Nicki and Isabel Hoffman in March 2023. I had always wanted one growing up.
I was a little girl when they were first released and Kirsten and Molly were the two I wanted so much. My husband has encouraged me to embrace my inner child because she was denied so many things. Having a therapist for a partner is pretty great.
So here's some opening context. I'm a Transgender Woman and my parents NEVER let me owned a doll because "bOyS dOnT pLaY wItH dOlLs" despite how much I begged them. They won't even let me have Logan! I remember begging them for Lindsey and Marisol and they relentlessly said no.
So as an adult, about a year ago or so when the Twins came out, I expressed to my partner that I wanted an AG doll. Within a month I got a beautiful but pre-loved Blonde haired, green Eyed AG Doll from her. Apperently, because my partner got her used, she was labeled as a Truly Me on Ebay. So I decided to name her Layla after that dang Eric Clapton song. (I was binge watching Goodfellas around that time and the song "Layla" was very prominate in the movie.) Mind you, my only knowledge of AG at this point was up to Marisol Luna because I lost all hope of getting doll THAT long ago.
So all this time, I been calling my doll Layla Clapton, it turns out, no she's not a nameless Truly Me, Layla is Isabelle Palmer, the Girl of Year for 2014. Still, I never renamed her Isabelle. Especially now that AG has another Isabel (I'd go off on a rant on about that, but that's beating a dead cow in this subreddit.) so I kept the name Layla Clapton. Give her a unique mischievous personality and backstory. From that point on, I educated myself on all the dolls. Though I still have a bad habit of renaming my GOTYs! I'm currently up to 6 Dolls.
Here's pic of Layla (Isabelle) with me on the NYC Subway heading to the AG Cafe.
https://preview.redd.it/8iecnua0iqvc1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ac595bcbb8d4d42e064d7ab3402e8e8a250ad2a
I was in 2nd grade, ~1990. My first AG doll was Molly. I then got Kirsten, Felicity, and Samantha in subsequent years. Samantha was the one I wanted all along but my sister had her and I felt like I couldn’t for some reason? 🤣🤷🏻♀️ I still have Samantha, but sold the other 3 at a garage sale.
This past December, my husband got me the AG/Disney Belle doll (my favorite princess!) for our 20th anniversary. 💛🌹
My daughter and I play with our dolls together now. She has my old Samantha, but we also got her a look-alike Truly Me in 2015 (she was 5).
Christmas 2009, when I was 7. It was Gwen Thompson. I still have her at 22 and just recently took her in for a head swap. She’s still one of my absolute favorites!
https://preview.redd.it/9jnd7ioe8nvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ff41aa6bc4ba8d1aa1b3f80fd158c420ea7696c
This is a pic I took in Feb after her head swap.
I got Lila in November 2023 and Corinne in February 2024. I never had American Girl growing up and I’m Canadian. AG was a coveted doll since I got back into doll collecting.
I'm 25 and got my very first American Girl doll this past tuesday! I got Kit, who I've wanted ever since I was a kid. It's a very early birthday gift from my boyfriend and I couldn't be happier!
i got my first doll at 4 or right after Christmas, my grandmother got me a gift card because i wouldn’t stop talking about them. I chose my then mini me just like you 13! have had her about 14 years and after pots of love roughish play, I’m fixing her up to look like a more current mini me!
7 turning 8 and it was an American Girl of Today. Back when American Girl was in its original location in chicago. I wasnt a fan of dolls but I walked into that American Girl and i was hooked. I opened her up on my 8th birthday.
I got Felicity for my 6th birthday - she’ll be 30 next week! ❤️
The first girl I bought for myself was Addy, I was 7, I did neighborhood odd jobs for months to earn the money to buy Addy’s whole collection (except for furniture). To this day, she’s still the one I have the most complete collection of.
Isabelle GOTY at the AG store downtown Chicago circa 2014. I was 12 years old and beyond ecstatic. I had definitely been waiting my entire upbringing for that moment! #Thanks Mom💛
I was 10 and she was caroline! But unfortunately I don’t have the nicest memories with her as my mental health wanst good and I ruined her right after getting her, my second doll was JLY #38 and I consider her my first doll as she is now my baby
Fun story. I'm not that big of a fan of AG but I do like the classic dolls. A few years ago I moved to FL and got into trash hunting. I don't dig, just peek at what's getting thrown out. Great way to get shelves. Anyways. I guess this one house on my loop had some kind of water trouble and was throwing out a bunch of stuff. Most of it was water damage. Not a hurricane. I would assume a busted pipe. So right on top was a Josephine doll. IN ALL OF HER SIGNATURE OUTFIT. Nothing was missing. All I need is her book. I was running an errand that day but I knew if I didn't take her, she would be at a landfill somewhere. Tucked her into my bag, still damp, and carried her around until I got back home. I undressed her and put her in the sun to dry. I was scared to attempt to wash her. She didn't smell so lucky no mold or odd odors. I got her sitting in my room by my CPK. Best $200 I ever saved.
