American Girl conundrum - help me shop!!
February 3, 2016 1:04 PM Subscribe
I am responsible for creating a gift basket which will be auctioned off as a fundraiser for our elementary school. Our class was assigned the theme "American Girl doll". I have a lot of Feelings about this, but I must bravely put them aside and create a fabulous gift basket so that our school can afford things like paper and pencils.
I don't have too many guidelines or rules. I am supposed to email the parents in our class and solicit either cash contributions towards the basket's contents or ask them to purchase specific items (of my choosing) for the basket. Either way, I have to pick what goes into the basket. The PTA suggests that we ask our class families for $5-40 each. There are 22 families in our class, and obviously, some will not participate.
Here are my specific questions:
Should I get an actual American Girl doll? Which one? I don't want to alienate anyone by choosing a doll of a specific race or time period, as this auction is open to the entire school community. We have a very racially and economically diverse school, so choosing a doll of a particular race or with racially-specific features feels wrong to me. (Maybe I'm overthinking this, but that's how I feel.)
Should we skip the doll and go for the American Girl "experience" - the lunch, the doll hair salon, an enormous gift card, an entire library of the books, etc? If so, what are logical things to put in to create this experience? If we do that, does the doll-less gift basket seem weird? Is the doll crucial to the basket?
Any guidance or product advice is welcome, as well as words of wisdom about how best to capture the idea of "American Girl" for this auction. My kids aren't really into dolls and I'm not at all familiar with American Girl stuff, so I don't feel like I have a lot of knowledge to apply here. Thanks!!
I don't have too many guidelines or rules. I am supposed to email the parents in our class and solicit either cash contributions towards the basket's contents or ask them to purchase specific items (of my choosing) for the basket. Either way, I have to pick what goes into the basket. The PTA suggests that we ask our class families for $5-40 each. There are 22 families in our class, and obviously, some will not participate.
Here are my specific questions:
Should I get an actual American Girl doll? Which one? I don't want to alienate anyone by choosing a doll of a specific race or time period, as this auction is open to the entire school community. We have a very racially and economically diverse school, so choosing a doll of a particular race or with racially-specific features feels wrong to me. (Maybe I'm overthinking this, but that's how I feel.)
Should we skip the doll and go for the American Girl "experience" - the lunch, the doll hair salon, an enormous gift card, an entire library of the books, etc? If so, what are logical things to put in to create this experience? If we do that, does the doll-less gift basket seem weird? Is the doll crucial to the basket?
Any guidance or product advice is welcome, as well as words of wisdom about how best to capture the idea of "American Girl" for this auction. My kids aren't really into dolls and I'm not at all familiar with American Girl stuff, so I don't feel like I have a lot of knowledge to apply here. Thanks!!
If I were putting this basket together, I would not include a doll. I would assume that anyone who has the kind of money to bid on a basket that did have a doll, and whose child was interested, would either already have a doll or prefer to buy one of their choosing. I think you can make a nice basket with books and accessories that will get lots of bids from people who like that kind of thing. Probably more than if you include a doll. If you did include a gift card someone could use that toward buying a doll, right?
Also, perhaps you could buy some accessories from etsy or other crafters. Would that soothe your Feelings at all? You'd also reduce overlap with official American Girl things that an aficionado might already have.
posted by Kriesa at 1:16 PM on February 3, 2016 [10 favorites]
Also, perhaps you could buy some accessories from etsy or other crafters. Would that soothe your Feelings at all? You'd also reduce overlap with official American Girl things that an aficionado might already have.
posted by Kriesa at 1:16 PM on February 3, 2016 [10 favorites]
Who are you planning to sell the baskets to?
