Disclaimer: I received products for review; however, all opinions are mine and mine alone.
I have a 9-year old daughter who loves American Girl. We live a little over an hour from the Boston store, and we have also visited the stores in Chicago and Tysons Corner (DC area). Our next visit will probably be to the NYC store. Let’s just say my daughter is a HUGE fan and has been for a few years. She even had her 7th birthday party at the American Girl store in Boston with a few of her friends. Many toys my daughter has played with throughout the years have really been trendy and a phase. What I love about American Girl is that these dolls stand the test of time. I know people in their 20’s and 30’s that still have their dolls to pass down to their own daughters. And I can tell you that my daughter will never give up her dolls. They are all special in their own ways. She has learned to be responsible by taking care of her dolls, and she’s learned to save her money as well. Many of the dolls and outfits she owns are from her saving money from allowance and from birthday/holiday gift cards. Whenever a family member asks what she wants for Christmas she says, “An American Girl Gift Card!”
I also love the fact that American Girl really focuses on history and building self-esteem in girls. My daughter’s first doll was Felicity, and ever since she got her she’s asked to visit Colonial Williamsburg. We are actually going this Thanksgiving, and she couldn’t be more excited! She’s been waiting over three years for us to take her there. She has read all the Felicity books over and over! My daughter was actually really resistant to reading a few years ago, but after getting Felicity she really got motivated to want to read and she succeeded.
For our Holiday Gift Guide this year, we are including the 2013 American Girl Doll of the Year, Saige. My daughter has been dying for Saige ever since she came out, as she feels connected with her through their love of art, horses, and they are the same age. She saw the movie first and then really got excited about Saige. She got some of the Saige books and read those first, and then wanted to save for the Saige doll. Since Saige is a “Doll of the Year,” this means that you can only get that doll and their accessories during that year. It’s almost the end of 2013, so if you want Saige or anything that comes with her it’s best if you order it NOW! My daughter still had not saved enough for the doll and was getting discouraged, when I was presented with the opportunity to review Saige! My daughter was over the moon when I told her we were getting Saige! This also means that I need to order some Saige outfits for Christmas gifts for my daughter ASAP!
In our opinion, Saige is one of the best dolls because of her love of family, focus on friendships, and her ability to stand up for herself and others! You really need to see the Saige movie if you haven’t already! It’s great! Saige is one of those dolls that helps girls want to be confident and honest. Through her books you can see the values she teaches young girls.
Don’t miss out this holiday season! Order Saige ASAP from the American Girl site to make sure you get one before they’re gone! Below is some information about Saige and the book she comes with. It’s nice because you receive the first book for each girl when you get the dolls. Sometimes you can add on their starter accessories as well and save some money. We also love the fact that Saige is from the American Southwest and has the cutest outfits and accessories.
Information About Saige:
“Saige is a spirited and imaginative young girl who loves painting and horseback riding at her grandma’s ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico—the hot-air balloon capital of the world. When budget cuts take away art class at school and a horse she loves might be sold, Saige draws on her talents, mobilizes others, and takes action to improve the world around her. The Saige doll is 18” tall with light skin, freckles, long auburn-colored hair, and dark turquoise eyes. She has pierced ears with earrings, and wears a Southwestern ring on her right hand. Saige comes in an indigo knit dress with cropped sleeves, geometric embroidery, and a tiered skirt. Includes tall boots with wrap straps and blue cotton underwear. The Saige paperback book was written by Jessie Haas. ” ~ From American Girl
Special Deal from American Girl and Shutterfly:
From October 14th to December 31st, 2013, customers who make a purchase with American Girl in store or online will receive a thank you gift–a promo code for a free 20-page, American Girl-themed hardcover photo book (valued at $29.99), redeemable at Shutterfly.com. How awesome is that? Don’t miss out on this limited time offer!
Additional Holiday Gift Ideas from American Girl:
- Molly and Emily are retiring at the end of the year, so don’t miss out on getting them!
- Cute holiday outfits available for dolls and girls (some matching)
- Bitty Baby Dolls for those little girls not yet ready for the American Girl Collection or that just love babies!
- Many books about the American Girl Dolls, and about Growing Up (The Care & Keeping of You series ~ I am getting this for my daughter this year)
- American Girl Doll activity sets
- Many accessories for dolls and pets that go with them!
- And of course, don’t miss getting Saige (Doll of the Year 2013) and all of her accessories while you still can!
Would you believe my daughter doesn’t have an official AG doll? She has some look alikes that she loves so I know she would love the real thing! And of course she loves horses, so Saige would probably be her favorite too! Love the pics of your daughter and her doll!
This post makes me smile and makes me think back to how much my girls loved their American Girl Dolls when they were little.
These dolls are outstanding! It is nice to read your post to hear what a Great Influence this Company has on girls. What a great deal (and great opportunity) to get the Photo BOOK!!!!
Awww, you’re daughter looks so cute with her doll. Saige is gorgeous, too! Love her eyes!
Your daughter looks delighted! The doll looks great, I’ve heard great things about them.
My little sister is 10 and she likes the american girl dolls and has specifically mentioned wanting saige. Its so fun to watch her enjoy the dolls because I liked them as a little girl too.
That doll has some serious fashion going on!
Awe, your daughter looks so much like you!!! She looks so happy with her doll!
Such a cute doll! I definitely should get my daughter one. She’s 8!
That is so sweet how much your daughter loves her American Girl Dolls. Saige looks like a nice addition!
That’s some birthday! What a cutie! My daughter wanted an American Doll when she was younger and I never got her one. 🙁 Shame on me… I thought it was just another fad and didn’t want to give in to it.. Now…Years later…I can see it wasn’t a fad!
My daughter loved American Girl dolls and books when she was younger! Such amazing products.
Awesome! I remember these dolls when I was a little girl 🙂
how precious! It looks like she really loves her new doll.
I love how much these dolls look like little girls! Cute concept!
Adorable! My daughter is 2 and I can’t wait for her first American Girl experience.
My daughter is 9 also and she got Saige this year and guess what she’s getting for Xmas?? The accessories for Saige and the Bitty Twins and a Bitty baby! I love American girl!!
I think Saige has to be my favorite of all the girl of the year dolls! She is SOOOO pretty!!
I have heard so much about American Dolls they seem to be pretty popular. Saige is a really pretty doll, I love her boots!! Your daughter is adorable as well!
I love how there are stories that go along with each doll, and how wonderful that your daughter enjoys them so much.
My girls are teens now and they still love their American girl dolls!
Love it! So sweet, and very cool!
So cool! I love Molly, and though she is no longer an active AG, she is my one and only and I cannot wait to pass her down to Addie!
Saige is sooo cute and so is your daughter with her big beaming smile! Looks like she’s found a new best friend! My nieces are big American Girl friends, they’d love Saige!
Ahhh this is so sweet! What a great story!
How sweet!! My daughter loves American Girl dolls…and I’m pretty fond of them too.
My daughter wants an American Girl Doll for Christmas really bad. Hopefully santa will be able to surprise her with one. Saige is adorable!
How precious! So glad you got the opportunity to review Saige for your daughter! She looks so pleased=)
I totally agree with you that they’re timeless in design and that definitely makes the price point a little more tolerable, doesn’t it?
My oldest has Rebecca Rubin and my youngest is torn between Saige (because she has a snazzy ring) and Caroline (because she has a boat, like Grampie).
Love this! My 2 now 12-year old granddaughters still have their American Doll things and now I’m so excited to bring Victoria to this incredible world! Love Saige!