The holidays are all about being personal. I don’t do that very much on TMC, at least not anymore. Call me nostalgic but I get that way about American Girl.
When American Girl, then Pleasant Company, debuted in the mid-80’s I was ten years-old. My Dad knew that my love of history and dolls would just swoon over the catalog. He was right. It was love at first sight. I earmarked the Samantha pages but loved reading the details about all the dolls, which at the time was only three. My wish for more than a few Christmases was for the Samantha doll. It’s one of the many reasons I do an American Girl gift guide each holiday season.
Source: museumofplay.org
See that girl reading to her Samantha doll? That was what I wanted many a Christmas morning.
Well, I never got Samantha. I’m OK, I swear. When my oldest daughter was first getting into American Girl she gravitated towards Lanie, the doll of 2010. Lanie was most like her in personality. She was the only doll around that had her mix of hazel eyes and curly blond hair. It was love at first sight for her too. Six years later Lanie still reigns supreme and she sleeps with her every night. Bitty Babies, Molly, Saige and Isabelle have joined our household ranks. It’s obvious that American Girl is big in our home. The oldest makes videos of her homemade AG creations and set-ups. The middle one plays with the pets and their accessories and for a while Bitty Baby was enough for the youngest. Until the archived Samantha Parkington made a comeback this fall.
Guess what makes the top of her Christmas wish list? Samantha will be loved again! In my home!
It’s part of my American Girl Holiday Gift Guide too!
American Girl – Beforever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book /
I love that Samantha is back! While the little one enjoys her new doll, the oldest has become immersed in the new BeForever collection of books featuring characters like Addy, Kit, Julie, Caroline, Rebecca and yes, even Samantha. She’s burning through them faster than we can pick them up at the library and store! She loves being able to “meet” the characters and enter their world while going on adventures and solving mysteries with them. They have become fun bedtime stories too.
Perfect as a set or individually placed in a stocking.
Just in time for the holidays! Samantha’s Holiday Set!
I love that the silver-tone tray has a bit of weight to it making it more authentic. The pieces are all well-made and will provide hours of imaginary fun and memories.
American Girl has many options for ages 3 on up with many special sets that are around only for the holiday season. I’ll be stocking up on Isabelle items before she is gone at the end of 2014 as well as buying some of the activity and advice books for friends. One of my favorite AG items is the Care and Keeping of You book ($12.99). It has given me an easy but informative and fun way to talk to my tween about her body and how to love and take care of it. It’s a great find!
Other Holiday Hits!
Winter Gear & Outfits for dolls
Matching Pajama Outfits with dolls
Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC’s only.
