Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC’s only.
Three girls with three hearts devoted to American Girl means we spend a lot of time going through each and every American Girl catalog that comes to our house. That catalog is like the big fat Sears catalog was to me when I was growing up. They spend hours circling things, discussing items and talking about who they imagine they will give so many of the dolls and accessories to, if only they had an unlimited bank account. This year I rounded up the girls and asked them to tell me their top three items they would like to receive or give to friends.
TD’s Picks (8 and up)
1. Saige Doll & Book ($110)
TD has been asking for Saige, the 2013 Girl of the Year, since she debuted in January. She did the same with Lanie in 2010 and that was when we first gave in to the spirit and fun of American Girl. Lanie is well loved and might need a bit of a break. I think Saige, a spirited and imaginative girl who loves painting and horseback riding, is a good match for Lanie’s love of outdoors. The Saige doll is 18” tall with light skin, freckles, long auburn-colored hair, and dark turquoise eyes. She has pierced ears with earrings, and wears a Southwestern ring on her right hand. Saige comes in an indigo knit dress with cropped sleeves, geometric embroidery, and a tiered skirt. Includes tall boots with wrap straps and blue cotton underwear, plus the Saige paperback book, written by Jessie Haas. I already see a bracelet that matches Saige’s belt in TD’s stocking. Sshh…
2. Delicious Breakfast Kit ($58)
“I wish I could eat it! It looks so real! It comes with syrup! I wish I could have that in my stomach!” That’s what she said. I could go on but this super cute kit includes everything for a truly special breakfast. From a pitcher of orange juice to a maple leaf shaped bottle of syrup, clusters of strawberries, cinnamon rolls, utensils, dishes and so much more. It’s adorable and I see hours of imaginary play built right in.
3. Gymnastics Outfit ($24)
A cute fuchsia, white, and blue leotard with satin stripes and an Innerstar University™ logo at the hip. Comes with slippers for meets, a silvery medal on a ribbon, certificate and a “Strong” heart charm for the doll’s charm-keeper necklace.
The Comedian’s Picks (5 and up)
1. Molly’s Birthday Set ($68)
I really hope Santa can get his hands on this item. Molly, a long treasured doll, is leaving in December. The Comedian and Molly are spitting images of each other and this is her number one pick in the Molly collection. It is a proper English tea set with a pretend chocolate cake, ten candles, cups, saucers, teapot, napkins, forks and spoons. Totally adorable, fun and bright!
2. Stackable Lunch Set ($28)
The American Girl food play sets are always big in our house. This new one features a top layer that holds a flower-shaped sandwich, metal fork, and paper napkin, an apple wedge in the middle layer and a bottom layer with brownies, raspberries and orange slices. The vinyl carrier becomes a placemat too!
3. Campus Snack Cart ($150)
A big ticket item that all our girls could share is this snack cart. Fully stocked with two hot dogs, ketchup, mustard, ice cream sandwiches, berry smoothies, corn cobs, fruit kabobs, French fries and ice cream cones the cart has a pretend sink, microwave, and refrigerator; cash drawer; shelves; menu board; and towel bar. It also contains five pretend dollar bills and 20 pretend coins, paper serving trays and the hot dog cooker really lights up. Total dream list material!
The Fifth Element’s Picks (Ages 3 and up)
1. Bitty Baby & Me with book ($80)
New to the American Girl experience our three year-old instantly fell in love with her Bitty Baby. She loves the accompanying book too. Perfect for the 3 and up crowd it is a soft-bodied doll that can be picked with a variety of 11 different combinations of skin tone, eye-, and hair-color, allowing girls to create a one- of-a-kind companion that’s just right for them. Each doll comes dressed in her signature sleeper, along with a special “wishing star” keepsake toy. The hardcover book is a perfect addition that we read quite frequently.
2. Deluxe Bitty Baby Layette Set ($180)
Go big or go home, right? The Fifth Element is always accessorizing so this takes the Bitty Baby doll even further with her 15-piece layette set. The deluxe collection comes with the Bitty Baby doll of your choice, dressed in a cloth diaper and Cuddly Star Pajamas and the Bitty Baby and Me hardcover book. A set of mix-and-match outfits include a gingham dress with embroidery and eyelet lace at the hem, a knit cardigan with scalloped trim and embroidered details, knit pants, white tights, pink shoes, a soft star rattle, a bottle, bib and two hangers that all fit nicely into a satin suitcase. If Santa brings it she will stuff that thing full and carry it all over the house.
3. Cuddly Star Pajamas for Girls ($38)
Just like her sisters The Fifth Element likes to dress like her American Girl doll. The sweet and soft pajama set matches the outfit that each Bitty Baby doll arrives in. A wrap-front top and pull-on pants make it easy to dress herself and cuddle up close to her doll.
That’s it for us! While there are loads of choices this holiday season from American Girl (think sparkly holiday dresses for both girls and dolls) the choice is really all yours. There are new items right now and lots of possibilities. I love that the girls spend hours setting up worlds with their dolls in mind and in action. They take them everywhere and show their dolls their lives through their individual eyes and it is a real glimpse into how their minds and personalities work and shine. For those reasons and many more I love indulging them in the American girl world.
BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!
Not only that! From now to December 31, 2013, customers who make a purchase with American Girl in store or online will receive a thank you gift–a promo code for a free 20-page, American Girl-themed hardcover photo book (valued at $29.99), redeemable at Shutterfly.com!! We can’t wait to get ours!