Personally, I'd go with amusing old-timey objects. But whether that means an adorable miniature butter churn from Lehman's (seriously, it's way cute) or a slate and chalk depends on the kind of buyer.
posted by SMPA at 1:20 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Personally, I'd go with amusing old-timey objects. But whether that means an adorable miniature butter churn from Lehman's (seriously, it's way cute) or a slate and chalk depends on the kind of buyer.
posted by SMPA at 1:20 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also: feel free to pick objects and books from the days of the Aztecs up to the present. The AG series covers all of North America and all major historical periods. For bonus points try to stick to objects that children, especially girls, would actually use: samplers, vintage Chatty Cathy dolls, etc.
posted by SMPA at 1:23 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by SMPA at 1:23 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Lots of the historical books!
posted by heathrowga at 1:26 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by heathrowga at 1:26 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Unless they've changed the size of the dolls clothes from any American Girl doll should fit any other. In my experience none of the various siblings and cousins who had the dolls seemed to care much about keeping them in period-correct clothing.
Also if you are targeting a population that is likely to know how to sew there are patterns for making American Girl Doll clothes, might be fun to throw one in (Google "18-inch doll patterns").
posted by Wretch729 at 1:37 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also if you are targeting a population that is likely to know how to sew there are patterns for making American Girl Doll clothes, might be fun to throw one in (Google "18-inch doll patterns").
posted by Wretch729 at 1:37 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
For these sorts of auctions, I've noticed the popular baskets are either large (physically, like just lots and lots of big visible stuff) or they have some killer item that everyone wants (like an iPod - something that all the kids can put their tickets in for with stars in their eyes). I'd choose one of those two strategies.
For the former strategy, you're going to run into issues because doll accessories and clothes are *so* expensive from the store itself. You can probably find great American Girl (or general 18" doll) clothes and accessories that are vintage or handmade on etsy, ebay, etc. - I wonder if people might be into those more unique finds? Also, the books are great and pretty cheap and would look good in a basket.
For the latter strategy, I think the doll is actually a great choice - ok, a giftcard is more versatile, but a doll *looks* better (and a doll with a receipt is basically a giftcard anyways, especially if there's a store nearby). If you were to go that route, yeah, the race thing is thorny. I'd go with one of the historical dolls, probably, so that at least kids who don't look like her can find something in common with her.
posted by R a c h e l at 1:37 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
For the former strategy, you're going to run into issues because doll accessories and clothes are *so* expensive from the store itself. You can probably find great American Girl (or general 18" doll) clothes and accessories that are vintage or handmade on etsy, ebay, etc. - I wonder if people might be into those more unique finds? Also, the books are great and pretty cheap and would look good in a basket.
For the latter strategy, I think the doll is actually a great choice - ok, a giftcard is more versatile, but a doll *looks* better (and a doll with a receipt is basically a giftcard anyways, especially if there's a store nearby). If you were to go that route, yeah, the race thing is thorny. I'd go with one of the historical dolls, probably, so that at least kids who don't look like her can find something in common with her.
posted by R a c h e l at 1:37 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
Best answer: I loved American Girl as a kid. The books are seriously, seriously good bits of historical fiction, and I credit Meet Addy with teaching me more about slavery than I learned in all of my school in Georgia until I read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass as a senior. I'm not even kidding.
Depending on how much money you receive, I would say buy each of the "Meet So-And-So" books, going all the way back to the first generation with Felicity and Kirsten and Molly. And I also really like the idea of the American Girl experience. I live in Chicago where we have an American Girl store and have watched the hordes of kids piling in for their tea parties and doll salon time. A gift card enough to cover one of those my doll and me matching outfits would be great.
I agree that you should not purchase a doll. I had two AG dolls as a kid--Molly, given to me by my grandma because she and Molly both had family overseas working as medics during WW2, and one with features I picked out to look like me, bought with my own birthday money. Both were personal choices that had meaning and made the dolls important in ways that random gift dolls were not.
Think of this gift basket as a way to 1) use the most valuable part of the AG brand (the books) to teach a kid about American history and 2) supplement and accessorize the doll they already have.