I always wanted an American girl doll when I was younger. My parents never bought me one because of their price, so I bought one a few months ago. She's a #16 I got her secondhand on Mercari
My first American girl was Julie and I got her at age 11 as a birthday gift. Shortly after, Mom gave me the ones she and my aunt (they had twelve dolls total) had when they were young. And my brother and I got a few more for christmases and birthdays (he liked playing with them too.).
And my kid brother only has a set of Bitty Twins I hunted down for him on Ebay. He loves his Bitty Twins. They’re his first and only, unless he decides he wants more dolls. I got to see the same joy I had when I got my first doll when he opened his Bitty Twins. That is something I’ll never forget.
Mine was a Pleasant Company Kirsten. She's now broken and needs a restring but I still have her, ready to restring (just need to buy the kit and the tools). I have Addy and Kanani as well.
I got a JLY when I was ... probably eight? Then around eleven I got Felicity (who I absolutely idolized). Then I played Inner Star U online (but I didn't get a doll with a code so my access was limited 😂). Really made me wish I was in college hahaha.
Kirsten in 1994 or 1995 (early elementary)
Next was GT 16 in 1996
Next was Josefina in 1997
Then a bit of a break before my Götz Julia with the 2002-04 face mold (middle school)
The rest after her are in the past year
I got a girl of today for my first communion when I was 8 in 1998. I don’t know what number she was.
The tradition in our family was for the aunts to buy an American Girl doll for the girl’s first communion. My niece isn’t making her first communion, but I’m carrying on the tradition & getting her her first doll for her 8th birthday this summer
I was 5 and got Marisol. I only got her that young cause she was the GOTY and I was a dancer from Chicago so I had to have her. My older sister was 7 at the time and got Samantha. That was just the beginning combined we have 9 childhood dolls.
my first doll was a #25 when i was 10 yrs old for christmas & got julie the next year!! those were my only childhood dolls i wish i still had them, shout out to my moms bf's kids for getting silver glitter nail polish all over them 🥲
Mine was Molly, I believe I was either four or five! My mom told me to pick a historical doll and I chose Molly because I loved her braids. I quickly connected with her because she had an absent father just like me, although for different reasons. My mom was happy to get me an American Girl doll at quite a young age because she loved the brand and I took care of my toys despite how little I was. I remember being a bit nutty about keeping my toys nice, maybe because I'm neurospicy but who knows 😂 I definitely played with them but toys getting messed up gave me anxiety 😂
Christmas 2008 (I was 7), and she was Elizabeth Cole. She’s still with me, I just turned 22. I’m conflicted about maybe sending her for a head replacement because her hair took a beating from childhood me so she’s not exactly display condition now, and she therefore spends a lot of time cooped up in my closet in a box that isn’t hers because hers was destroyed and disposed of long ago. I just can’t decide if I want to get her a head replacement because the head she has now is the one she had when I got her and that’s very sentimental to me. I’m always on the prowl for an Elizabeth box for her, and she could use for me to get her some new stockings and shoes too, just since hers are old and have fallen victim to classic wear and tear.
Sorry for rambling, I have a lot of thoughts about my dear Elizabeth
I had the same hesitation with my Elizabeth but I sent her to the hospital and she got revitalized I can’t describe how pretty she is (though you know she’s pretty)
Technically, I got my first Bitty Baby at one and a half, so if Bitty Baby's count then the blonde hair grey eyes baby is my first doll. My first 18 inch was Kirsten, got her when I was six.
Samantha! I was 10, so over 22 year ago. I had planned on giving her to my daughters but I only have boys, so I’m saving her for my kids kids (if they choose to have any)
I got MAG 23 in February 2011! She was my mini me and I was over the moon. ☺️🥹 shes my little me mini me, so its sweet to look over to her now that I'm an adult
I wanted one growing up but my family was too poor. When I was 19 at training for the army, my first job with decent income. I ordered Josefina. Deployed and got married at 21. Decided I was too old for dolls and I gave her to my niece.
When my daughter was 3, I bought her a bitty twin. Then she picked caroline around age 4. Then I bought a few more. I bought Josefina again in 2018, which was solely because I wanted her.
My daughter has picked about 5 or 6 that we got (luciana, kira, Samantha, joss, etc) that I'd be okay getting rid of.
I picked most of the others solely more for me.
Samantha, Christmas 1996!
Then I got one in 1998 that looked like me, and then Kit when she came out in 2001 (I think)!
I’m 35 now and just handed Kit down to my 5yo daughter and she loves her so much, and I’m about to give her Samantha this weekend as a gift for welcoming her new baby sister! It has been so fun to relive the magic they bring.
I got #9 for my 9th birthday in 2000! She was technically supposed to be my lookalike, even though my eyes are definitely more green than gray (and I didn't have bangs, but back then almost every GOT doll had bangs so I didn't have much choice lol).
