Today, many of American Girl's 18-inch-tall dolls start at $98, and some of them can be made-to-order with custom hair types and skin tones. Since then, it has further diversified its collection. Former teacher Pleasant Rowland created the 18-inch dolls and gave them backstories of young girls living during important times in American history. That's precisely what made them worthless, said Josh Levine, a collectibles expert and owner of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale, Arizona. I see why they're so popular. "The characters are either a mirror to a girl, where she can see part of herself, or they're a window into another culture or someone else's perspective," Cygielman said. American girl doll Samantha, Pleasant company stamped on the back of her neck. Layla Spencer, Kansas City Layla Spencer , her feminity embodied. In 1986, the first American Girl doll was released, made by a company called Pleasant Rowland. The first Native American doll was released in 2002. Molly dolls can be worth hundreds of dollars on eBay. It's $30 to add the elaborate accessory kit to any "Truly Me" doll. There is a set of American Girl dolls, including Samantha, Molly and Addy with multiple outfits and furniture, for sale on eBay right now for $11,500. Each doll came with her own historically appropriate book and clothes. A little too much. Insider spoke with the brand's president, Jamie Cygielman, to find out how American Girl is continuing to capture the attention of kids in a changing and increasingly digital and socially conscious world. ", Here, the character Camille is described as a girl who "adores the ocean" and is as "mellow as a mermaid.". According to USA Today, the idea behind the toy empire is credited to Pleasant Rowland, a writer and retired teacher from Chicago. In 1995, the company introduced what would become the My American Girl line with customizeable dolls that allow girls to select skin, hair and eye colors so the doll can look just like they do. "It's typically for a 2-to-4-year-old girl, and she's emulating what she sees, which is typically nurturing play," Cygielman said. Today, some American Girl dolls have stories set in centuries past, while other characters are rooted in modern-day society — representing various walks of life, all through the lens of girlhood. The car deposited you back at your crummy digs and then drove off. Account active Joss Kendrick was born deaf in one ear, and the doll comes with a hearing aid device. As Apartment Therapy reported, some of the American Girl dolls made by the Pleasant Company—which founder Pleasant Rowland sold to Mattel in the late '90s—are now worth a small fortune. "But I was pleasantly surprised. An eBay seller is asking $342 for this vintage Kirsten doll. Exhibitionist & Voyeur 05/31/19: Cougar House Ch. "Kids have anxiety, and it's something that's pervasive in society," Cygielman said. American Girl was founded in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland, a retired teacher and writer. American Girl's "WellieWishers" have stories and outfits centered around animals and princesses and are geared toward 5- through 7-year-olds. Wearing her complete meet outfit and hair ribbon. "But what always prevailed were these rites of passage of girlhood, which remained pretty much the same, whether it was 200 years ago or it's today.". $1,450: American Girl Samantha doll in original box and signed by American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland. RE: How much is american girl Samantha doll worth? Pleasant Rowland, a writer and retired teacher, The Pleasant Company in Middleton, Wisconsin. Today, there are currently 18 American Girl stores in the US, as well as two in Canada and two in the United Arab Emirates. shared a video flipping through a 1999 American Girl catalog. 136 views 05:41. "We see the line as an opportunity for girls to see themselves in that character and also to help them create a broader worldview," Cygielman said. Lauren Bacall. The doll not only has '80s style — like neon outfits and scrunchies — but her story reflects the events of the decade, including "major historical moments surrounding women in government and space exploration, as well as larger cultural shifts around blended families and emerging technology," according to the brand's press release. American Girl dolls and accessories that have sold on eBay in the last three months include: While organizing some old files I found a ton of AG stuff that I thought I'd share. $1,150: A signed American Girl Felicity doll still in the box. Her phone very useful. In recent years, the brand has focused on dolls with contemporary stories, such as the character Joss Kendrick, who comes with a hearing aid; as well as its latest historical character, whose story is set in the 1980s. "Once girls are starting to age up — beyond the books that come with many of our dolls — they are still interested in our stories," Cygielman said. Keep reading to see where the doll empire started in the 1980s and how it's changed through the years. The first three dolls were Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly, who had unique stories of their own: Samantha dolls can be ordered through American Girl's website for $98 at the time of writing, but Kirsten and Molly were archived in 2010 and 2014, respectively, which means they're no longer available through the doll manufacturer. Only 1 available and it's in 1 person's cart. Open Sesame. You have a choice, and you made it. American Girl officially discontinued Samantha in 2009, but revived her in a different format in 2014. Now there are 20 across the country and international locations in Canada and the United Arab Emirates, according to the company's website. 5 out of 5 stars (118) $ 219.00. American Girl also teamed up with the band The Go-Go's to produce a music video for Courtney — a nod to the groundbreaking music videos that were first aired on MTV in 1981. They retail for $60 each. I feel like he had a demon in him telling him all about me and he pushed his demon in me, he wanted a lot of money from me for an exorcism said it would cost 2,000,000. An idea with heart Original versions of Kirsten and Molly dolls can be worth hundreds of dollars on eBay. Margo relaxes a bit too much. Subscriber "Whether it's social injustices or school bullying, whatever the topic is, those are all very near and dear to girls' hearts, and they have been rites of passage to girlhood for over 200 years," Cygielman said. ">> And that's exactly what happened. ", Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images, Social Studies Dolls/YouTube; Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty; BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images, Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, Kuni Takahashi/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images. The doll company went from a catalog-only brand to an empire that includes retail stores with cafes and doll hospitals, a magazine, books, and a social media presence. A doll vlogger YouTube channel, FiveDollStars, shared a video flipping through a 1999 American Girl catalog. American Girl hosts a slew of other series — including cooking tutorials and DIY, or "do it yourself," videos where viewers can learn how to make crafts and costumes for their dolls. Rowland found inspiration to create educational dolls with historic backstories after a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, according to the Chicago Tribune. Clean soft body, limbs and face. 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