I don't know if it's still high quality (hopefully someone can chime in?) but if the American Girl Magazine is still as progressive as it was back in the 90s when I got it, a subscription to that would be awesome. I learned about puberty from American Girl.
posted by phunniemee at 1:40 PM on February 3, 2016 [8 favorites]
Depending on how much money you receive, I would say buy each of the "Meet So-And-So" books, going all the way back to the first generation with Felicity and Kirsten and Molly. And I also really like the idea of the American Girl experience. I live in Chicago where we have an American Girl store and have watched the hordes of kids piling in for their tea parties and doll salon time. A gift card enough to cover one of those my doll and me matching outfits would be great.
I agree that you should not purchase a doll. I had two AG dolls as a kid--Molly, given to me by my grandma because she and Molly both had family overseas working as medics during WW2, and one with features I picked out to look like me, bought with my own birthday money. Both were personal choices that had meaning and made the dolls important in ways that random gift dolls were not.
Think of this gift basket as a way to 1) use the most valuable part of the AG brand (the books) to teach a kid about American history and 2) supplement and accessorize the doll they already have.
I don't know if it's still high quality (hopefully someone can chime in?) but if the American Girl Magazine is still as progressive as it was back in the 90s when I got it, a subscription to that would be awesome. I learned about puberty from American Girl.
posted by phunniemee at 1:40 PM on February 3, 2016 [8 favorites]
You say "lunch, doll hair salon" - I'm assuming you're in a city that has a big store that's pretty easy to get to, yes? If it's not truly convenient, I wouldn't do it. eg the store is downtown Chicago and you're in a far-flung Chicagoland suburb of the attitude that doesn't really go into the city much - that's a lot of hassle to the buyer. Of course, if the store IS close-by, an afternoon-tea and craft, or the hairdo might be a great thing.
posted by aimedwander at 1:42 PM on February 3, 2016
posted by aimedwander at 1:42 PM on February 3, 2016
If it's not truly convenient, I wouldn't do it. eg the store is downtown Chicago and you're in a far-flung Chicagoland suburb of the attitude that doesn't really go into the city much - that's a lot of hassle to the buyer.
I don't disagree with you, but I really don't think this is a huge issue for this particular brand. I know, personally, people who have flown groups of children 1000 miles to get to an American Girl store for the experience day. The place is tiny child mecca.
posted by phunniemee at 1:48 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
I don't disagree with you, but I really don't think this is a huge issue for this particular brand. I know, personally, people who have flown groups of children 1000 miles to get to an American Girl store for the experience day. The place is tiny child mecca.
posted by phunniemee at 1:48 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
OK, I belong to a group that does basket fundraisers, so I know just enough to be dangerous. (I'm pretty sure that my basket it going to be by far the worst basket this year.) I do this with a craft guild, and we never know really how much money we make (net amount) because we just hand wave away the cost of the donated items. Sometimes I think it is a status display like a potlach or the auctioning of dinner baskets, like in Oklahoma. Ideally you would find someone who could tell you what last year's baskets were like.
I'm not sure how people best display basket contents for max visibility. Maybe they carve little step stools out of styrofoam?
I think a doll quilt could be eyecatching and cute. It's something that anyone who sews a lot could donate, if there is enough time left. (All my friends are quilters, so maybe my perception is totally distorted.) I also think you could find a clear canister and fill it with penny candy or gumballs and it would look fun + old-fashioned. However, if the school audience is Kelp over Candy, then this could be a bad idea.
One of the American dolls, Julie, is from San Francisco in the 70s, so that's an excuse to include tie-dyed, groovy items.
posted by puddledork at 2:07 PM on February 3, 2016
I'm not sure how people best display basket contents for max visibility. Maybe they carve little step stools out of styrofoam?
I think a doll quilt could be eyecatching and cute. It's something that anyone who sews a lot could donate, if there is enough time left. (All my friends are quilters, so maybe my perception is totally distorted.) I also think you could find a clear canister and fill it with penny candy or gumballs and it would look fun + old-fashioned. However, if the school audience is Kelp over Candy, then this could be a bad idea.