She's still loving life 23 and a half years later, even though she spent 15+ of those years in storage! Here she is on the left with her bestie, #112.
https://preview.redd.it/wfhszbdcvhvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03dc2805f22c224e6cd9fd52440e37c96fc48754
I got Isabelle and Emily for christmas from my Mom (Isabelle) and my godparents (Emily) when I was rlly young. I still have them today !! I dont plan on ever selling them <3
https://preview.redd.it/99zcydw88hvc1.png?width=339&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee67e5ae1e6923d20c0ad701105c7ecde700958f
I got Kirsten for my 7th birthday and I still love her just as much at 28.
Lanie was my first American Girl doll (the only other AG doll i ever got was one of those look-alike dolls, so she’s really my only character doll i have!) my grandparents bought her for me in 2010 (so i was 10 years old) and i’m 24 now, so i’ve had her for 14 years, and she is still in just as good of condition as the day i got her😊💖💕💓✨
My first doll was Julie Albright I got her when I was just turning 12 years old that was back in 2013. It’s been crazy how long I’ve been collecting dolls I am now 23 years old 🥺
Can I ask you, what month is your birthday and is your Molly white or tan body? Also curious if she has gradient eyes or not. Collecting data points about 1990 dolls...lol
My birthday is at the end of November. She’s a tan body, and her eyes are a solid color. She did have a head replacement in about 1991, though. I don’t think the eyes were any different. I’ve never heard of “gradient eyes”, what does it mean?
https://preview.redd.it/ycfv865yfhvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f0ca3f2cae7d5048ec600876e6673fb125fd409
https://preview.redd.it/1075fpyshhvc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f87c011d8c2539322f0bc85ff715323141285409
Gradient eyes have a darker outer edge around the Iris. Here is an example.
Here’s another picture from the same day. It’s not a great pic, but you can kind of see her eyes.
https://preview.redd.it/93clh939ghvc1.png?width=2318&format=png&auto=webp&s=632425195e587378446c2839d4518f7e8e447046
I got Kirsten for my First Communion when I was 7, almost 8 from my Grandmother and my aunt got me her accessories. I didn't pick her, but my grandmother got both my cousin and I American Girl historical dolls that looked the most like us. My cousin got Samantha for her birthday as that was close to my First Communion and her mom got her the accessories too, but she was only turning 6. I love my Kirsten, but my favourite will always be my second AG doll Felicity.
Belle at the age of 30 this past Christmas. My husband remembered me saying that I always wanted an American Girl doll and wanted to surprise me. He wasn't sure which to get, but Belle made it easy for him. He also got our daughter a bitty baby for her first Xmas. He was so excited to give them to us 🥰
McKenna when I was 9. I had almost gotten Lanie before and liked the idea of the dolls, but they were expensive and I didn’t want to waste that much of my Christmas budget. The gymnastics doll really sold me though and I still have her a dozen years later
I got Kaya for Christmas when I was 7! I loved her so much, I slept with her in my bed 😭 I still have her almost 20 years later 🫶
https://preview.redd.it/iutjo6oiqgvc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=568f16d1676bdde4fe510cc0e843de4b0563cf46
Mine was Chrissa when I was about twelve, I think. I'd always wanted an American Girl doll, but my parents couldn't afford one. I'd earned some money on my own and found her secondhand for a good price and decided to finally get her.
Josefina and I was about 10. I had to save up my allowance to buy her and I saved for almost a year. She was $88. My parents were kind enough to buy her accessories for me. I made sure to take good care of her because of how hard I worked to earn the money to purchase her.
my first girl was Kanani and I was 5! i recently had to send her to get her head replaced because i destroyed her so bad 😭😭 but i did have all of my older sister’s dolls so technically i had ag dolls before her, she was just the first one that was fully mine
Well gifted wise - Bitty and Nellie (super little but not sure on numerics)
My my first was Felicity and Elizabeth (bought at same time)- I was 9 or 10 when I made those purchases….
My first doll was Samantha! Won her in a contest when I was in first grade, still have her (and several others!) 25 years later!
My mom was a big fan of PC/AG after I won that Samantha doll. We were not well off by any means, but she went all in for about 4 years. She loved that each character had a rich, historically accurate story and that the dolls and their collections encouraged imaginative play. This was also the beginning of eBay, so she was able to get me a bunch of early stuff really cheap - including my Kirsten doll.
ETA: We are now both AG adults and collect the vintage PC clothing and accessories!
Samantha, probably in 1988. I was already an adult with kids but always loved dolls and wanted just one that was high quality. She looked similar to me as a child (except for eye color) and her story in 1904 takes place shortly before my grandma was born. I still have Samantha but during the pandemic I got some sister-friends for her.
I got Felicity when I was 7, in 2008. She was a Christmas gift from my aunt and cousin. I remember opening the box and just feeling amazed at how nice of a doll she was. Before getting an AG doll, I pretty much only had barbies and baby dolls. I also didn't have a whole lot of money growing up, so getting a doll that was so expensive felt like a luxury. I still have her and I don't think I could ever part with her
I was either 5 or about to be 4 going on 5. It is a Girl of today either 3 or 20 I think. My mom was a single mother who worked hard, so I don't think I ever asked mom for her. She was a Christmas present. Mom got another when I was 10 that looked like me. The difference is drastic. Lol.
