz

February 13, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Spending so much $$ on such a doll isn’t so much the problem as are other issues.

Why give a relatively expensive doll & accessories to a child who will not have anymore affection for this one than they have for the other dolls doesn’t justify the price. My neice received one 3 years ago from her grandparents and she couldn’t tell you where that doll and it’s wardrobe are today.

Personally, I would spend the $$ on something more substantial.

By Loved my AG doll

February 13, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Yes, the American Girl dolls are expensive. My parents bought one for my sister and I for Christmas when we were younger and added on to the collection each birthday and Christmas—grandparents pitched in as well. I have wonderful memories of playing with those dolls with my sister—we read the books together and dreamed up new adventures for our dolls. Now, maybe we would have been just as happy with generic AG dolls, but now that we are in our mid-20’s the dolls are packed away and are being saved for when we have daughters of our own. The quality of the product makes for a great keepsake to be able to pass down. I don’t know that a generic doll would have held up as well.

By Georgia

February 13, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

I never played with dolls, I actually hated them when I was younger, and I still do now. They creep me out, like clowns. I grew up with three brothers, and a neighborhood full of boys, so I played sports, hiked, etc.
My daughter had dolls as a baby, but after she turned 8, they all went into a box (her decision - not mine).

By Renee

February 13, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

If your daughter is old enough to appreciate a quality item (and you can afford it), then I don’t see the problem buying the doll. I have a friend whose husband would squawk at the idea of buying a $100 doll/accessories but is constantly buying the $400-500 video game systems and new cartridges for his sons ($40-50 a pop).

For a young girl that really doesn’t know much difference, I wouldn’t invest the money. But for an older - responsible girl - I would consider it. After all, whether I buy a $100 doll or five $20 toys, it’s the same money and if she gets more play time from the doll then its money well spent.

By Jennifer

February 13, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

We have one Bitty Baby here and she’s never played with. If my girls ask for an AG, I’ll get one for Christmas or a birthday. There are some good lessons to be learned about having something nice to take care of.

My friends and I never played with dolls when we were little! I’m not sure if kids would care about the “brand” of their doll. My kids are too young to understand/care about that right now. I do remember having to have certain brands of clothing when I was little, but I don’t remember getting into the toys.

By Reverie

February 13, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Beth was right. Out daughter has an American Girl doll and some of the accoutraments, some name-brand, some not name-brand. I think the real challenge is not spoiling our daughter by buyer her an expensive doll, but by buying it for her over and over, as though this is normal. No, this is something SPECIAL and she cannot take this for granted. She loves her doll, loves the movies and we are saving (with her) so she can go with Mommy to Chicago and visit the American Girl store.

By Ann Marie

February 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I hope your daughter wasn’t aware that you confronted her friend’s mother, and more importantly I hope the little girl who gave your daughter the Barbie did not feel the wrath of your anger. The woman obviously chose something she could afford and something she thought your daughter would enjoy. You could of taught your daughter a nice lesson about appreciation. Even though you didn’t approve of the doll you could have taught your daughter to appreciate the gesture. I would also suggest to your school that they not do gift exchanges in the future. Obviously there is an opportunity for a parent to be upset at the present their child receives and for some families it causes a unnecessary financial burden.

By MissL

February 13, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

I got one of these dolls, Kirsten, from my grandmother when I was in elementary school. My sister and I each got one as a Christmas gift and we got a few outfits and the story books to go with them. I am sure that it was an investment but now that I am 24 and still have the doll I realize that it is truly a keepsake. If I were to have a daughter of my own I would want her to eventually have the doll. Because it is very well made, and so are the clothing and books, it will hold up for many generations to come. Let’s face it, all of my “cheap” barbies and other toys have been sold at yard sales, thrown away, etc. I think that we could use such toys to teach our children that it is smarter to invest, for example $100 on a well made item that they can take care of and keep for years rather than to spend $100 on a bunch of Bratz dolls, makeup, and other cheaper toys that they will get tired of and throw or give away. The lesson learned by our girls will depend on the lesson taught by the parents buying the doll, not by the amount of money spent.

By Meg

February 13, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Bratz are cheap for the parents who think hooker is a good career choice and who don’t invest time, money or morals in their kids, American Girls are expensive because they know that parents who want to teach modesty also care enough to spend more. Holly Hobbie is also a good choice.

By PHR

February 13, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I am a doll lover, but I only have a son. My niece though got “into” the American Girl dolls so I know a little about them. I was surprised that they cost as much as they did. I like the stories and movies that go with them. I understand what Clark Howard is saying, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with an expensive doll for Christmas or birthdays (special occasions).

By Jennifer

February 13, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

My 2-yo daughter got a Bratz doll as a gift at her 2nd birthday party!! I managed to keep a nice smile on my face and act appreciative but that gift never made it into the toybox. I can’t stand those Bratz dolls or the Hoochie Barbies. I was in Toys R Us recently and there was a lady in front of me with at least 15 Bratz items, dolls, playsets, you name it. I’ll never understand the allure of those ugly things.

