When I was in elementary school, I loved (and still do) reading. I was thrilled when the brand new series, “American Girls” came out. I loved reading the stories of Molly, Samantha, and Kirsten. They transported us to another time and taught the girls of the 1980s what it might have been like to live in another era. But now? With their very own collection of exquisite dolls, their accompanying wardrobes, and nicer furniture than I have in my living room, the only place the American Girls transport you is the poor house. (Is that not okay to say? Credit counseling, then.)

THANKS FOR NOTHING,-AMERICAN GIRLS-

These dolls ring up at over $100 a pop, and that doesn’t include the designer wardrobe that is downright essential for any upstanding American Girl doll owner. (Mother? Too much?) There are practically a dozen different dolls to choose from, though of course you can also design the doll to look exactly like your daughter.

I remember being perplexed last year to see a Facebook update that read, “WARNING: THE AMERICAN GIRL CATALOG IS IN TODAY’S MAIL!” Now I get it. I would have given anything to have intercepted that damn catalog before my over-zealous, eager-to-fit-in 2nd grader got her greedy little hands on it.

So of course she’s asked Santa for an American Girl Doll this year. I patted myself on the back for my quick thinking when, after I sputtered about how they were too expensive and she promptly countered with, “So what? Santa’s elves can make them!” I immediately dispensed with this thoughtful reply: “Santa doesn’t bring gifts that the children’s parents don’t think are appropriate.” Whew. Side-stepped that dream-crushing landmine. I’d used a similar rationale when explaining why Santa would not be bringing us a puppy the year that her sister was born. Unless he planned on also delivering a year’s supply of red wine, live-in puppy-sitter, and pharmaceutical regimen, Mommy would not be taking care of a new baby and a puppy.

But seriously, folks. $120 for a f*cking doll? I don’t think we’re in the Cabbage Patch anymore, Xavier Roberts. (Look it up.) And speaking of Cabbage Patch Dolls, may I present Exhibit A as to why there is no way in hell my seven year old will be receiving an American Girl Doll for Christmas. Last year she begged for a Cabbage Patch Doll, and this is how said doll spends much of her time these days:

 

I assure you, I did not disrupt the integrity of this scene by posing the doll.

I assure you, I did not disrupt the integrity of this scene by posing the doll.

Not only that, but she was so psyched about being a Cabbage Patch mama that she spent her Christmas money from her grandparents and bought a companion doll for her gift. That’s right- a second Cabbage Patch Kid. Do you think I have the vaguest idea where this prized possession is at this moment? Hell, no. I couldn’t even track her down for a second (completely unstaged, I promise) photo.

Here’s the thing: if I thought my daughter would cherish and care for an American Girl Doll, I would totally buy her one. (I think.) I would without a doubt buy seven year old me in 1985 an AGD. (Can we abbreviate now, please? I’m getting irritated just typing the words out at this point.) I would have adored her, given her a middle name, slept with her, and played with her daily. Let’s be honest- my 2nd grader is a far cry from the nurturing mama-in-training that I was when I was seven. And that is completely fine. I have no issue with the fact that fawning over dolls is not my daughter’s thing. But there is no way that I will spend that kind of money on a toy that isn’t really her thing. Unfortunately, after poring over the AGD catalog that arrived that ill-fated day, she’s decided they most definitely are her thing.

She has plastered her walls with posters from the AGD catalog.

She has plastered her walls with posters from the AGD catalog.

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Of course, she also has these Disney tween assclowns on her wall.

In my opinion, the only reason she wants one is because she believes that everyone else has one. And maybe they do. But our family has chosen to spend our money in other ways; for instance, for the price of one of those trendy doll frocks, I could buy myself a pair of shoes. I’m not kidding- I would think twice about buying myself an outfit that costs as much as some of those AGD outfits.

So unless I decide to buy the cast-off doll of another fickle child consumer off Craig’s List, the big guy will not be bringing a mini-me doll down the chimney this year. Of course, we could get those rip-off dolls from Kohl’s with one of our 30% off coupons…

 

***(Update: Santa brought the less expensive version of an AGD for Christmas, and my suspicions were confirmed. Here is a photo of “Julia,” my daughter’s cherished pseudo-AGD, in her new home, naked, on the top shelf of the closet. I rest my case.)

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So what do you think? Are AGD dolls an American treasure or a ridiculous racket?

 

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