Holiday Guide: American Girl

Do you know what an American Girl is? If you have a daughter that … can speak … you probably know that they are a “what” and not a “who”. American Girls are a line of must-have dolls that have a “collectors item” look to them, but no girl could ever leave them in a box. They are for ages 8+ , with each doll having her own book and “lesson”, but younger girls think that they “so very much need them” – as my 4 year old niece would say.

In fact, even though these dolls have flitted under my nose, eyes and ears a few times – I didn’t realize how buzzworthy they were until my niece sat me down with a catalog and explained how Santa was going to deliver an American Doll. After leafing through the catalog, seeing the stories, dolls, clothing, matching accessories for children I knew I needed to learn more. I pulled my sister aside and she told me proudly that not only was Santa bringing a Rebecca doll, he was also bringing a matching outfit for my niece. I can just imagine my niece’s expression when she opens that item on Christmas morning!

Moving past the catalog experience, I was still curious about the allure of the dolls, what would attract a 4 year old to this particular doll over the other choices out there? I am 30 years old, possibly beyond the magic age of understanding the appeal of dolls when I have two boys I get to “play house” with, but I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to see my first American Girl in person.

A Chrissa doll arrived at the Mom Buzz, with her book so that I could learn her story. She is actually American Girl’s 2009 Girl of the Year. She offers an inspirational message of friendship as she finds the courage to stand up for herself and others.

One thing I immediately noticed is that Chrissa is so tall! She is 18″ with blue eyes that open and close. She has dark brown hair that is straight. When she arrives in the box , her hair is neatly held in place with plastic and a hair net that you can remove. She is wearing a pink, faux-wrap dress, a floral ribbon bracelet and sparkly purple/pink shoes. Her arms and legs are plastic. Her body is “material” from the waist to her chest. Without a doubt, she is a perfect doll. She isn’t overdone with make-up, unusual proportions, or glam. She is a little girl!

The box she arrives in is pretty simple, but accentuates the doll inside. The box is shades of pink with stars. There is clear plastic where her face is, so you can peek in at her. Her name is on the outside of the box. When you open the box, her story (self-titled) is tucked inside.

Chrissa’s story is about a 4th grade girl who is “bullied”. She tries to ignore the mean girls, but when it gets serious she finds she needs to speak up. The book is 132 pages and retails for $6.95. You can purchase Chrissa by Mary Casanova separately, as well as other titles that relate to Chrissa and bullying, such as:

Chrissa Stands Strong: This story related to e-bullying and how Chrissa put a stop to mean text messages and cruel postings. ($6.95)

Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: I love this book, since it actually gives you tips on what constitutes bullying and how to deal with it. I think EVERY GIRL needs this once they hit middle school. Heck, I could have used those tips in college. This valuable book retails for $9.95.

All of the books have lessons like that, as American Girl helps teach your daughters, granddaughters, goddaughters and nieces lessons that stand the test of time and inspire them to be their best. American Girl helps them find their inner star – during the holidays and everyday.

STOCKING STUFFERS & SPECIAL GIFTS:

You can purchase a matching Chrissa Dress for your daughter to wear! It’s available in sizes 6 to 16. It is a floral, pink pattern with long sleeves and a fabric flower at the waist. It zips in the back.($54)

Or you can purchase a winter outfit for Chrissa! It’s adorable – and heck even I want one! It’s a snowflake, turtleneck sweater with zip front snow pants and snow boots! ($30)

BUZZWORTHY:

Although I love the  story lines and the dolls, it is SO BUZZWORTHY that you can design a doll to resemble your little girl! You can match skin tone, eye and hair color and then accessorize the way your daughter would dress!

Still don’t know what to buy? Check out the American Girl Gift Guide and they can help you make a decision based on your child’s likes! The possibilities are endless, especially with the Just Like You dolls! But as my 4-year old niece would say, “They so very much need an American Girl.”

The Rebecca and Chrissa doll are available through the American Girl catalogue at americangirl.com, and at American Girl retail stores. For a catalogue, call 1-800-845-005.

The is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. The Mom Buzz received a Chrissa doll to review.