American Girl Dolls

Kanani – 2011 Girl of the Year

2Eklectik — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:44:09 +0000

: Kanani – 2011 Girl of the Year

Aloha to Kanani, American Girl Doll’s 2011 Girl of the Year.

Kanani – The newest Girl of the Year is the first American Girl Doll from Hawaii and she loves to spread the Aloha spirit.

Kanani is a cheerful girl who is always trying to help others – whether it’s helping out at her family’s store or selling shaved ice to raise money for a special cause. Her biggest challenge comes when her cousin Rachel comes from New York to visit for a month. Kanani is so excited to show her the wonders of Hawaii, but no matter what she does, Rachel still feels unhappy. Find out how Kanani finally connects with her cousin in her book Aloha Kanani.

One of Kanani’s accessories is an adorable Monk Seal pup, that Kanani happens to have helped rescue. You can also do your part , because whenever you purchase a cute and cuddly Monk Seal, $1 of your purchase will go to support the National Wildlife Federation.

So Aloha Kanani, and welcome to 2011,

Summer Events at the NY American Girl Place

2Eklectik — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:55:15 +0000

: The American Girl Place in New York City

This summer, the American Girl Place in New York City is hosting a series of special programs that are sure to be a hit.

Space is limited for all events so be sure to call 1 877 247 5223 to make your reservations today.

Date with Dad: June 18, July 20 & August 10. Enjoy an extra special meal with Dad, receive a commemorative photo and keepsakes as a reminder of your special day. Cost is $54 per person, ages 6 and up only.

Molly’s “All Americann” Ballet: June 28. Join Americna Girl for an unforgettable ballet event with Molly McIntire. You’ll spend your day in the heart of NYC exploring Molly’s 1940’s and learning the ballet basics in a special workshop led by the American Ballet Theater. You’ll discover the classic ballet ‘Fancy Free’ and meet a real ballerina, then reminisce over a delightful meal. Cost is only $35, for ages 8 and up.

Memories with Mom: July 27 & August 17. Celebrate the day with an elegant meal in the Cafe, and receive a commemorative photo and keepsakes as a reminder of your special day. Cost is $54 per person, ages 6 and up only.

American Girl at Radio City: Stage Door Tour: July 7, & 21, August 4 & 11 (9:30 am and 1:15 pm all days). Here’s your chance to get a behind the scenes look at where the biggest names in show business have performed center stage, Radio City Music Hall. Not only will you learn the secrets of the great stage, but you’ll also get to a member of the World Famous Radio City Rockettes. Complete your day with a special meal at the American Girl Cafe. For ages 8 and up, $45 per person.

For a complete list, and details, of all of the American Girl Summer events, especially those at a store near you, visit the American Girl Place.

Molly McIntire – World War II

2Eklectik — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:47:23 +0000

Molly McIntire

Molly McIntire is one of the original American Girl/Historical Dolls offered by the Pleasant Company (with Samantha and Kirsten), and is still the only doll offered who wears glasses.

Molly is a bright and cheerful young girl who lives in Jefferson, Illinois during the latter years of World War II. Her father (an Army Doctor) is stationed somewhere in England, caring for wounded soldiers, and she must cope with the changes that the war has brought. With her dad away, Molly’s Mom has her hands full holding the family, that includes her 14 yr old sister Jill, 12 yr old brother Ricky and 5 yr old younger brother Brad, together. When Molly’s mom goes to work, everyone is kept in line by the housekeeper, Mrs Gilford, with some help from Molly’s Grammy and Granpa. In school, Molly spends her time scheming (with best friend Linda) and dreaming (with best friend Susan), all under the watchful eye of her third grade teacher Miss Campbell.

Another member of Molly’s household is her friend Emily Bennett. Emily was sent to America by her family to protect her from the intensity of the English front during WWII. Emily Bennett became the third doll introduced in the ‘Best Friends’ series in September 2006.

Molly’s series focuses on patriotism and the changes that come with wartime.

