American Girl dolls

[Fuamami]

My dd really, really wants one of these. I want her to save up and buy one herself, but I'm wondering if anyone knows any tricks or tips to save money on them? Any coupons? Could she buy one used?

[HarperRose]

My grandmother bought one for my daughter & my niece on ebay. She bought them the Bitty Baby dolls for about $20 each. I don't know what the Girls go for, though.

[Peachthief]

Unfortunately, I can't remember the specifics, but there is another line of dolls that is identical, only cheaper and not as high quality. They don't come with the clothes/accessories, but you can download patterns online and sew them yourself. If I can track down specifics, I'll post them- maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about?

[hopefulfaith]

My daughter is 3 and into her Bitty Babies. We bought everything on ebay. No way was I paying what AG charges. I don't know how old your dd is; there is a fantastic high chair on Magic Cabin that the babies fit into & their clothes fit onto the matching wardrobe/hangers. AG wanted ~$300 for their wardrobe & I about choked - my wardrobe doesn't cost that much!

Ebay and Craigslist are how we're doing it.

[Jenifer76]

My MIL was able to get them at a discount but she knew someone who worked for Mattel (or whoever makes them now). Otherwise outside of Ebay or Craigslist I haven't ever seen a coupon or deal.

[mamadebug]

Around Christmas time, Target had a similar collection of dolls. I don't know if they still have them, but they were about the same size and style. Is it the kind of thing that for the next gift giving holiday your family celebrates, a few people could give her money towards the doll?

[Peachthief]

Found it! They are called Springfield dolls.

http://www.sunshinecrafts.com/dept_v...LSPRNG1&Page=1

Here is the link to the clothes patterns:

http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Pat...sPatterns.html

[Hedgehog Mtn]

Target sells a 20.00 knockoff but the brand name escapes me right now. We bought one for DD 3 or 4 years ago and it's still in really good condition even though it's always her favorite and most played with.

I bought patters for AG dolls and sewed them for her and they fit perfectly.

I *think* Madame Alexander Dolls available at Sam's Club and Toys R Us fit AG stuff too, at least they claim to....I haven't bought them.

[mamabeca]

If you hunt around at garage/yard sales, people do download them when their daughters aren't using them any more. We have found a LOT of clothes that way, though we have never gotten to one early enough to get the doll (we hear "oh, it was the first thing to go" a lot).

[One_Girl]

I've seen small American Girl Dolls at some of the chain book stores for around $17.00.

[TiredX2]

Moved to Frugality & Finances

[Amys1st]

The Target brand is our generations. I have seen them in the store and a neighbor girl has some. They are not as nice quality to be perfectly honest.

Over the years with 2 dds, we have our share of the AG stuff. When dd1 turned one, my SIL who loves to buy things bought a bitty baby for her.
7 years later and two girls, the doll is in good condition after being loved, nursed, worn, thrown on the floor, slept with etc.

Ours have been gifts and dd1 bought one with her bday money one time. Also, we did a trip to the store once and she bought some items.Personally its a bit spendy, but if your girls are into dolls like mine our, its worth it because they will spend hours playing. If its just another toy, take a pass.

[3*is*magic]

We have several AG dolls and I can attest to their high quality. My girls play with them quite a bit and they'd held up beautifully. It's one of those things that, for us, it's worth it to get the real thing.

*Occasionally* there will be a free shipping code for the dolls, or a $10 off $30 code (which is basically the same as free shipping). Keep an eye on retailmenot.com.

The deal in our house is that you can request an AG doll for your birthday or for Christmas. The gives me lots of time to save up .

[Amys1st]

Originally Posted by 3*is*magic

*Occasionally* there will be a free shipping code for the dolls, or a $10 off $30 code (which is basically the same as free shipping). Keep an eye on retailmenot.com.

The deal in our house is that you can request an AG doll for your birthday or for Christmas. The gives me lots of time to save up .

I also get an email from AG and they post their sales, clearance etc plus the free shipping deal once in a while.

We also get the dolls from my parents as gifts. My mom LOVES buying dolls for the girls because she loved dolls and I wasnt into them and my girls are so she is having fun with it.

[luv-my-boys]

I personally have never seen a coupon for a a AG doll, occassionally something like free shipping or a special gift.

There are several knock offs available. Not sure of the quality.

Target: My generation dolls
Toysrus/costco: Madame alexander dolls
I have also seen some "store brand" dolls at places similar to target. Another place is QVC they will sometimes have special AG shows where thy have pymt plans for the dolls.

[hopefulfaith]

I posted earlier, but I also wanted to chime in re: the quality of the AG dolls. We are the second, and possibly third owners of our dolls, and they're in great shape. A few scuffs on the head from being loved, but really good condition.

[zebra15]

http://www.amazon.com/Kit-Mini-Doll-...4369007&sr=8-5

MINI DOLLS !!!!

[Fuamami]

Thanks for the tips!

I think she's definitely going to want an AG doll, not a generic, because she's really into all the books. And I know the quality is good because my little sister had some back in the late 80s.

Since I'm not buying it for her, I'm wondering if it will be best for her to just know she has to save up $100, and then we can look on Ebay at that point and maybe get it for cheaper.

[WorldsBestMom]

I bought my daughter one I bought it before the Christmas season started before they raised the price. So I had like one gift down already for christmas I don't remember the name though I think it was Kit or Katie.. Anyways the dolls are very adorable I hope she doesn't ask me for another one though, they are soo not cheap.

[frugalmama]

Watch your thrift shops - I got my DD a Bitty Baby with 1 outfit for $3 at mine.

I've seen the bigger AG dolls as well - normally in pretty poor shape but they do have the doll hospital you can send them do - might be cheaper to buy a doll in bad shape and send to the hospital rather than a new doll.


FYI on the Bitty Baby dolls preemie clothing often fits them - I have several sleepers I found cheap at the thrift for DD's. Now if only I could find a dress!