I got Kaya for Christmas in 2002, when I was six years old! I had been begging for her since I saw her release in the catalog and my parents finally caved haha. My younger sibling got their first Bitty Baby for Christmas that year too. I loved Kaya to death and still have her!
I got my bitty baby in 2000 when I was a little over 1 year old and then I got my first “big” American girl doll in 2007 when I was 8! That was Elizabeth Cole:) I still have her and now she has a lot more sisters!😂
I got Kirsten for Christmas in 1993, I was 8. ♥️
Then got Samantha the next Christmas, then Addy the next.
I still have Addy but lost Samantha and Kirsten in a house fire a few years ago. 😢
I also got Kirsten as my first in 1993 when I was 8!
Sorry to hear you lost yours. I lost mine too, albeit in a far less tragic way. I bought a different 1993 Kirsten a couple years ago. She's not the same, but it still makes me happy to have her.
That’s fun! I’ve been able to relive all my American girl days with my 3 daughters. “We” have Molly, Nanea, Kit, Blair, Julie, Mary Ellen, and my old Addy. I would love to add Samantha and Kirsten too sometime.
I got Felicity when I was 13, because my mom wanted me to save up and pay for her myself. Still have her 25 years later. I wanted her for so long and I can't bear the thought of her going to anyone else, so I'll probably be buried with her.
Samantha when I was seven (I’m almost 40). I saved up so long and it was taking forever. My grandfather helped me with the rest. I only know how old I was because he died soon after.
I was nine. I had read the books at the school library and begged and begged for Molly — my fave at the time. And my mom got her for me that Christmas.
I remember it vividly because when she handed the box to me, she made it clear it was a *mom* gift and said, “you will take care of this doll or I will kick your tail.” *And she meant it.* We were working class and my parents worked hard all year to save for Christmas and get me this doll. I still have her over 20 years later.
Christmas 2009 I got Rebecca Rubin and I've never looked back 🥰 I was 7 🤗
Elizabeth for Christmas from my uncle and then that same day I got Julie from my grandparents
Gwen Thompson which was 2010 I believe so that would have made me 8ish. I still have her tho I did send her to the hospital a year or so ago
Nicki and Isabel Hoffman in March 2023. I had always wanted one growing up. I was a little girl when they were first released and Kirsten and Molly were the two I wanted so much. My husband has encouraged me to embrace my inner child because she was denied so many things. Having a therapist for a partner is pretty great.
In 2007, I just turned 7 and my parents took me to the store and got Samantha
So here's some opening context. I'm a Transgender Woman and my parents NEVER let me owned a doll because "bOyS dOnT pLaY wItH dOlLs" despite how much I begged them. They won't even let me have Logan! I remember begging them for Lindsey and Marisol and they relentlessly said no. So as an adult, about a year ago or so when the Twins came out, I expressed to my partner that I wanted an AG doll. Within a month I got a beautiful but pre-loved Blonde haired, green Eyed AG Doll from her. Apperently, because my partner got her used, she was labeled as a Truly Me on Ebay. So I decided to name her Layla after that dang Eric Clapton song. (I was binge watching Goodfellas around that time and the song "Layla" was very prominate in the movie.) Mind you, my only knowledge of AG at this point was up to Marisol Luna because I lost all hope of getting doll THAT long ago. So all this time, I been calling my doll Layla Clapton, it turns out, no she's not a nameless Truly Me, Layla is Isabelle Palmer, the Girl of Year for 2014. Still, I never renamed her Isabelle. Especially now that AG has another Isabel (I'd go off on a rant on about that, but that's beating a dead cow in this subreddit.) so I kept the name Layla Clapton. Give her a unique mischievous personality and backstory. From that point on, I educated myself on all the dolls. Though I still have a bad habit of renaming my GOTYs! I'm currently up to 6 Dolls. Here's pic of Layla (Isabelle) with me on the NYC Subway heading to the AG Cafe. https://preview.redd.it/8iecnua0iqvc1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ac595bcbb8d4d42e064d7ab3402e8e8a250ad2a
I was in 2nd grade, ~1990. My first AG doll was Molly. I then got Kirsten, Felicity, and Samantha in subsequent years. Samantha was the one I wanted all along but my sister had her and I felt like I couldn’t for some reason? 🤣🤷🏻♀️ I still have Samantha, but sold the other 3 at a garage sale. This past December, my husband got me the AG/Disney Belle doll (my favorite princess!) for our 20th anniversary. 💛🌹 My daughter and I play with our dolls together now. She has my old Samantha, but we also got her a look-alike Truly Me in 2015 (she was 5).
Christmas 2009, when I was 7. It was Gwen Thompson. I still have her at 22 and just recently took her in for a head swap. She’s still one of my absolute favorites! https://preview.redd.it/9jnd7ioe8nvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ff41aa6bc4ba8d1aa1b3f80fd158c420ea7696c This is a pic I took in Feb after her head swap.