Lanie’s Backyard Photo Contest Winners

2Eklectik — Wed, 05 May 2010 03:32:25 +0000

Lanie's Backyard Photo Contest

I’m sure it was hard to choose from the over 34,000 entries into Lanie’s Backyard Photo Contest, but 5 Grand Prize Winners have been selected.

The winners, with an excerpt from their essays, are listed below.

Grand Prize winners:

Amalia, age 8, Missouri

Highlight from Amalia’s “Nature Note”:

When I go outside, I am inspired by looking at the bugs on my swing set. There is a creek beyond my backyard, and when I go out, sometimes I see toads. When I am outside in the summer, I hear crickets singing at night. I like when the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange in the fall.

Madelaine, age 12, New York

Highlight from Madelaine’s “Nature Note”:

I am warmed deep down in my soul as I feel the plants blooming around me. Natural inspiration flows through me and encourages me to respond, and I feel a need to care for each living thing that crosses my path.

Tess, age 9, Minnesota

Highlight from Tess’s “Nature Note”:

I see the sunset and it makes me feel happy because of all of the beautiful colors.

Jada, age 9, Washington

Highlight from Jada’s “Nature Note”:

When I step outside and feel the wind against my face, it makes me feel like playing tag and gardening.

McKenna Jo, age 9, Utah

Highlight from McKenna Jo’s “Nature Note”:

Each season brings new and exciting memories. Spring always brings strong enough winds for me to fly my kite. The warm sunshine of summer heats the water while I swim. Fall allows me to enjoy the rainbow of beauty with the changing of the leaves. And most of all, I love that winter brings white, drifted snow for me to make snow angels.

For the complete list of the First Place Winners, go to AmericanGirl.com

Meet Lanie Holland

2Eklectik — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:58:13 +0000

The American Girl Place is having a Special Event on Thursday April 22nd

The 2010 Girl of the Year Celebration

You can be one of the first to learn about Lanie Holland – the 2010 Girl of the Year. Lanie is an energetic girl who loves outdoor adventures, so at this special event, girls will enjoy a delicious meal, activities, nature crafts, and an introduction to the new contemporary character!

For girls ages 8 and up only and reservations are required so call 877-247-5223 to reserve your spot.

If you can’t get a reservation, or don’t live near NY – don’t worry, you can enjoy

Lanie’s Nature Activity Day

Celebrate the wonders of nature and the fun of gardening with Lanie, our 2010 Girl of the Year! During this free event, you can sprout your very own “mini garden” in a seed-starter cup, make a cute seed label for your mini garden and enjoy a garden-themed scavenger hunt, plus other fun activities. This event is free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.

Atlanta: April 17; May 26; June 9
Boston: April 17, 30
Chicago: April 17; May 28; June 11, 16, 30; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; September 4, 11, 18, 25
Dallas: April 17; May 31
Los Angeles: April 17; June 5
Minneapolis: April 17
New York: April 17, 18, 22; July 14

Win Lanie Holland – Backyard Photo Contest

2Eklectik — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:54:50 +0000

2010 Girl of the Year Lanie Holland finds adventure in her own backyard and you can too. Enter Lanie’s Backyard Photo Contest for a chance to win Lanie’s entire collection.

5 Grand Prize and 20 First Prize winners will be selected at random from all photo contest entries.

Prizes

5 Grand Prize Winners will receive a Lanie Doll Collection (retail value $559)

20 First Prize winners will receive a Lanie Doll and Book (retail value $95)

How to Enter

Find and photograph any five of the items listed below (some will be easier to find depending on where you live).

For almost everyone:

If you live where it snows:

If you live by the beach:

If you live in the desert:

Then, write a ‘nature note’ of up to 1,000 characters answering the question “I am inspired by nature when…”

Submit entries online or by email

All entries must be received by March 15, 2010

Good luck!

Hello Lanie Holland

2Eklectik — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:41:21 +0000

Lanie Holland is the American Girl Doll, Girl of the Year for 2010.

Lanie is a smart young girl who’s favorite subject in school is science, and she loves to explore.

Lanie is energetic, and with her lop-eared bunny Lulu, discover’s that adventure is everywhere around her, starting in her own backyard.

