American Girl dolls vs. the Target variety.

[bookworm2]

Hello,

My dd is 3 1/2 years old, and I'm going to Chicago on business early in December so I thought it might be fun to go to the American Doll store and get dd a doll for Christmas. I was thinking about getting the Bitty Baby or the Bitty Twins. We have a new baby on the way, so I thought this was good timing for a special doll.

I am just wondering what you all think about getting an American Girl vs. a $15 Target doll... I don't want to spend the extra $$ if it's silly, but I don't mind spending it if it's worth it, does that make any sense?

I could really use some opinions! Thanks so much. Also, if you have any advice on the Bitty Baby vs. the Twins, I'd love to hear that as well.

Thanks!

 

[Malificient Tater]

all I know is that my Mini now 11 got a bitty baby when she was about that age and it still looks great and held up really well. And you might want to get her a baby that looks more like her and her new baby, so she can help with that baby and for a keepsake of the time.

 

[ckoncurat]

I personally wouldn't buy an $100 doll for a three year old. I made my daughters wait until they were 8 (since thats what american girl markets these towards) and it made it more special to them when they got it. They had Our Generation dolls when they were younger. I think a bitty baby or twin would be an Ok option, though. Incidentally, I have one daughter who adores her american girl doll and sleeps with her every night, and another who just lets hers sit on a shelf. It just depends on the kid.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Bitty is the best!!! She'll hold up forever and all the things you can get to go with her a wonderful.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

DD4 got her Bitty Baby last Christmas, and that doll has not left her side since. She loves her Bitty Baby more than any of her other dolls. It is a wonderful doll for that age, and there are lots of great accessories to keep it new and fresh (I would recommend the starter set for $98, including the doll - it has a lot of accessories and extra outfits). The doll by itself is $42. DD4 is getting the twins this Christmas, but I would start with the Bitty Baby. The twins can wear the same clothes, so you can do that next year if she loves her Bitty Baby. Both the Bitty Baby and the Bitty Twins are designed for kids 3 and older. The other American Girl dolls are designed for kids 8 and up, just to clarify what a PP said. Your DD is just the right age for the Twins or the Bitty Baby.

Here's a link to the starter collection so you can decide if it is a good deal for you. If you are going to the store, you might want to pick out things by yourself instead.

http://store.americangirl.com/agsho.../11/webMenuId/5/LeftMenu/TRUE/hiddNodeId/TRUE

That's not to say your DD wouldn't love a Target doll. I like the AG dolls because they have such cute accessories, and because the babies are pretty and well made. DD4 likes the weight and size - just right for carrying around. I think they are worth the money.

 

[kathi29]

My DD got bitty when she was 4, and we got the twins a few months ago (DD will be 9 in January!). We have also collected a few of the historical dolls, so keep in mind there are differences. The Target dolls are most similar to the historical AG dolls.

Bitty baby to me seems the most like a baby. The twins have hair and look more like preschoolers. I would definitely get Bitty to start with.

 

[bookworm2]

These are all great responses - thanks!!

I'm getting excited

 

[kileybeth]

okay, so I don't really like the bitty baby, never have. probably b/c no hair.

I do like the look of the twins but only want one doll! If I could find someone to split the set with me this would be perfect for my DD2.7years

She plays with her babies all the time (mostly 12 in. soft dolls and last Christmas she got a FP doll slightly larger)

I am not into spending $87 for 2 dolls at this stage although I admit a boy/girl set could be cute. nope. not doing it. I have other gifts on the list for her.

what do you all think?

 

[mamalle]

when dd was that age I bought her the baby annabelle. she still plays with her and is going on 8. personally I wouldnt spend more then $50 on a doll at that age but thats just me.

 

[natenapril]

okay, so I don't really like the bitty baby, never have. probably b/c no hair.

I do like the look of the twins but only want one doll! If I could find someone to split the set with me this would be perfect for my DD2.7years

She plays with her babies all the time (mostly 12 in. soft dolls and last Christmas she got a FP doll slightly larger)

I am not into spending $87 for 2 dolls at this stage although I admit a boy/girl set could be cute. nope. not doing it. I have other gifts on the list for her.

what do you all think?

Try Ebay. I bought the bitty twin blonde girl through Ebay. My DD for some reason does not like to play with boy baby dolls. Do I didn't want the set as well. I bought the girl new off of ebay for $22.

 

[cruizie]

Somehow we got on the mailing list for American Girl when my daughter was about 3. She was obsessed with Bitty Baby. I refused to buy it but told her that she could save her money (birthday or whatever, people just give the kid money) and buy it herself. So she saved (mostly by asking Daddy for his change every single day). I told my mom and she sent my dd $10 and soon enough she had enough money so I ordered Bitty (just the basic doll w/ sleeper). Almost 3 years later and she still plays with that doll more than any other dolls. I don't know if it was because she looked forward to getting her or the fact that she saved her money or if it is just the doll itself but I totally think she got her moneys worth. I wanted to get her the look-a-like AG doll but I don't think any of them really look like her.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

okay, so I don't really like the bitty baby, never have. probably b/c no hair.

I do like the look of the twins but only want one doll! If I could find someone to split the set with me this would be perfect for my DD2.7years

She plays with her babies all the time (mostly 12 in. soft dolls and last Christmas she got a FP doll slightly larger)

I am not into spending $87 for 2 dolls at this stage although I admit a boy/girl set could be cute. nope. not doing it. I have other gifts on the list for her.

what do you all think?

You can also get the twins as two girl dolls or two boy dolls, not just a boy and a girl. Not sure if you knew that, but it might make it easier to find someone to share it with you (a niece or friend, perhaps). I ordered two girls for DD4 - one with blond hair and one with brown.

 

[kileybeth]

yes, anyone who wanted to share a set with me could actually pick their own doll (haircolor, boy or girl) so it would be nice to get what you want.

I will check ebay, I don't normally do ebay but craigslist. I would think about ordering set and then resale the extra but this time of year is tight enough with all the extra spending kwim?

may also be making a trip up to NYC and I think they have a store up there so if I knew in advance could possiblly save shipping although living in DE I don't pay sales tax so usually 1/2 dozen of one, 6 of the other when it comes to savings.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

yes, anyone who wanted to share a set with me could actually pick their own doll (haircolor, boy or girl) so it would be nice to get what you want.

I will check ebay, I don't normally do ebay but craigslist. I would think about ordering set and then resale the extra but this time of year is tight enough with all the extra spending kwim?

may also be making a trip up to NYC and I think they have a store up there so if I knew in advance could possiblly save shipping although living in DE I don't pay sales tax so usually 1/2 dozen of one, 6 of the other when it comes to savings.

If you are going up to the store, you can buy a single doll and don't have to buy twins- at least that was the case when I went in March.

 

[Stucas]

Personally if the child takes good care of her toys I would go for the AG one. I got a bitty baby the year they came out when I was younger. I played with her alot but was always very careful with her. Now she and all her accessories are carefully packed away waiting to be given to my child in the future. I can't wait.


-Lauren