By Nickelbelle

February 13, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Having 2 sons I didn’t have this problem but I LOVE the dolls and all of their accessories that Target has that are similar to the American Girl dolls and I want them! I’m also thinking of buying my own wooden dollhouse to decorate!

By scubber

February 13, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Has there not always been couture dolls for those with deep pockets? I recall Cabbage Patch Dolls were nearly $300 in the 80s. I remember lustily wanting the full-sized GI Joe Astronaut doll with Apollo space craft in the 70s but knew my parents would never get it for me.

It seems that although fashionable toys still demand a large price, it does not seem different than in years past by comparison.

What does seem to have changed is the pricing and availability of clothing fashion. Notably brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and the like that used to be available only to the wealthy in upscale stores You can see the down-and-out Wal-Mart fare wearing those same brands today.

Do you remember when Abercrombie & Fitch sold leather rhinocerus ottomans and hunting rifles at Phipp’s Plaza years ago? Wow! That store has changed 180? from it’s origins.

Luckily Banana Republic do not make children’s clothes, or I will be in trouble someday.

By AGMom

February 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

My 11 yr old now had 5 (yes 5!) AG dolls. She plays with them and is very careful. They are stored on a shelf in her room so they are enjoyed daily. Each doll was given for a special occasion such as earning all A’s on her report card. Each doll was purchased with one extra AG outfit. All the other clothes are generic. AG helped her begin reading on her on and now she has read all the AG books plus many other historical type girls’ books. She also has the AG movies and has watched each one over and over. She gets much more enjoyment out of AG than she did with the Barbies during that phase which quickly vanished. Barbies were bought very selectively because of the clothing or the values they represented. I have never spent one cent on a Bratz product, nor will I, but I don’t regret one penny that has been spent on American Girl.

By K

February 13, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

My mother bought American Girl dolls for all her granddaughters. Each of the girls get the magazine and make wish lists each year. They also save up their allowances to purchase clothes and accessories. It basically comes down to parenting skills - if parents spoil their kids or teach them that the dolls are expensive and “elite”, it doesn’t matter if it’s name brand or generic, they’ll act as if they’re elitist little girls!

By CJP

February 13, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

My daughter loves her Bitty Baby! Bitty goes everywhere with us. The only accessories we have purchased is the suitcase for my daughter that has a secure pace for Bitty and the ballet outfit as a gift for my daughter’s 1st ballet recital. That suitcase has been great for all trips. She wants a full-size AG doll and I plan to get her one when she turns 8 (she is 6 now). The dolls are incredibly well made and will last for generations. I recently heard they will be building an AG store somewhere in the Alpharetta/ North Point area by 2009. Has anyone else heard about this?

My daughter also has several Bratz dolls and loves them. I have no problem with her playing with them because I have taught her right from wrong, real from fantasy & we have instilled good values in her. She knows they are only toys and are not real life. Lighten up people! Life is too short to stress over every little thing. Guide them but let them be kids along the way.

By lucky

February 13, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I purchased one for my granddaughter, who treasured it, read the stories and magazine, and treated it with respect. It is also very well made and can be passed on to younger siblings as well as her children some day. They also had tea parties with other girls and their dolls.

She is outgrowing the doll now, but we traveled to New York to the American Girl doll museum, saw the play, and a multitude of New York sites, just my granddaughter and me. Doll - expensive; trip with grandma and granddaughter - priceless. I’m still smiling, because I never had a daughter.

By Ken

February 13, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I think you worry too much. You should be teaching the values. How the kid plays with the doll will be reflection of that. So, how are your values?

By Ken

February 13, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

…and if you think they are too expensive then don’t buy the things. There’s a good lesson for the kids, not to mention you.

By RJ

February 13, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

A doll is just that, a doll. My daughter had Barbie dolls and so did I. She’s 12 now and loves to wear really cute clothes even if they’re from Wal-mart. She just wants to feel good about herself.

Marilyn - I would think you were CRAZY if you called me about a doll that you felt was trashy. Obviously the parent didn’t feel that way. You went waaaaaayy overboard and I don’t know what you expected to accomplish. Do you?

Yes the dolls are expensive, just as the adoption dolls were when I was a kid in the 80’s. I still wanted one, but my mom gave me a “fake” one. I still have it and I was never embarassed by it. Teach your kids values at home and they’ll be fine.

By 2 Can Play That Game

February 13, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Ok, first of all, please tell me what is so “trashy” about Bratz dolls? Of all the comments, the majority have said Bratz dolls give a less than desirable depiction of an “all american girl”….why do you all feel that way? my daughter happens to love them, and as a dedicated father, I see nothing “trashy” about these dolls….I do know they happen to look more like her, than Barbie, does.

