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The American Girls Collection

© Hilary Evans

Ranging from the 3-12 year range of appropriateness, American Girl products tie together various aspects of play. They keep interest, are durable, and although pricey, these products are well worth the money.

American Girls began as a book series with six characters. Each little girl represents a specific era of American history, each girl comes from a unique cultural/ethnic background. The books do a wonderful job of describing how women's rights, and the country in general, evolved through the years. American Girls are described as a "wholesome" toy for the new millennium.

After the series came a magazine, calendars, journals, friendship kits, and you guessed it, dolls. The American Girl dolls are for ages 8-12. Several parents have commented that these are not dolls for the youngest of children. They are 18" high and have "posable" bodies made of vinyl. The eyes open and shut, and there are clothes and accessories available for separate purchase. While they are durable, the dolls are expensive enough to play with responsibly. Base cost for an American Girl doll and her first book in paperback? $84

Along with the original six, there are two more American Girl characters and the American Girl Today dolls. These are a modern American girl collection. There are 20 designs to choose from. They are a variety of hair/skin/eye combinations, and come with a blank book for the owner to write her story in. Also available are matching outfits for girls sized 7-20. There are accessories available at Target which are much cheaper than those sold via web site or catalog.

American Girls does not stop there. There is a group of dolls for younger children called Bitty Babies. However, toddlers are not as interested in doll play as older children, and at $38 a pop, you're not likely to get the most from your investment.

One of the best features of American Girls is American Girl gear. Created with the quality seen in the dolls (VERY high) are clothing, accessories, tech and bath and body products for the youngest of young women. The clothes are trendy, and not as expensive as you'd expect to find. The bath and body section is filled with feel good products like "Caring for Yourself" and the "Superstar Bath Kit."

Last but not least is the American Girl Place, located in Chicago. This is a showcase of everything American Girl a daughter would ever dream of seeing. A must for the AG fanatic.

The copyright of the article The American Girls Collection in Children's Products is owned by Hilary Evans. Permission to republish The American Girls Collection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.