Sandra‘s Closet

Probably you were like me and loved playing dress-up with your dolls when you were little. In case that you haven’t outgrown that phase or you are a mom already, I truly recommend a visit to American Girl Place.

American Girl is a line of dolls, books, and accessories based on ten-year-old girl characters that originally focused  on various periods of American history from the viewpoint of girls. Today, the brand, that was founded in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland and is currently owned by Mattel, includes dolls and stories about contemporary girls with one special edition each year, the so-called “Girl of the Year”.

It is truly an amazing experience to enter an American Girl Place store. Girls can choose their doll according to their own look and get the matching outfits for both. The dolls can go to the hairdresser, get their ears pierced and enjoy many more activities.

Girls can visit different camps with their doll, from a cooking class to a night at the museum.

Girls can also buy a pet for their doll with all sorts of accessories.

The historical characters tell the story of their time and kids can learn a lot about American history.

The “Girl of the Year 2011” is Kanani and she comes from Hawaii.

The “Bitty Babies” are for the smaller children. Girls can even choose a twin couple.

The café is loved by kids and the parents, a very unique experience. The dolls get their own chair and little china. Kids who don’t bring their own doll, can borrow one.

The flagship and first store debuted in Chicago followed by shops in New York and Los Angeles among other US cities. I truly hope that they will expand to Europe one day. In the meantime, have a look at their website by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos taken in the American Girl Place stores in New York and Los Angeles by Sandra Bauknecht
© Sandra Bauknecht