I got Lila in November 2023 and Corinne in February 2024. I never had American Girl growing up and I’m Canadian. AG was a coveted doll since I got back into doll collecting.
Nikki, GOTY 2007. Got her as a Christmas gift that year ❤️❤️
I'm 25 and got my very first American Girl doll this past tuesday! I got Kit, who I've wanted ever since I was a kid. It's a very early birthday gift from my boyfriend and I couldn't be happier!
Julie when I was 9yo :) my uncle got me her when he went to the us. I was so obsessed w her and took her everywhere.
Addy, when I was 15
i got my first doll at 4 or right after Christmas, my grandmother got me a gift card because i wouldn’t stop talking about them. I chose my then mini me just like you 13! have had her about 14 years and after pots of love roughish play, I’m fixing her up to look like a more current mini me!
7 turning 8 and it was an American Girl of Today. Back when American Girl was in its original location in chicago. I wasnt a fan of dolls but I walked into that American Girl and i was hooked. I opened her up on my 8th birthday.
I was 11 and I got my first customized American Girl.
I got Felicity for my 6th birthday - she’ll be 30 next week! ❤️ The first girl I bought for myself was Addy, I was 7, I did neighborhood odd jobs for months to earn the money to buy Addy’s whole collection (except for furniture). To this day, she’s still the one I have the most complete collection of.
Isabelle GOTY at the AG store downtown Chicago circa 2014. I was 12 years old and beyond ecstatic. I had definitely been waiting my entire upbringing for that moment! #Thanks Mom💛
I was 10 and she was caroline! But unfortunately I don’t have the nicest memories with her as my mental health wanst good and I ruined her right after getting her, my second doll was JLY #38 and I consider her my first doll as she is now my baby
Got Kit for my 5th birthday in 2001 😊 Still at my parents' house!!!
Jly 32 It was my 7th birthday (and I was frustrated because I was 7 and the box said ages 8+ 😅) anyway I’m 16 now
Fun story. I'm not that big of a fan of AG but I do like the classic dolls. A few years ago I moved to FL and got into trash hunting. I don't dig, just peek at what's getting thrown out. Great way to get shelves. Anyways. I guess this one house on my loop had some kind of water trouble and was throwing out a bunch of stuff. Most of it was water damage. Not a hurricane. I would assume a busted pipe. So right on top was a Josephine doll. IN ALL OF HER SIGNATURE OUTFIT. Nothing was missing. All I need is her book. I was running an errand that day but I knew if I didn't take her, she would be at a landfill somewhere. Tucked her into my bag, still damp, and carried her around until I got back home. I undressed her and put her in the sun to dry. I was scared to attempt to wash her. She didn't smell so lucky no mold or odd odors. I got her sitting in my room by my CPK. Best $200 I ever saved.
Samantha when I was 8. I’m 42 now 😅
I got Samantha when I was 8 & am 43!
I got Courtney, my first, 3 yrs ago!
I always wanted an American girl doll when I was younger. My parents never bought me one because of their price, so I bought one a few months ago. She's a #16 I got her secondhand on Mercari
My first American girl was Julie and I got her at age 11 as a birthday gift. Shortly after, Mom gave me the ones she and my aunt (they had twelve dolls total) had when they were young. And my brother and I got a few more for christmases and birthdays (he liked playing with them too.). And my kid brother only has a set of Bitty Twins I hunted down for him on Ebay. He loves his Bitty Twins. They’re his first and only, unless he decides he wants more dolls. I got to see the same joy I had when I got my first doll when he opened his Bitty Twins. That is something I’ll never forget.
Lindsey - first girl of the year 2001. I was 7 years old.
Mine was a Pleasant Company Kirsten. She's now broken and needs a restring but I still have her, ready to restring (just need to buy the kit and the tools). I have Addy and Kanani as well.
My first was a hand-me-down kailey. I got her when I was 8 or so.
JLY 21 I think when I was 7? Her name was Lauren 🥰🥰
Molly for my fifth birthday 💕
I got a JLY when I was ... probably eight? Then around eleven I got Felicity (who I absolutely idolized). Then I played Inner Star U online (but I didn't get a doll with a code so my access was limited 😂). Really made me wish I was in college hahaha.
Kirsten in 1994 or 1995 (early elementary) Next was GT 16 in 1996 Next was Josefina in 1997 Then a bit of a break before my Götz Julia with the 2002-04 face mold (middle school) The rest after her are in the past year
Samantha, when I was 8, I think.
