The American Girl doll, created in 1986 by former educator Pleasant T. Rowland, represented the perfect collision of luxury plaything and socially-conscious parenting: Each 18-inch doll portrays a 9 or 10-year-old girl at a critical moment in American history: Witness Colonial-era Felicity and Pioneer Kirsten, et al. By the time Mattel bought the brand in 1998, American Girl products encompassed books, extensive mini-wardrobes, a magazine and, eventually, that apex of bright-eyed consumerism, a kind of self-enclosed theme park where junior shoppers can spend the day primping and dreaming in five bright and inviting in-store boutiques. The Dress Like Your Doll shop offers coordinated outfits for girls and their little plastic friends while the Just Like You boutique allows customers to design and purchase mini-replicas of themselves—hair color and texture, eye color, and skin color, to mix and match on demand. Add a doll hair salon, a doll hospital, a bookstore, a café, and a theater presenting An American Girl Musical, and you'll end up wondering if there’s a world outside of Addy, Samantha, and their pint-size gal pals.
SHOPS FOR GIRLS AGES 8 AND UP
Historical Characters
Their stories come to life right before your girl’s eyes! Explore the rich, detailed worlds of Kaya, Josefina, Cécile and Marie-Grace, Addy, Rebecca, Kit, Molly, and Julie—all in one place. Learn about each of their eras and the lessons they learned that make them inspiring examples for today.
Girl of the Year®
Each year, American Girl introduces a character growing up in today’s world. From making friends to facing challenges to learning from her mistakes, every Girl of the Year discovers something new and exciting about herself and the world around her.
My American Girl® Dolls
Does she wear glasses? Is she brave? What sport is her favorite? With a My American Girl® doll, every girl can create the friend just right for her. Plus, dolls come to life online at Innerstar University™, a world filled with games, activities, and advice.