One of the American dolls, Julie, is from San Francisco in the 70s, so that's an excuse to include tie-dyed, groovy items.
posted by puddledork at 2:07 PM on February 3, 2016
You could put in a few of the mini-American Girl dolls, aiming for historical and racial diversity, nestled among the merch for a full sized doll.
posted by flourpot at 3:19 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by flourpot at 3:19 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
These basket fundraisers can make a lot of money for a school. The elementary school my kids go/have gone to raises $30-35k a year by raffling off donated baskets. All of the included items are donated via parents, and all of the profit goes straight to the PTA for use by the school.
posted by heathrowga at 3:21 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by heathrowga at 3:21 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
I followed the American Girl doll community for awhile, including some kids who crafted and took photos of their dolls.
Include the American Girl doll of the year, who is apparently called Lea this year. I'd also include at least one of her outfits and one set of accessories, also maybe a pet (I'd go for the turtle, personally). If you'd like to diversify the range of races represented, I like the idea of including some mini-dolls, but the doll of the year is considered the collectible item for kids. Since it's a hot ticket item, it will do the most good for the class in terms of fundraising.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:27 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
Include the American Girl doll of the year, who is apparently called Lea this year. I'd also include at least one of her outfits and one set of accessories, also maybe a pet (I'd go for the turtle, personally). If you'd like to diversify the range of races represented, I like the idea of including some mini-dolls, but the doll of the year is considered the collectible item for kids. Since it's a hot ticket item, it will do the most good for the class in terms of fundraising.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:27 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
Best answer: 6+ years planning silent auctions here. The reason people donate $300 for a basket is because an auction can raise much more than $300 for the items. Even if your basket doesn't meet its mark somehow, having fun, unique auction prizes contributes to the fun and cache of an event, which means larger sponsorship money & ticket sales. If you don't include a doll (and I think you're overthinking that aspect), then include a large, novelty item like a great doll bed, doll chair or armoire. How about a matching kids chair and doll chair? It doesn't have to be AG brand furniture, it just has to be nice looking. Silent auctions are about cute and fun and attracting people to come look at the item, much more than they are about the actual value. If you can find some cute doll shoes or clothes with some matching kid clothes, a great doll bed to package it in and a gift card, that is going to attract more interest than something like books. If the AG store is not convenient to you, consider asking a local salon to donate mother/daughter mani pedis. Maybe a cafe will donate cupcakes or brunch certificates. Pair that with the doll accessories and a kids purse and any cute stuff you can find.
If you are near a AG store, I agree the "behind the scenes" or VIP package would be a great idea. Call Mattel and ask for a donation - or check their website for an online request form. If you can get someone on the phone from AG or Mattel, I'd be shocked if they wouldn't contribute. At the very least, I bet the store would throw in some catalogs and packaging supplies to make the basket look nice. If you do include a larger item, tell the event organizers weeks in advance so they can plan for extra space on the auction table. Good luck!
posted by areaperson at 4:01 PM on February 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
If you are near a AG store, I agree the "behind the scenes" or VIP package would be a great idea. Call Mattel and ask for a donation - or check their website for an online request form. If you can get someone on the phone from AG or Mattel, I'd be shocked if they wouldn't contribute. At the very least, I bet the store would throw in some catalogs and packaging supplies to make the basket look nice. If you do include a larger item, tell the event organizers weeks in advance so they can plan for extra space on the auction table. Good luck!
posted by areaperson at 4:01 PM on February 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
Also if you are targeting a population that is likely to know how to sew there are patterns for making American Girl Doll clothes, might be fun to throw one in (Google "18-inch doll patterns").