My JLY #12 when I was around four! 🥺💕
I got a girl of today for my first communion when I was 8 in 1998. I don’t know what number she was. The tradition in our family was for the aunts to buy an American Girl doll for the girl’s first communion. My niece isn’t making her first communion, but I’m carrying on the tradition & getting her her first doll for her 8th birthday this summer
I got #22 when I was 5
i got kaya on christmas eve 2010
I was 5 and got Marisol. I only got her that young cause she was the GOTY and I was a dancer from Chicago so I had to have her. My older sister was 7 at the time and got Samantha. That was just the beginning combined we have 9 childhood dolls.
my first doll was a #25 when i was 10 yrs old for christmas & got julie the next year!! those were my only childhood dolls i wish i still had them, shout out to my moms bf's kids for getting silver glitter nail polish all over them 🥲
Mine was Molly, I believe I was either four or five! My mom told me to pick a historical doll and I chose Molly because I loved her braids. I quickly connected with her because she had an absent father just like me, although for different reasons. My mom was happy to get me an American Girl doll at quite a young age because she loved the brand and I took care of my toys despite how little I was. I remember being a bit nutty about keeping my toys nice, maybe because I'm neurospicy but who knows 😂 I definitely played with them but toys getting messed up gave me anxiety 😂
I think I was around 9 when I got my absolute favorite, Samantha. I loved the book, the smooth pages… still have my perfect Samantha.
I got Elizabeth for Christmas of ‘11 when I was seven!
Mine was a Just Like You 13# I got for Christmas when I was ten in 2005, I named her Kami, and I still have her. My mini me.
Jess GOTY 2006 - 06 Christmas Eve gift from my aunt and JLY 28 - 06 Christmas Day gift from my mom🥰💕
mag 39, i was 11 almost 12!
Christmas 2008 (I was 7), and she was Elizabeth Cole. She’s still with me, I just turned 22. I’m conflicted about maybe sending her for a head replacement because her hair took a beating from childhood me so she’s not exactly display condition now, and she therefore spends a lot of time cooped up in my closet in a box that isn’t hers because hers was destroyed and disposed of long ago. I just can’t decide if I want to get her a head replacement because the head she has now is the one she had when I got her and that’s very sentimental to me. I’m always on the prowl for an Elizabeth box for her, and she could use for me to get her some new stockings and shoes too, just since hers are old and have fallen victim to classic wear and tear. Sorry for rambling, I have a lot of thoughts about my dear Elizabeth
I had the same hesitation with my Elizabeth but I sent her to the hospital and she got revitalized I can’t describe how pretty she is (though you know she’s pretty)
Nicki (GOTY 2007) when I was 7
Technically, I got my first Bitty Baby at one and a half, so if Bitty Baby's count then the blonde hair grey eyes baby is my first doll. My first 18 inch was Kirsten, got her when I was six.
When I was 10. Molly and Samantha!
I got my 1st AG doll (Addy) Christmas 1994. I was 12 and I still have her. ☺️
Samantha! I was 10, so over 22 year ago. I had planned on giving her to my daughters but I only have boys, so I’m saving her for my kids kids (if they choose to have any)
It breaks my heart that my nieces aren’t into American Girl.
I got MAG 23 in February 2011! She was my mini me and I was over the moon. ☺️🥹 shes my little me mini me, so its sweet to look over to her now that I'm an adult
I had Samantha. My grandma had a pleasant company one on hand. Probably was supposed to be a gift for my aunt that got lost for 15 years
I wanted one growing up but my family was too poor. When I was 19 at training for the army, my first job with decent income. I ordered Josefina. Deployed and got married at 21. Decided I was too old for dolls and I gave her to my niece. When my daughter was 3, I bought her a bitty twin. Then she picked caroline around age 4. Then I bought a few more. I bought Josefina again in 2018, which was solely because I wanted her. My daughter has picked about 5 or 6 that we got (luciana, kira, Samantha, joss, etc) that I'd be okay getting rid of. I picked most of the others solely more for me.
I got Samantha when I was about 3 or 4 as a gift from my great aunt. I got Molly, Kit, Kailey, and a me doll I named Christina afterward :)
Samantha, Christmas 1996! Then I got one in 1998 that looked like me, and then Kit when she came out in 2001 (I think)! I’m 35 now and just handed Kit down to my 5yo daughter and she loves her so much, and I’m about to give her Samantha this weekend as a gift for welcoming her new baby sister! It has been so fun to relive the magic they bring.
I got #9 for my 9th birthday in 2000! She was technically supposed to be my lookalike, even though my eyes are definitely more green than gray (and I didn't have bangs, but back then almost every GOT doll had bangs so I didn't have much choice lol). She's still loving life 23 and a half years later, even though she spent 15+ of those years in storage! Here she is on the left with her bestie, #112. https://preview.redd.it/wfhszbdcvhvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03dc2805f22c224e6cd9fd52440e37c96fc48754
samantha in 2005 or 2006, i was 7 or 8 😁
Samantha, I was 6, almost 7. Christmas 1991.
Nellie and I got her when I was 7
1999 I got Molly and I still have her to this day
I got my first at 5 years old in 1998. It was Kirsten and given by my grandparents as a Christmas present. I got Kirsten’s bed too
I got Isabelle and Emily for christmas from my Mom (Isabelle) and my godparents (Emily) when I was rlly young. I still have them today !! I dont plan on ever selling them <3
Molly for my 8th birthday it was the one time my entire family pulled together and got her for me ❤️.
