— Sometimes sassy, always independent, with the ability to make a lasting impression on the legions of girls who saw pieces of themselves in the characters.

It's been 25 years since the American Girl collection was introduced, and since then Samantha, Molly, Kirsten and Addy have been joined by six other girls, all with six books outlining their own historic American stories, 18-inch replica dolls and masses of accessories. Today's kids can find the girl who speaks to them online or at the American Girl "experiential" stores, while back in the 80's and 90's, we were confined to pore over mail-order catalogs (remember those?).

The ability to customize a doll American Girl is what makes them different from any other doll. Girls can design a doll that looks like them in choosing an almost infinite combination of skin tones, hairstyles, hair color and eye color. Most girls choose dolls customized to their American Girl first because the experience is so much fun, and because their doll is quite unique.

However, there is no rule that girls need to create a carbon copy of themselves. Having the ability to choose the features, means it can create a doll that is the complete opposite of your child.Many girls own American Girl dolls dozen because they like the variety and the different "personalities".

American Girl also creates an annual "Doll of the Year" which is always a popular choice. While these dolls come with standard equipment, they are easy to customize with additional outfits and accessories such as shoes dolls. Shoes can change the appearance of an entire set, and include other footwear such as shoes, ballet shoes, sneakers, and riding boots....

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Abby, twenty-something, life long Massachusetts resident. I'm happily married to a man I'm head over heels in love with. We own two cats and a town house. I love New England weather, gardening in the summer, and hot cocoa in the winter. I hate flying. I have an incredible, supportive, eccentric extended family. Oh, I also really love dressing up.