It started with a simple book series featuring three girls: Samantha, Kirsten and Molly. Each grew up in a different time period, and each had exciting adventures to share with young readers. Stories included unique historical references that educated young girls on how life was during a different era. Today, the American Girl collection has expanded to include more female heroines and more avid fans. The stories and American Girl dolls and toys are must-haves for little girls and collectors alike.
Meet the Historical Girls
Each girl in the American Girl series lives in a particular time period in American history. The following dolls from the original series have been retired:
- Kirsten, a pioneer girl, was born in Sweden but settled in Minnesota with her family in the 1850s. She teaches girls that home can be anywhere and the value in learning to adapt to change.
- Samantha, an orphan, lived with her wealthy grandmother in the early 1900s. Her friend Nellie helps teach her that life is not all about money, and the importance of helping others.
- Felicity lived in colonial times in the 1770s and had to learn to get along with those, like her best friend Elizabeth, who did not agree on the state of America's independence.
There are many American Girl heroines still available for little girls to learn from today. Dolls that can currently be purchased in the American Girl store include:
- Addy, the first African-American doll, lived during the Civil War in the 1860s. She escaped slavery and learned the importance of relying on family during difficult times.
- Molly lived during World War II and began to understand the importance of sacrifice to reach a goal as she worked to show her patriotism by helping during the war.
- Kit learned what it was like to go without while living during the Great Depression.
- Rebecca, who is Jewish, lived in the early 1900s and had to learn to blend her family's old Jewish traditions with newer traditions and desires.
- Marie-Grace and Cecile lived in New Orleans in the 1850s. One white and the other African-American, they formed an unlikely friendship as they cared for others.
- Josefina, the first Hispanic-American girl, lived in the 1820s and had to deal with the difficulties that came with losing her mother and making new memories.
- Kaya, a Native American, learned about being a leader as she dreamed about leading her tribe during the 1760s.
- Julie lived in San Francisco in the 1970s and learned to handle change as her parents went through a divorce.
- Caroline lived in New York during the War of 1812 and dreamed of being captain of a ship, just like her father.
Girl of the Year
Starting in 2001, American Girl began featuring an annual "girl of the year" doll to represent today's modern girl. These dolls are available for purchase for only one year, after which they are retired and a new one is introduced. Young girls will enjoy collecting each year's edition, as well as playing online interactive games featuring the dolls. A few of the dolls who have been named "girl of the year" include:
- McKenna, 2012, who is a skilled gymnast but struggles with reading.
- Chrissa, 2009, who took a stand against bullies
- Nikki, 2007, who loved to volunteer and trained service dogs.
- Marisol, 2006, who loved to dance and used it to cope with changes in her life.
- Kailey, 2002, who liked to speak out about causes she believed in.
My American Girl
In addition to the main dolls, the series includes the My American Girl collection which allows girls to design a doll to look just like them. Girls can customize the hair and eye color of their dolls, choose a specific skin color and whether or not the doll has freckles and even choose the kind of hairstyle the doll has. Once the basic doll has been chosen, girls can choose an outfit and add accessories such as earrings, glasses, or braces, and even give her a pet. The doll also comes with a subscription to Innerstar University, a place to interact with other girls and their dolls, play games and learn in a fun online world. American Girl Accessories
Part of the fun of having an American Girl doll is all of the accessories available to purchase. These include clothing, furniture, accessories for the doll's hair and special accessories related to the doll's interests. Most notably, girls can purchase coordinating outfits so they and their dolls can dress alike.
Pets
Also available are pets for the American Girls to adopt. The pet collection includes five dogs named Coconut, Meatloaf, Honey, Pepper, and Sugar, and four cats named Praline, Ginger, Inkpot, and Licorice. There is also a service dog set that comes with a training vest and dog treats. There are multiple accessories that go along with the pets, including:
- Carriers
- Pet beds
- Hiking sets
- Bath sets
- Rain gear
- Pet show set
American Girl Books
While the dolls and their accessories are extremely popular, the American Girl series comes to life with its books. The books are designed to teach girls valuable lessons, empower them to be strong women and, with the historical books, pique their interest in history.
Historical Fiction
Each historical doll is featured in a series of books based on her life. The first book in the series is usually a meet the character book, for example Meet Addy. In addition the series typically includes a book about changes, a book about learning a lesson, a happy birthday book, a saves the day book and a mystery book. Books in each character's series may be purchased individually or as a set.
Contemporary Fiction
As the American Girl collection has grown, it has started to include more contemporary fiction. The collection features books based on the Girl of the Year, along with other stories featuring characters based on the dolls. Some of the books offer multiple endings and allow girls to make choices as they read through. Special content related to the books is also available online through Innerstar University.
Crafts
The American Girl collection includes multiple activity books and craft sets for girls. They range from question and answer books to craft projects to inspire interaction with their dolls, creating friendship bracelets and making paper art.
Setting a Good Example
All of the American Girl dolls and toys are focused on empowering girls and teaching them positive lessons. They encourage girls to stand up for what they believe in, take on challenges and learn to handle difficult emotions. The dolls do not wear skimpy clothing or act inappropriately. In the stories they may occasionally misbehave or make a mistake, but they always learn a lesson as a result. While girls will enjoy playing with the dolls and reading the stories, parents can rest easy knowing they are learning valuable lessons at the same time.
Sea Otter Stuffed Animal Cuddly Otter Plush Doll Adorable Soft Toy Gift for Kids
Details
ADORABLE GIFT - Sea otter plush toy features a cute otter design, vivid eyes, fluffy body and precise stitches, can be used as special kid's toy. Ideal gift for kids, teen girls, girlfriends on special gala (such as birthday, Christmas etc ), or as a reward for well-behaved children. They will want to take it everywhere with them.
SOFT & FUZZY - Plush sea otter animal soft enough to cuddle with in bed or keep you company when you nap on the couch, leaving your child with an unforgettable and soothing feeling when them cuddle the plush animal, ideal bed time companion helps toddlers sleep better.
SAFE & DURABLE - Plush otter toy is hypoallergenic which made of environmental friendly fabric and filling with 100% PP cotton, guarantee for safe felt comfortable and soft in touch, close to the baby's skin, non-toxic and odorless. Your little ones will have a great pal to share stories or secrets.
ANIMAL COLLECTION & DECORATION - Stuffed otter animal feature lovely shape and high quality construction will be an unique member in your toy collection. Perfect as a decorative piece for any room, transform a bedroom or a playroom or add a whimsical touch to common areas like a living room or entryway as well as a striking addition to any room.
EASY CLEANING - Stuffed animal otter surface washable for easy cleaning, don't worry about get dirty. Support hand wash and machine wash and won't cause faded issue.Materials: Cotton,PP Cotton
Theme: Leisure
Features: Soft,Stuffed and Plush,Sleep Helping
Series: FashionPackage weight: 0.426 kg
Product size: 20.00 x 15.00 x 30.00 cm / 7.87 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches
Package size: 15.00 x 15.00 x 10.00 cm / 5.91 x 5.91 x 3.94 inchesPackage Contents: 1 x Otter Plush Toy