By Reader

February 13, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

A couple of people mentioned the American Girl magazine. I am a librarian and I’ll tell you that it is a wonderful magazine for girls 8 - 12. It doesn’t promote the dolls at all, other than having the same names. It’s geared to interests of GIRLS, not teen-agers. Its focus is on friendships and hobbies. The advice column is great —again, about problems with school, friends & parents —not boyfriends and fashion. I highly recommend it.

By SpaceyG

February 13, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

My daughter got an American Girl doll for Christmas from an aunt and uncle. They have no children, so they love buying my daughter, their niece, pricey gifts. We’re lucky that way. She loves the doll, it brings her enjoyment to play with it, and I didn’t have to pay for it, which I would never have done myself. I’m with Clark on this one, but neither do I ever look a gift-horse in the mouth!

By Jesse's Girl

February 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

No way in hell would I ever spend that kind of money on a dern doll! Theresa….your mother spent upwards of $1000 if she bought 3 dolls and multiple outfits for them. Thats insane! Personally…..I would rather spend a comparable amount on a weekend with my girls…that would be awesome. Our girls also know that the Bratz and My Scene dolls are off limits. They know that we…as their parents….think the way they are dressed and marketed contradict our values. They are fine with it. We are also teaching them how to use their money wisely. We let them choose what they spend their gift money on. Nine out of 10 times, it is some artsy fartsy thing they choose.

In the end…its all about where you fall on the “what are you willing to spend big money on” scale. I agree with Clark….it just ain’t worth it.

By ayoungmom

February 13, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

To be honest, I had never even heard of an American Girl doll until this year. My daughter is almost 4 and to tell the truth if she really wanted one, I’d prob get her ONE. It is one doll and if we could afford I’d buy it. We don’t go overboard on toys and stuff for her, so one splurge for a b-day I think would be okay. My Mom bought me a Cabbage Patch when I was about 9, that was in 1984. I know she payed good money for it and had to expend a lot of effort, but I really wanted that doll and I was a good kid, and did well in schoool and stayed out of trouble. I’ll never forget Christmas morning 1984 waking up and seeing that doll under the tree. You know what I still have that Cabbage Patch, 20+ years later. My daughter plays with it now. I appreciated the effort my mother went through to get me the Cabbage Patch and I would teach my daughter the same appreciation for her special item (American Girl doll or otherwise).

By KAY

February 13, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

We did the tea party in Chicago. Absolutely a great event for my family. A Christmas present from my mother to her granddaughters and my sister and myself. Not just with AG, but I teach my daughter how to avoid the pressure to buy from all places we visit. AG is no different from Build A Bear. Bath and Body is the worst with their Buy 50 get 1 free promotions.

By Laura

February 13, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

My daughter is only 2 and doesn’t yet play with dolls, but I would consider an American Girl doll down the road, but only for a special occassion, and only if I felt she would truly appreciate and value it. Yes, they are very expensive, but I’d rather spend $100 on a nice, heirloom quality doll than $20 on a Bratz doll (which she will NEVER have). Now, will she have several of them? Doubtful. But, a special doll isn’t out of the question for us, and no, we’re not wealthy.

However, as someone who was never into dolls as a child, I’d prefer she never ask for one at all! :)

By Mercy

February 13, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

I have bought and given away several American Girl dolls, with accoutrements, over the years. The earliest dolls now belong to college girls, the most recent ones are still “on display ” on top of tall bookcases, waiting for the child to be old enough to appreciate the toy.
The dolls have been loved and played with like no other toy by the college-age girls, just as they have outlasted every other toy these girls ever received. And yes, both girls brought them along to school. Expensive? I remember one game-addicted son receiving a $70 video game for Christmas. By January 15 he was bored with it and never played with it again. Maybe if Clark Howell could find AG at Costco he’d get over it.

By Jack

February 13, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

I buy my daughters those polly pocket dolls and polly pocket stuff. I also buy them dora dolls and dora stuff.

I refuse to buy any doll that is trashy, barely dressed or represents the “wild” side of life. I try my best to buy stuff for my daughters that are decent and wholesum.

As for the American girl doll I have and would buy more..

Price, ummmmmmmm all kids toys and dolls are expensive if you ask me but I love my daughters so I spoil them. I do teach them that expensive toys and money do not define one’s character and is definatly not a important part of life. I also teach them to share their toys with friends and to give some away to friends or kids at church that are not fortunate to be given them.

By gracie's mommy

February 13, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

My 3 year old daugther has an AG bitty baby. I bought the twins and gave her one and her cousin the other (made to look like them, you can mix and match those). I paid $80 for both which is $40 per doll, that isn’t outrageous given you can’t even buy a crappy doll for under $20. I didn’t buy the larger doll because those aren’t recommended until 8, and by then girls are mature enough to take care of a nice doll. My daughter loves hers and takes it everywhere. If someone wants a quality doll without spending the money, shop for them on ebay, they will definitely outlast dolls that aren’t much (if any) cheaper.

