American Girl Doll

I love the books for the American Girls. They also have a GREAT line of books about relationships, sibling survival, how to care for yourself, and my favorite book is about emotions. Bookstores have a stand with the American Girl Library books.
I have not bought, nor do I plan to buy any of their dolls. I would rather take my daughter out for lunch with Mommy or Daddy than her doll. :) That falls in line with an experience I had with my oldest daughter at age of 5: She had been asking for almost two years for a Cabbage Patch doll, but I held off b/c they were $35. Then when her baby brother was born, she was kissing him constantly. So we suggested buying the Cabbage Patch to have another baby to kiss! :) As we were preparing to leave to a dinner party, I told her she had to do XYZ so we can stop for the Cabbage Patch doll. *Keep in mind that having a new baby brother, she had a new attitude that lasted 5 days* She casually said, "Nah... It's okay... I'll just wait until next time you offer it..."
Needless to say, she did not get that Cabbage Patch doll. :) Now at the age of 8, she is more into books & journaling than dolls.
I suggest holding off a while longer. She'll likely appreciate it more after a long wait, or she may even forget about it. :)

I don't think American Girl Dolls are meant for 6 year olds. I would think about postponing the doll for a later birthday, until she's really able to take good care of it. The dolls and their accessories do require some care and gentleness. How would you feel if this high-buck doll was at the bottom of the toy box or dropped in a puddle or received a "haircut" from your daughter's little classmate? You get the picture.

When/if you do buy one, I would check eBay and Craigslist. I would even do a "wanted" ad on Craigslist or the paper--my guess is there are lots of these dolls not being played with anymore. Good luck!

I bought my 4 year old one for Christmas. They are very durable. It is the doll she plays with allll the time. I think they are a little pricey for a doll, but it is something she will probably pass down to her daughter some day. The clothes are pricey as well, but a lot of fun and super cute--great gifts for birthdays and future holidays (especially from the grandparents) It is fun since we have the new store too, then she can bring her in and have her hair done, take her to lunch etc (which is also pricey) Hope that helps a little.

So, because she really wants one you have to get it for her?! If it is out of your price range tell her so. It's not too early to let your kids know the value of a dollar. Get her a piggy bank and start paying her to work and she can see that money isn't easy to come by.
I've seen the replica dolls at Target. They are cute and way cheaper.

I'm in the same pickle and it doesn't just end with a exspensive doll the accesories are outrageous as well.

They do sell them used on craigslist and I've seen them at garage sales too.

Hi, I look at them like collector dolls because the resell for say the Kirsten doll is around $80 in very good condition with hair in same placement. I got my kids the Target brand version called the Generation Doll and you can get them with books for like $35 or something and without a book $21.