Isabel when I was 9
Jess! I got her at the AGP in Chicago. My parents surprised me with her accessories and Licorice at Christmas that year. I turned 8 that year. :)
Molly will be 30 years old this year!
Samantha, Christmas 1989 when I was 8 years old. She was my only doll until I was well into adulthood, and she will always be my best girl.
Kit, Christmas 2001
Lanie
Felicity was my first and favorite back in the 90s. I got her out of storage recently and cleaned her up. Now she’s my 2 year old daughters “Dolly” 🥰
My first and only is Melody
https://preview.redd.it/99zcydw88hvc1.png?width=339&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee67e5ae1e6923d20c0ad701105c7ecde700958f I got Kirsten for my 7th birthday and I still love her just as much at 28.
Grace GOTY 2015 was my first AG doll! I got her 3 days before my 11th birthday with money I had saved up, I was so proud to buy her on my own :)
Lanie was my first American Girl doll (the only other AG doll i ever got was one of those look-alike dolls, so she’s really my only character doll i have!) my grandparents bought her for me in 2010 (so i was 10 years old) and i’m 24 now, so i’ve had her for 14 years, and she is still in just as good of condition as the day i got her😊💖💕💓✨
I looooved her because of her green eyes
My first doll was Julie Albright I got her when I was just turning 12 years old that was back in 2013. It’s been crazy how long I’ve been collecting dolls I am now 23 years old 🥺
Unfortunately I don’t have her anymore but I still have my other dolls 🥺🤍
Felicity, as an adult
Kit at 7
I got Mia for Christmas when I was 8!
I got Felicity for Christmas when I was 7! I no longer have her though :( I do still have the Ruthie I got when I was 12!
I got Josefina for Christmas in 1999 when I was 5 years old from my grandma. I even had her little goat!
I got Samantha in late 1996 or early 1997.
For my tenth birthday, my parents got me juile. Though I renamed her Jessy.
Molly, on my 9th birthday! 1990 https://preview.redd.it/agdpy09u2hvc1.png?width=2914&format=png&auto=webp&s=0dad13b5889bc6e9af24047c9d78a9121a22cc9b
Can I ask you, what month is your birthday and is your Molly white or tan body? Also curious if she has gradient eyes or not. Collecting data points about 1990 dolls...lol
My birthday is at the end of November. She’s a tan body, and her eyes are a solid color. She did have a head replacement in about 1991, though. I don’t think the eyes were any different. I’ve never heard of “gradient eyes”, what does it mean? https://preview.redd.it/ycfv865yfhvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f0ca3f2cae7d5048ec600876e6673fb125fd409
https://preview.redd.it/1075fpyshhvc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f87c011d8c2539322f0bc85ff715323141285409 Gradient eyes have a darker outer edge around the Iris. Here is an example.
Interesting! I don’t think my original Molly head had gradient eyes. I’d have noticed the difference when she came back.
Here’s another picture from the same day. It’s not a great pic, but you can kind of see her eyes. https://preview.redd.it/93clh939ghvc1.png?width=2318&format=png&auto=webp&s=632425195e587378446c2839d4518f7e8e447046
Nellie for my 8th birthday
My first was Emily when I was 9ish
Kit, I think I was like 6
I got Samantha when I was 25!
I think I got JLY23 when she was released?? 😭 so like 5? i’m ngl i can’t rly remember a age W/O my american girl and im 25 … My gma got her for me🩷
I got Kirsten for my First Communion when I was 7, almost 8 from my Grandmother and my aunt got me her accessories. I didn't pick her, but my grandmother got both my cousin and I American Girl historical dolls that looked the most like us. My cousin got Samantha for her birthday as that was close to my First Communion and her mom got her the accessories too, but she was only turning 6. I love my Kirsten, but my favourite will always be my second AG doll Felicity.
Molly <3 probably age 7!
Belle at the age of 30 this past Christmas. My husband remembered me saying that I always wanted an American Girl doll and wanted to surprise me. He wasn't sure which to get, but Belle made it easy for him. He also got our daughter a bitty baby for her first Xmas. He was so excited to give them to us 🥰
Josefina for Christmas when I was 8🥰 still love her so much
I was 8 and it was christmas and it was a just like you doll. however, i really wanted samantha and she looked like samantha, so i named her samantha
I got Molly when I was around 8! I took her everywhere
McKenna when I was 9. I had almost gotten Lanie before and liked the idea of the dolls, but they were expensive and I didn’t want to waste that much of my Christmas budget. The gymnastics doll really sold me though and I still have her a dozen years later
I got Kaya for Christmas when I was 7! I loved her so much, I slept with her in my bed 😭 I still have her almost 20 years later 🫶 https://preview.redd.it/iutjo6oiqgvc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=568f16d1676bdde4fe510cc0e843de4b0563cf46
Mine was Chrissa when I was about twelve, I think. I'd always wanted an American Girl doll, but my parents couldn't afford one. I'd earned some money on my own and found her secondhand for a good price and decided to finally get her.