As far as the AG store in NYC, I thought it was really neat. I went there without my daughter to get an outfit for her doll. Girls were everywhere with their dolls, so excited, having a great time. I got her doll a pair of jeans ($10) and a NYC tshirt ($8) - if you go to Toys R Us you’ll pay close to the same thing for lesser quality. A store is supposed to be opening in Alpharetta/North Point mid to later this year. [http://www.ggp.com/company/PressRelease.asp?id=345]

By Kirsten

February 13, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

When these dolls first came out my husband bought me the Kirsten doll since that’s my name and I bought the books about Kirsten. They have both been in my closet since I got them…still in the box in mint condition. I know several little girls who also have the doll that has their name. I think as long as they realize things for these dollas are expensive and are taught the value of a dollar it’s not a problem.

By jeff

February 13, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

I still have my G.I. Joe’s from the early 70’s. All of them are in mint condition.. Seven of them them are still in the Original boxes and have not been opened.

By Tina

February 13, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

My cousin, who is now 23, received a Samantha doll when she was around six or seven. I remember that was a big deal in my family (I was already an adult at that point). My aunt and uncle asked my grandmother to buy her the steamer trunk for Morgan for Christmas or her birthday. My grandmother did so, but we ALL knew that thing cost $120, which at the time was obscene (I think it still is). I think my grandmother was astonished at the outrageous prices. When she’d give us $100 as teenagers for Christmas presents, it went a lot farther than not even the price of one part of the doll set.

I had a few Madame Alexander dolls growing up, and my nieces each have a few of them. The shame in those is that they’re not even good to play with (unless you’re me and play with them anyway and trash them). And those are wicked expensive too.

My nieces have each gotten an American Girl doll this past Christmas. They have grandparents on both sides who have contributed either a matching outfit or some other part of the set. I think it’s good that it’s a more wholesome approach than Bratz or blingy Barbie, but part of me cringes that it costs so very much. And I thank the stars I have two sons!

By scubber

February 13, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Jeff How did you not open a GI Joe doll box?!?!?!

It must have been one of the less-liked editions. I remember those. It would be the one your Grandmother bought you, like Navy Engineer GI Joe with surveyor scope and rolling tape measure. Just kidding.

I think I still have an Aquaman doll in original box. Have no idea why I had such an aversion to the green scaled speedo and orange skin suited Superfriend, but i hated him more than Marvin or Gleek. I think I may have hated him more than Scrappy Doo appearances on Scooby Doo.

If you have a Sea Wolf GI Joe with one-man exploration submarine, I have a sweeeeet mint-condition Aquaman in box I can trade you for it.

eh? eh?

ho hum. Nobody likes Aquaman.

By Casey

February 13, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl - why don’t you tell us how you really feel? (your 12:38 post). You said you’d rather spend a weekend with your girls than the money on this doll? Um, with an outfit it’s less than $120 - what kind of weekend are you splurging for? Ewwwww.

Are you saying you don’t buy your children any presents? All they get are weekends with you? I hope not. Would you rather spend $120 on a bunch of crap at Christmas (or birthday) that they’ll discard within 6 months or buy a doll that they’ll cherish their entire lives and pass on to their children? Huh? Huh? Huh?

You also said: “We are also teaching them how to use their money wisely. We let them choose what they spend their gift money on. Nine out of 10 times, it is some artsy fartsy thing they choose.” So, you’re teaching them how to use their money wisely, but 90% of the time they buy some artsy fartsy thing instead of a quality item? Sounds like you’re doing a p**-poor job of teaching them!

Face it - you’re just to cheap. Buy your daughters something nice instead of the same-old crap.

2 Can Play That Game (your 12:06 post) - you don’t think that Bratz dolls are trashy? Have you bothered to look at them? They resemble 12-14 year olds wearing hooker makeup and clothes. Don’t you remember the big hoopla about a year ago when it was pointed out that some of the larger ones were wearing thong panties? If you want your daughter to look like a Bratz doll, clearly you have incest issues.

By Meg

February 13, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with Bratz dolls? To even have to ask such a question you would have to be completely “of the world.” Since we are Christians we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, and the Bible to consult for what is right and wrong, and the immodesty and worldliness of the Bratz dolls is obviously something we should not have or support, and certainly not something we’d give our children as TOYS. Parents are supposed to be responsible. By buying things that reflect values not consistent with ours, we are giving those things our tacit approval and sending the message to our kids that this is OK. They may encounter these things out in the world, at friends’ houses etc, but they will know that we don’t approve of them and they’re not our values. That’s the best we can do. Otherwise we just throw them in the middle of the lake and tell them to learn to swim, and let society dictate their values, and guess what, society doesn’t HAVE any.