Or if someone available to the prize committee can sew, perhaps a doll could be dressed in a custom outfit/uniform meaningful to your school or community. It may then appeal to more than just American Girl fans, it could become one of those historical artifacts you'll see on the Antiques Roadshow in 2086. Be sure to fill the rest of the basket with plenty of provenance.
posted by fairmettle at 4:24 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
Or if someone available to the prize committee can sew, perhaps a doll could be dressed in a custom outfit/uniform meaningful to your school or community. It may then appeal to more than just American Girl fans, it could become one of those historical artifacts you'll see on the Antiques Roadshow in 2086. Be sure to fill the rest of the basket with plenty of provenance.
posted by fairmettle at 4:24 PM on February 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
What about a collection of historical items or reading materials featuring the original American Girls's time periods? A historical sampler, if you will.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:56 PM on February 3, 2016
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:56 PM on February 3, 2016
Best answer: American Girl Doll donation request form.
I think this would look showier with a doll* -- and you want some people to be excited about this, even if it's not for everybody, and gift cards just aren't exciting. Josefina is the girl that my daughter's (mostly white) class went nuts over a year or two ago; don't know how she plays in your demographic. I think having her with handmade items (via Etsy or parents) would make this extremely neat and fancy.
*a mini doll could work better in your budget
posted by Margalo Epps at 4:59 PM on February 3, 2016
I think this would look showier with a doll* -- and you want some people to be excited about this, even if it's not for everybody, and gift cards just aren't exciting. Josefina is the girl that my daughter's (mostly white) class went nuts over a year or two ago; don't know how she plays in your demographic. I think having her with handmade items (via Etsy or parents) would make this extremely neat and fancy.
*a mini doll could work better in your budget
posted by Margalo Epps at 4:59 PM on February 3, 2016
I came to recommend getting an 18 inch doll outfit made to look like something meaningful to your community. Growing up, American Girl clothes that looked like our school uniforms were always cool gifts / popular at craft sales.
posted by kellygrape at 5:00 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by kellygrape at 5:00 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
I don't know if this might be helpful: the American Girl Under $30 gift guide from their website.
I would not get a doll for the same reasons you suggest.
I would give the families the suggestion of gift cards or doll accessories or books, and see what you get back. If you get back a lot of accessories and/or books, put monetary donations towards an American Girl gift card. And N'thing to ask for donations from the companies.
posted by teslacoilswoah at 5:13 PM on February 3, 2016
I would not get a doll for the same reasons you suggest.
I would give the families the suggestion of gift cards or doll accessories or books, and see what you get back. If you get back a lot of accessories and/or books, put monetary donations towards an American Girl gift card. And N'thing to ask for donations from the companies.
posted by teslacoilswoah at 5:13 PM on February 3, 2016
To assist with your Feelings, (with which I most likely agree) I would like to second the opinion that the AG books are actually quite excellent, not just in their educational value about history but also they are just well written and entertaining, full of little details and female-oriented information that never shows up in educational materials elsewhere until you delve into it at much higher levels. If a book-free gift basket leads a kid to the AG books, you will have done them a fine service.
The 18 inch doll clothing craft thing is a whole industry. I bet there are some parents who can't donate money but who can sew or otherwise make doll clothes quite well, and some parents who will be happy to throw money at stuff but have 0 time to spare. Match them up so you can give your sewing parent ample funds to make something impressive and appropriate for the school. A sports team uniform, maybe? Or the school mascot could be adorable and funny.
I think getting an actual doll would make the basket more attractive as a whole but I understand your reservations. Maybe you could get a high resolution image and get it printed actual size, and mount it on cardboard so you can dress it with clothes? (Or just the face, maybe, with a body outline for shape?)
posted by Mizu at 5:14 PM on February 3, 2016
The 18 inch doll clothing craft thing is a whole industry. I bet there are some parents who can't donate money but who can sew or otherwise make doll clothes quite well, and some parents who will be happy to throw money at stuff but have 0 time to spare. Match them up so you can give your sewing parent ample funds to make something impressive and appropriate for the school. A sports team uniform, maybe? Or the school mascot could be adorable and funny.