Lanie loves nature and exploring the world around her, and her American Girl accessories reflect her love of the outdoors. Her Camper comes complete with a sleeping bag, teapot, camp cup & plate, recycling bin, and more. Everything Lanie needs for a great outdoor adventure.

Goodbye Kirsten…

2Eklectik — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:58:27 +0000

Retired Historical Doll Kirsten Larson

Goodbye Kirsten Larson.

Despite several ‘Save Kirsten’ campaigns, American Girl has gone ahead and retired the second of its original historical dolls, Kirsten. With Samantha being retired last year, this leaves only Molly as the only historical doll originally introduced by the Pleasant Company (which later became American Girl).

Although American Girl has stated that they are only doing this to make room for new historical dolls (Rebecca Rubin was introduced earlier this year), it’s curious that they have chosen to retire their most popular dolls first. From a business perspective you would think that the least popular dolls would be retired as they are not as profitable. By retiring their most popular dolls faster than they introduce new ones, is American Girl phasing out their line of Historical Dolls in an attempt to increase the popularity of their customized “Just like You” line?

Not knowing American Girls marketing plan, their decision to retire their popular dolls has certainly paid off based on the rush of customers attempting to purchase Kirsten and all her accessories before they are gone (only her books will remain available from American Girl). Now only time will tell when the next historical girl will be introduced and if she will be as popular as Kirsten (or Samantha).

But as far as today, it’s sad to have to say good bye to such a wonderful doll.

A Brief History of American Girl Doll

2Eklectik — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:49:02 +0000

In 1986, Pleasant T. Rowland, a former educator and publisher of educational materials, founded Pleasant Company which is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin. Pleasant Company produced and marketed three 18-inch dolls – Samantha, Kirsten and Molly – each from a different period in American History. Each girl also had historically accurate outfits and accessory sets which were tied into books depicting their individual backgrounds. The first three stories of each character’s eventual 6 book series were originally written by Danielle Steele.

The American Girl Collection was originally available only through mail-order catalogs. Several more historical dolls were added (Felicity, Addy, Josefina) and by 1997 their combined stories spanned periods in U.S. history from 1764 to 1944.

In 1992, American Girl expanded to help affirm self-esteem, celebrate achievements, and foster creativity in today’s girls with the launch of American Girl® magazine, It currently ranks among the top ten children’s magazines in the nation and is the largest magazine dedicated exclusively to girls.

In 1995, a line of contemporary 18-inch Just Like You® dolls were introduced, that represent the individuality and diversity of today’s American girls. American Girl also introduced Bitty Baby® and the Bitty Twins®-soft, (for younger girls ages 3-6). Both Bitty’s are huggable baby and toddler dolls that encourage nurturing behavior.

In the Fall of 1997, AmericanGirl.com was launched.

In 1998, Mattel, Inc.-the world’s leading toy company – acquired American Girl. That same year, American Girl established its first retail store in Chicago, and has continued to open locations in major markets across the country.

In 2003, the first Made-for-TV movies and a new feature film are the latest ways we’re connecting with girls, bringing their favorite stories to life on screen.

January 5th 2009 – Chrissa Stands Strong – The first ever Girl of the Year movie premieres on HBO

Today – American Girl continues to expand its Historical collection by adding new dolls from different eras in American history, and occassionally retiring a doll.

For more information about all things related to the American Girl Dolls, visit My Daughter Loves the American Girl Dolls.

Kirsten Larson to be retired

2Eklectik — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:28:28 +0000

Kirsten Larson

Kirsten Larson, one of the original historical dolls introduced by American Girl, will soon be retired.

Kirsten, and her complete collection will be moving into the American Girl archives. This will allow American Girl to introduce new characters from new eras in American History.

Kirsten Larson, and her family are Swedish immigrants who settle in the Minnesota Territory in 1854. Kirsten’s adventures as a brave pioneer girl have made her a favorite of American Girl fans from the very beginning.

Although Kirsten and her collection will be retired, her books will remain available both online and at the American Girl Place stores, to be enjoyed for years to come.

Find out more about Kirsten and all the American Girl Dolls at My Daughter Loves the American Girl Dolls

Hej då Kirsten.