By Amy

February 13, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I think the American Girl dolls are great. I grew up reading the books and to this day still remember the stories. As for the price, its what you have to pay sometimes for quality. My mom bought me a Corelle doll back in the day and I know it was well over $100. I also had 3 Madame Alexander dolls. 20+ years later, they still look brand new. An American Girl Doll will last the child’s lifetime, and she may even pass it on to her daughter or to her granddaughter. My mother has a doll that she got when she was little. It was not a cheap doll and thus is still in existence and still looks almost brand new, even though she played with it. I don’t think a child needs more than 1, and you can buy less expensive accessories and make furniture yourself.

By jlb

February 13, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

My daughter has been asking for an american girl doll for about 3 years. She is 6 years old and has been saving for the doll since christmas. Her dad made a deal with her that if she worked hard and saved half the cost he would pay the other half. She understands the value of money and is very upset if she gets part of her allowance taken away. She strives for prefection to earn the money. We are so proud that she has learned this lesson and are buying the doll for her birthday next month. She has truely earned it.

By Amy

February 13, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Also, I forgot to mention that my mom did not buy us a lot of toys. She would rather spend $100 on a toy that would last years (and they did, she still has them at her house) than spend $100 on 20 little cheap toys. So even if a parent buys their child an expensive toy, it doesn’t mean the child is spoiled. It’s teaching kids about quality vs. quantity.

By CJP

February 13, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

2 Can Play That Game - I am with you! There is nothing wrong with Bratz dolls. At least we pay attention to what are children are playing with instead of letting the TV, computer, PS3, Xbox, etc baby-sit them while we watch reruns of Desperate Housewives. I meet parents all the time who say, “I would never let my kids play with_”. The next time these kids come to my house they bring their __ with them. They are the same parents who say they never take their kids for fast food but go to the drive-thru for a Happy Meal so they don’t accidentally bump into someone they know inside. Instead of stressing over a plastic doll pay more attention to what your kids are doing on the computer, to what they say to their friends and what they scribble in their notebooks. Plastic dolls will be long forgotten but stuff they do when you are not looking could have life-long consequences.

Meg - shouldn’t you be hanging out with Laura Mallory trying to stop all this evil fiction from ruining YOUR Christina beliefs?

By Jesse's Girl

February 13, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Casey…genius….I referenced Theresa’s mother buying 3 dolls PLUS multiple outfits. Using your math, I could at least have $360 for that EEEWWWW weekend. Thats only IF I purchased one outfit to accompany the dolls. Inlcude multiple outfits like Theresa said….which I take to mean more than 2….then yes dear….we’re talking what I consider a major amount of money for dolls. Idiot.

By MA

February 13, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

In the early 60’s I spent $8 (a month’s allowance) on a Barbie doll. I kept in clean and in it’s box when I wasn’t playing with it. In the early 80’s I sold that Barbie for $650 and paid for a ticket for my adopted baby to be escorted to the US from Costa Rica. In twenty years those American Girl dolls may do something wonderful too.

By greg

February 13, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I resisted buying these dolls for my daughter for a long time. She is 10 years old. For Christmas last year I bought her one doll, an outfit and bed. Yes they were expensive but they’re VERY high quality. My daughter takes good care of her AG doll and accessories. On the other hand the no-name dolls are usually headless and or naked under her bed.

By Casey

February 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl (idiot) - Theresa’s mother bought 3 dolls - but only 1 for each child!! Did you read that? DUH

One doll for one child is less than $120 - again, that’s a mighty pathetic weekend retreat! And - since you haven’t read the other posts - we’re talking about buying less expensive clothes. Geez, you’re a dimwit.

Try and get a clue.

By Casey

February 13, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

CJP - you think you can buy your daughter whatever they want and it’s okay because they’ve been taught values? Huh? Hardly.

Buy them a porno magazine, dildo and condoms and see what happens. After all, you taught them right! You’ll see - the type of “toy” does matter!

By Mandy

February 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

About the generic brands: I remember when adoption dolls (fore runners of cabbage patch kids) were popular and they were also very expensive. I wanted one, but I didn’t get one. Instead, my mother had one of her aunts make me one. I still have that doll and I think it’s much nicer than the adoption dolls. Generic isn’t always the worst option.

By Jesse's Girl

February 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Casey…what is your damn problem? I’ll try and use smaller words. If I were the grandmother in this scenario…I would have rather spent all that money on a weekend with my grandchildren. In my opinion, those memories mean more. There….is that better? You are exceedingly antagonistic and full of p** and vinegar. One word sweetie…PAMPRIN. And in your case, maybe that box of wine you’re saving for something “special”.