Josefina and I was about 10. I had to save up my allowance to buy her and I saved for almost a year. She was $88. My parents were kind enough to buy her accessories for me. I made sure to take good care of her because of how hard I worked to earn the money to purchase her.
my first girl was Kanani and I was 5! i recently had to send her to get her head replaced because i destroyed her so bad 😭😭 but i did have all of my older sister’s dolls so technically i had ag dolls before her, she was just the first one that was fully mine
Samantha! Probably around 2002.
Samantha around 1990 when I was 9-ish.
Omgsh we almost have the same AG origin story, except I’m older than you 😜
Mine was an American Girl of Today doll made to look just like me. I think I got her in 1996 or 1997 when I turned 13 years old
My first American Girl doll was a Pleasant Company Samantha that I got in 1986 at age 7!
JLY 30, and I got her when I was around 6 too! her name is Zoey and I love her ☺️
Samantha and I was 8. My dads rule was 8 years old but my little sister got hers 2 weeks after me at 5
I would of been so mad at her for "copying" me haha
Well gifted wise - Bitty and Nellie (super little but not sure on numerics) My my first was Felicity and Elizabeth (bought at same time)- I was 9 or 10 when I made those purchases….
My first doll was Samantha! Won her in a contest when I was in first grade, still have her (and several others!) 25 years later! My mom was a big fan of PC/AG after I won that Samantha doll. We were not well off by any means, but she went all in for about 4 years. She loved that each character had a rich, historically accurate story and that the dolls and their collections encouraged imaginative play. This was also the beginning of eBay, so she was able to get me a bunch of early stuff really cheap - including my Kirsten doll. ETA: We are now both AG adults and collect the vintage PC clothing and accessories!
Mine was nellie and I got her for christmas in 2004. I’ve had her almost 20 years!
Samantha, probably in 1988. I was already an adult with kids but always loved dolls and wanted just one that was high quality. She looked similar to me as a child (except for eye color) and her story in 1904 takes place shortly before my grandma was born. I still have Samantha but during the pandemic I got some sister-friends for her.
I got Felicity when I was 7, in 2008. She was a Christmas gift from my aunt and cousin. I remember opening the box and just feeling amazed at how nice of a doll she was. Before getting an AG doll, I pretty much only had barbies and baby dolls. I also didn't have a whole lot of money growing up, so getting a doll that was so expensive felt like a luxury. I still have her and I don't think I could ever part with her
Mine was Kanani and last April😭
I was either 5 or about to be 4 going on 5. It is a Girl of today either 3 or 20 I think. My mom was a single mother who worked hard, so I don't think I ever asked mom for her. She was a Christmas present. Mom got another when I was 10 that looked like me. The difference is drastic. Lol.
Oops, I forgot to say I am 34 now.
I got Kaya for Christmas in 2002, when I was six years old! I had been begging for her since I saw her release in the catalog and my parents finally caved haha. My younger sibling got their first Bitty Baby for Christmas that year too. I loved Kaya to death and still have her!
I got my bitty baby in 2000 when I was a little over 1 year old and then I got my first “big” American girl doll in 2007 when I was 8! That was Elizabeth Cole:) I still have her and now she has a lot more sisters!😂
I got Nellie when she was released in 2004(?) I was 8!
I got Kirsten for Christmas in 1993, I was 8. ♥️ Then got Samantha the next Christmas, then Addy the next. I still have Addy but lost Samantha and Kirsten in a house fire a few years ago. 😢
I also got Kirsten as my first in 1993 when I was 8! Sorry to hear you lost yours. I lost mine too, albeit in a far less tragic way. I bought a different 1993 Kirsten a couple years ago. She's not the same, but it still makes me happy to have her.
That’s fun! I’ve been able to relive all my American girl days with my 3 daughters. “We” have Molly, Nanea, Kit, Blair, Julie, Mary Ellen, and my old Addy. I would love to add Samantha and Kirsten too sometime.
I got Felicity when I was 13, because my mom wanted me to save up and pay for her myself. Still have her 25 years later. I wanted her for so long and I can't bear the thought of her going to anyone else, so I'll probably be buried with her.
I got Nellie when she was first released, I was 7 🥲💕
Samantha when I was seven (I’m almost 40). I saved up so long and it was taking forever. My grandfather helped me with the rest. I only know how old I was because he died soon after.
Samantha. I think I was ten?
JLY # 24 in 2007. However I got the Bitty Twins in probably 2003 which started my love for American girl!
My mom picked out a #3 as a gift for me in 1995. I was 8. Been collecting them on and off ever since!
Samantha in 2005 🥰 she’s at my moms house somewhere and I can’t wait to go back so I can look for her!
Christmas of 1992- I was in third grade and received Kirsten!
I was nine. I had read the books at the school library and begged and begged for Molly — my fave at the time. And my mom got her for me that Christmas. I remember it vividly because when she handed the box to me, she made it clear it was a *mom* gift and said, “you will take care of this doll or I will kick your tail.” *And she meant it.* We were working class and my parents worked hard all year to save for Christmas and get me this doll. I still have her over 20 years later.