The AMERICAN GIRL® Company provided a SAMANTHA PARKINGTON® doll to facilitate this review; all opinions are ours.
Trends come and go. A popular trend spreads like wildfire seemingly overnight but before long it fizzles out just as quickly as it soared to popularity. As I look around, I can list at least a half dozen trends that I’ve noticed have made their appearance in the limelight and then disappeared over the span of a few months. Just recently we saw an immense increased in men who’ve followed Jared Leto’s styling sense by wearing their long hair in a top knot (dubbed man buns and though he may have started the trend, Leto has chopped his off since), women in their 20’s dying their hair granny grey, and social media challenges like the Kylie Jenner lip plumper or the cinnamon challenge. They’re here one minute and gone the next.
American Girl’s History
One trend or popular activity that hasn’t gone out of style since its debut in 1986 is the collecting of AMERICAN GIRL® Dolls. Since their release, the American Girl company has been providing inspiring products for each important stage of a young girl’s development, from preschool to their teenage years. The American Girl trend that exploded overnight has sustained itself over the last 29 years because of their commitment to quality. It has grown to expand products like premium-quality books, dolls, clothes, toys, and accessories.
In 1992 the American Girl Company released its first-ever, exclusive magazine for girls called American Girl, an appropriate age publication designed to address issues such as self-esteem, to celebrate achievements, and to foster creativity in today’s young girls. In 1995, American Girl released their contemporary doll line that has since evolved into Truly Me™, a collection of 18″ dolls, accessories, and exclusive play-based print and digital content for girls ages 8 and up. It was also in 1995 that American Girl released the Bitty Baby™ Collection that targeted audiences ages 3-6.
American Girl Doll: Meeting Samantha Parkington
Jayda met her new best friend, Samantha Parkington, and immediately fell in love with the doll that looks so much like her. The glossy, long brown hair, hazel green eyes, and sweet smile highlighted by the lovely pink polka dotted dress with lace collar, velvet tie, shiny patent leather dress shoes, classic white tights, and a matching black purse.
While Jayda, who’s a bit younger than the target age for this doll at five, loved the quality-made American Girl dress, her imagination was already dreaming up new adventures. It wasn’t long before she had her out of her signature dress and styled for her first day of school complete with a denim backpack and fall jacket. She tucked a tiny teddy bear into the backpack in case she got worried. Next she tried on a princess dress with a pettiskirt, a skirt set with a sweater, and lastly a pair of pajamas with a fuzzy white robe and slippers when it was time to go to bed.
Amerian Girl Doll – Lasting Quality
I was awed by the overall quality of the doll. She’s as well made as the original dolls issued in the 1980’s which my sister purchased for her girls. They kept those dolls and will each be handing them down to their girls. The company continues to use outstanding materials and have created a doll with articulated arms and legs which allow a young girl to dress and undress her doll easily by herself allowing her to change her doll’s story and outfit as often as her imagination requires.
Samantha’s Accessory Kit – Sold Separately Photo Credit: American Girl
American Girl Doll – A Friend for Life
Samantha has been given a spot in Jayda’s very crowded bed, so she’s here to stay. She pushed through some stiff competition with a few princesses to obtain her coveted spot. I love watching how Samatha encourages Jayda to create stories and use her imagination. That’s what I’d call a mutually beneficial relationship.
Samantha arrived with her own book, and we’re looking forward to reading her story and how she fits into history.
Shop for American Girl Products Online
Finding new outfits is easy. Amercian Girl makes clothing in every imaginable style as well as accessories including: Animals & Extras; Bed & Home; Doll Care Products; Glasses; Hair Add-Ons; Mini Dolls; Food & Dining; Nursery; Purses, Watches, & Jewelry, School & Music; Sports & Hobbies; Shoes & Sock.
It will be hard not buying a huge collection of the adorable American Girl products including the animals. I love Carolie’s Calf, Garnet. She’s on sale right now as are the American Girl Books marked at $1.25 each.
Shop online at American Girl – they’re currently offering 20% off select items until August 17th. Never miss another announcement or exciting deal from American Girl and make sure you follow them on Facebook|Twitter|Pinterest|Youtube|Instagram!
Do you have an American Girl Doll fan in your family?
Awww, what a cute doll. I think my little girl will love this doll.
American girl dolls are the best!!! My daughter is only 3 and I already got her a itty bitty. She loves it 🙂
I was obsessed with these dolls when I was little. They were so expensive then though!
My granddaughter is 2. I really hope she likes these when she’s a bit older. It’ll be fun to spoil her.
She looks so cute with her doll. I bet she won’t put her down. My daughter has no interests with dolls at all…she’s more on to dinos and puppies…lol!
I always got the big catalogues when I was a kid. And now that I have a daughter we are only about 30 min from the store (she it still too young) we walked by one day which was a mistake because my husband saw the “salon” and thinks it is all silly. I would like to her one when she is older though!
I have always admired the American Girl dolls. I’ll probably buy my daughter one for Christmas!
Cute doll! My daughter will love this too. Awesome.
We have Samantha and we adore her! Can’t get enough of our American girl doll.
Dolls are a staple in every little girl’s childhood. This doll is beautiful. I would sure love to give this as a gift to the new little ladies in the family.
I love the American Girl Dolls. I do miss out on all that stuff with having boys, but I love seeing my friends kids with them!
These dolls have been around for a long time and are here to stay! These dolls can be played with unlike the ones I received as a child–china with absolutely amazing outfits from foreign countries-but you really could not play or cuddle with them.
The doll does look somewhat like your little girl. I think it is the eyes! I wish I had a doll like this when I was little!
My nieces love American Girl dolls. My sister bought her daughter an entire bedroom set, along with the doll and clothing. I only have sons so I can just imagine the appeal!
I love your doll very realistic . i had a doll when i was young. My daughter would surely like this, the first maybe she get scared but i know she loves doll
I have heard about these dolls for a very long time. Children love playing with them and the stories behind each doll.
She looks so happy with her cute little doll. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to appreciate one.
I had one when I was a little girl. Now I am in all boy mom, so there are no dolls of any kind my house.