By Meg

February 13, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Wow, CJP, you’re very intolerant of other people’s bel;iefs, yet you seem to have none of your own. Isn’t that always the case? There are no Bratz dolls in my house, period, and my children probably wouldn’t be allowed to play with yours, since I try to seek mainly good influences for mine. Praying for your children, and no, I don’t believe in “Christina.” : )

By CJP

February 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Casey - actually, I do not buy my daughter whatever she wants- she has to earn special toys. And for you to compare a child’s toy to the adult items you mentioned shows your immaturity & stupidity. Maybe you should go to the Love Shack blog since you have an immense amount of knowledge about these items. I hope they bring great happiness to your lonely existence.

How old are your kids? You didn’t mention what you let your kids play with. Do you have kids? How much do YOU spend on your weekends away with them? I’m sure Jesse’s Girl would like to know as well.

By CJP

February 13, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Oops..let me correct myself before Meg has a stroke- I meant Christian

By Jennifer

February 13, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Gosh, I’m curious what toys you grumpy people played with when you were kids!!

By Jesse's Girl

February 13, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

RainBow Brite comes to mind…remember her? Usually we all just played outside. We rode horses a lot too.

By deidreNC

February 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

gosh people can just get nasty over anything it seems…

i would not spend so much on a doll simply because there has never been a time when i could have afforded it-if i COULD afford it who knows..i may have…i know i scrimped to death to buy my (grown now) daughter a cabbage patch doll so whos to know—

for the record i absolutely hate the bratz-my grand daughter has them and thank God she is getting over them…trachy lil b**ches they are lol..geeze who thought of those anyway…

also-off topic- i also cant stand that dvd cartoon for kids that features ‘cayoo’ (sp?)not sure if thats how its spelled…what a whiney brat whos supposed to teach toddlers stuff??? grr..hes not allowed here lol

By Heather

February 13, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Meg, my husband & I won’t buy our daughters Bratz dolls, “Hooker Barbies” etc. because we want our kids to grow up with decent, godly values. We are Jewish, by the way. To say that good morals & values are the sole domain of Christians is grossly insulting to the rest of us, as much of a minority as we may be!

By Jack

February 13, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Hey as anyone seen those awesome dolls at parisian dept store at the mall? they are the bomb, they look like REAL babies and my daughters love them. They aer upstairs inside parisians, parents you need to check them out if you have not seen them. They come with everything, clothes, bottles, baby beds, swings, ect…..

You can find them at parisian at town center mall.

By Christopher Beatty

February 13, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Clark, I agree that the dolls are a little pricey, but are a better alternative to the Bratz. Last year my daughter insisted on having one when we visited an American Girl Store, so I made her use her allowance and I finaced the difference for her. By the time she finished paying it off she had decided that maybe she did not need the doll that badly to fork over 3 months of allowance. Since then she has enjoyed her doll and this lesson on impulsive buying.

By Kelly

February 13, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

My daughter got the Target doll one Christmas with all the extras, because I didn’t want to pay the price for all the ‘stuff’. She still asked for an AG, so a couple of years later, she got the AG. She loved playing with both dolls, but the quality of the doll and the books doll made her special. Also AG has great books for girls about growing up and I highly suggest ‘The Care and Keeping of You’ for older elementary school aged girls. So I don’t have a problem with the values taught by AG, it is up to the parent how much of the ‘stuff’ you purchase.

By Emily

February 13, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

I bought one for my daughter ten years ago (she is now 18). I didn’t go crazy over the clothes, but I did purchase the books. My daughter is now a history major at Duke (loved those American Girls stories, I guess!) and even took her aging doll with her to college.

If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. I saved up for a year before I bought my daughter a doll.

By Meg

February 13, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Heather Ummmm, I didn’t say that Christian values were the only kind there are, I said they are what motivate OUR family, and the Holy Spirit guides us. I know that the Bible is the sole repository of truth and the way to tell right from wrong. I am sure of it. That’s what I speak from, my own experience. Why are Christians not allowed to speak of their religion in any context? The Bible is the basis of all moral belief today, how does that exclude Judaism, though? God commanded morality and modesty in the Books of Law as well as New Testament. I said society has no morals or values, unless you are somehow personally responsible for that state I don’t see how you took offense at what I said, but I’m sorry if you did.

By Rani

February 13, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

My daughter has two American Girl dolls and has ZERO idea how much they cost. She’s 5. She loves her dolls, but still plays with her Bratz dolls more (which I DE-spise). I like the AG dolls because they have cute complete outfits, and the store (I am in Chicago) is a nice outing…its like Disney just for little girls.

This is no better or worse than the Cabbage Patch phenomenon when I was a child…I had no idea how much they cost, I just knew I wanted one. In the toy phase of their lives, our children don’t place monetary value on these items and that’s ok—they are children.

By Mary

February 13, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Growing up, I had two American Girl dolls. One my parents gave me for my eigth birthday, the other I bought with my own money. It was the same with my sisters. We loved to look at the catelogs, and knew the prices for everything. Usually, we each got an outfit for birthdays/Christmas but for anything else we wanted we had to save up our allowance money.

Looking back, I think they are well worth the price. The quality is outstanding, and the dolls are wholesome. We did have comprable 18-inch dolls by another maker, and while they were nice, the quality just wasn’t quite the same.

By OldSchool

February 13, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks to grandparents, my girls had most everything ever concocted for Barbie. So, what did they do with the dolls? Well, a Ken head wound up as part of a Celtic warrior diorama and Barbie heads tend to grace the Christmas tree from time to time.

I’d pass along all that stuff to grandkids but I don’t think my grandboy would appreciate it. He’s into trucks and cars.

A favorite babydoll of my youngest was one that looked just like Erk Russell.

By Sk8ingmomma

February 14, 2007 6:35 AM | Link to this

First, expensive is relative. AG may not be expensive for some. The knockoff brand at Target at a fraction of the cost ($20/doll) may be expensive for some. You cannot make a blanket statement on what is expensive.

Second, each child is different. My 8yo daughter has an AG doll as well as a knockoff brand 18” doll. She plays with both; however, she does play with her AG doll more. (I think that she likes the hair better.) She is very into dolls. IMO, it is refreshing that my likes to play with dolls. She is still a little girl.

Third, parents control how much money is spent at AG. I’ve gone to the AG Place with my daughter. We had a FABULOUS time! It is certainly a money pit; however, I determined how much money was spent. Mattel did not hold a gun to my head and make me purchase anything and I do know how to tell my dd “No”. IMO, it was an afternoon & money well spent…The memories we made are priceless!

Finally, AG will not break or make one’s character or warp one’s values. My daughter is just as content to play with her AG doll as she is to play outside digging in the dirt and exploring nature. One’s values and character are certainly shaped by more than a line of dolls.

By AW

February 14, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Lay off Marylin - I’m sure there were a lot of other options (candy, card games, puzzles, books) that were in a similar price range.

At least she had the guts to face the person and set her straight. The rest of you just talk behind others backs and cackle like hens about people like this.

Way to go Marylin. I hate those trashy barbie w*******.

By mom & aunt

February 14, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

My daughter has three AG dolls, all Christmas presents. She is seventeen now, and the dolls were purchased so long ago that I couldn’t remember the cost, but it didn’t seem like that much. Two Christmases ago I wanted to get the dolls for my two little nieces. Frankly I was shocked by the cost. Has it gone up that much in ten years or do I just have a faulty memory? I ended up getting them the $20 “mini” AG dolls instead. What a rip-off!

By Scott Earp

February 14, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

With all the problems facing young girls in school and society, you idiots are demeaning a doll that teaches values, history, and allows a girl to use her imagination. The associated books allow girls to read on their own. My daughter has 4 of these dolls, one of which was picked out in person during a trip to the American Girl store in Chicago. These dolls are played with more than any other toy, and they are well taken care of. I have fairly strict standards, and I find absolutly nothing objectionable about these dolls. Yes they cost a few bucks, but who cares. So do the junky toys, video games, and gaming consoles you buy on a regular basis.

By Scott Earp

February 14, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

With all the problems facing young girls in school and society, you idiots are demeaning a doll that teaches values, history, and allows a girl to use her imagination. The associated books allow girls to read on their own. My daughter has 4 of these dolls, one of which was picked out in person during a trip to the American Girl store in Chicago. These dolls are played with more than any other toy, and they are well taken care of. I have fairly strict standards, and I find absolutly nothing objectionable about these dolls. Yes they cost a few bucks, but who cares. So do the junky toys, video games, and gaming consoles you buy on a regular basis.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Scott….no one is demeaning the moral integrity of these dolls. The argument is are they too expensive to make them worth it? No one is touting them as dolls of ill repute. They are very well made and our girls have most of the books. However….the dolls and the clothing and all the other “must haves” that go along with them cost a good bit. Our kids were given the option at 8 or 9 to opt out of a huge b-day party for a b-day trip. They adore these trips. We have been all over the place. We took the family to the Grand Canyon for our daughter’s 10th b-day. It was so wonderful to see them excited about that big ole’hole in the ground instead of some doll. Its not for every family…but our daughters enjoy ths family tradition more than wrapped gifts. During these trips the b-day kid gets to choose all restaurants and gets to create the itinerary. Its awesome!

By Cammi317

February 14, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

My daughter has one American Girl doll. It was a gift for her 6th birthday from my sister. I had previously purchased one for my niece 4 months earlier for her birthday when my sister was low on cash. That was 3 years ago. She still loves that doll and her books. Admittedly, it did cost me a pretty penny to have her wig replaced a year and a half ago.

For my daughter’s 9th birthday I ordered a My Twinn doll. It was more expensive than the American Girl doll but it is something she will always cherish. She puts both dolls to bed everynight before she goes to bed, watches tv with them, etc. It’s sweet. I figure she only has a couple of more years before boys will be more interesting than dolls, so I am enjoying this innocent time while it lasts.

By luvs2teach

February 14, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Yes, the AG dolls are expensive for me and my daughter, they were worth every penny.

My daughter was 7 and in 2nd grade when a friend of hers brought over “Samantha” - this was clearly a doll that she treasured. We got the catalogue and my daughter and I picked out “Kirsten” for Christmas that year. She got the doll, the bed, and a few accessories thoughout the next couple years as gifts from family for her birthday and holidays. Sometimes she would save money to buy something herself. She also proceeded to buy or borrow from the library every available AG book, for all the girls. This turned her into a life-long reader - priceless in my opinion. She played with the paper dolls and also the theater kits, putting on plays with her friends. She wrote her own stories about the girls - now she’s an English major in college!

The doll and her accessories are now carefully stored in our attic, awaiting her daughter or niece. The quality is such that they can be handed down and treasured. You can’t put a price on the quality and creativity of her play - well worth every penny.

By DianeB

February 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t really care how much they cost. I love the dolls, they are beautifully made. My daughter had three of them when she was growing up, with a few accessories. We tended to purchase 18” doll clothes at a few speciality stores around town instead of the “official” AG clothes, but she had a few of those, too. If Clark thinks they cost too much, then he shouldn’t buy them. At the time, my daughter had no clue how much they cost — they were a gift, and as anyone with any manners will tell you, you don’t question or demure over the cost of a gift. You write a lovely thank you note :-)

By Reader

February 14, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

To luvs2teach — I loved your post. Toys that rely on imagination are worth so much more.

It seems like a lot of those posting have forgotten the original questions: I see no way these dolls in themselves could teach “wrong values.”

What does teach wrong values, however, are parents who buy their children any- and everything they want, who give into the pressure to keep up with the neighbors, and who tell (even just by actions) that it’s okay to turn your nose up at others’ possessions and interests that you don’t think are as good as your own.

By luvs2teach

February 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Reader - thanks - you’re right about the price of the dolls themselves not teaching values- it’s the parents. If you give your kids the latest and greatest and everything he or she wants, then, no, the dolls won’t be worth it - they’ll be left in a heap with the rest when something new comes along.

My daughter knew these were special, and she had to forego choosing more, but cheaper, toys when she chose something from AG. It was never about impressing her friends, or having the right doll to bring to play. This carried over to middle and high school, too, where she didn’t feel as pressured to have the right shoes or jeans - also worth the price of the dolls!

By Teacher

February 14, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

My 8 yr old & I just got into the Addy AG doll. These books have prompted her to read chapter books for the first time & she read all 6 by herself in 2 1/2 weeks. I’m so impressed with them that I’m using the Addy books to teach the history of slavery & the Civil War to my 1st & 2nd gr. students & they’re enjoying it. I really want the products so I’ve gone on ebay & I’ve found some pretty good bargains. I actually went to the AG Place in NY over the holidays but stayed disciplined & only left with a set of books which I paid 40.00 for. (I bought another set on ebay for 15.50 incl. shipping). AG Place is 4 floors & was a packed madhouse of parents. If anyone wants to sell their well cared for Addy and products please let me know. It would make my lessons come alive. Thanks

By Natalie

February 21, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

My girls have off-brand, AG type dolls., 1 per child. The dolls came from the second hand store, the girls helped me choose new wigs for the dolls, and I have sewn lots of clothes for them. All of my kids’ friends are ENVIOUS because my girls have such nice dolls! (I was careful to only get dolls with nice faces—some are less appealing than others)

I can’t imagine anyone in our particular social circle caring whether a doll is brand-name or not, but maybe I’m living in a strange part of the country?

By Natalie

February 21, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Addition to my previous comment: I gave each of my girls their AG-type doll when she was less than one year old. They have loved those dolls since before they could walk! The dolls really do hold up to little kids play! I got the new wigs now that the girls are old enough to care about nice hair.

By Aimee

February 21, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

I think the American Girl dolls are wonderful, and I purchased a Bitty Baby for my three year old because, with a bi-racial child, I was able to find a doll that reflected her skin tone. I don’t know if ultimately it will be that important in her development, but I am always on the lookout for dolls that more closely reflect her heritage. She has dolls with other complexions too that friends have given her, and I am happy for her to have a mixture, but I feel that it is my responsibility to seek out these dolls just as I look for other educational items to help her explore her two different cultural heritages. I applaud American Girl for all the positive messages they send our girls and for celebrating diversity in their products.

By milissa

February 27, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

I think American dolls are great fun, and if you buy clearance, and on sale items a great bargain. My 5 year old has the bitty twins and a bitty baby, she has a couple of outfits and a few of her own. I only buy on sale. Recently I was told that at craft fairs you can find people that make original clothing for the doll and for the girls at really reasonalbe rates. I’m definately looking into it.