I think getting an actual doll would make the basket more attractive as a whole but I understand your reservations. Maybe you could get a high resolution image and get it printed actual size, and mount it on cardboard so you can dress it with clothes? (Or just the face, maybe, with a body outline for shape?)
posted by Mizu at 5:14 PM on February 3, 2016
Get a gift card and books, and also look for someone selling clothes for "18-inch dolls" online, which is code for "these fit American Girl dolls." Many of them are nicer and cooler than the retail stuff.
posted by wenestvedt at 6:11 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:11 PM on February 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Listen to those with auction experience. You want very visually appealing items that will get bid on. Have a few folks chip in together to purchase a bed or something. Others can buy outfits or other cheaper accessories.
Our school auction professional is pushing "experiences" over stuff. And experiences that people can go in on together... Both presenter and bidder. This might not be true at your school but at my school this would be like... An American Girl tea party with a semi Profesional photographer, someone to do the kids' and dolls' hair, tea party stuff. And all this stuff would be donated by parents or their friends.
Last year my kid's class did a dinner for 6 adults (someone knew the owner of a popular place), a babysitter for the night at one home (someone's teenagers), lyft rides (someone's nephew and friends as lyft drivers working for a low rate), and a beer bike tour (it is a thing here) with a semi professional photographer trailing them. And there were some other things like personalized t-shirts, snacks...
It wasn't that expensive but 3 couples bid like... Close to $1000 for this. But it cost the class collectively much less. This year someone is loaning out their cabin and others are paying to stock the fridge with food and beer. I think we threw in a guided kayak thing too. Overall really cheap!
posted by k8t at 11:06 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Our school auction professional is pushing "experiences" over stuff. And experiences that people can go in on together... Both presenter and bidder. This might not be true at your school but at my school this would be like... An American Girl tea party with a semi Profesional photographer, someone to do the kids' and dolls' hair, tea party stuff. And all this stuff would be donated by parents or their friends.
Last year my kid's class did a dinner for 6 adults (someone knew the owner of a popular place), a babysitter for the night at one home (someone's teenagers), lyft rides (someone's nephew and friends as lyft drivers working for a low rate), and a beer bike tour (it is a thing here) with a semi professional photographer trailing them. And there were some other things like personalized t-shirts, snacks...
It wasn't that expensive but 3 couples bid like... Close to $1000 for this. But it cost the class collectively much less. This year someone is loaning out their cabin and others are paying to stock the fridge with food and beer. I think we threw in a guided kayak thing too. Overall really cheap!
posted by k8t at 11:06 PM on February 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Best answer: A doll will be showy, attract attention, and bring in a lot more bids than a basket of accessories or books. You say you don't want to alienate anyone but it's an American Girl themed basket--it is already alienating a lot of people by it's theme. Given that theme a doll is the most appealing item you could put in this gift basket. I think PhoBWanKenobi's idea to include the doll of the year is spot on--it is a kid's collectible item and really desirable and will probably raise more money than any other American Girl items you could include.
posted by Polychrome at 3:16 AM on February 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Polychrome at 3:16 AM on February 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
Look for local shops that offer the American Girl Doll Experience, such as the tea party, and ask them to donate a spot for a mother and daughter. Also, contact the company itself and ask them for a doll. Ask your local bookstore to donate the books for a basket.
And then send a note to your parents telling them that a business donated for them, because raising children is expensive, and you didn't want to burden them any more, but, while you have their attention, your classroom needs such and such, just if they are feeling generous.
I'm well below the poverty line and I never send in the $5.00 or whatever that they want for baskets, and I feel like crap about it, because it's one of the few times that my child notices that we are poor.
posted by myselfasme at 4:22 AM on February 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
And then send a note to your parents telling them that a business donated for them, because raising children is expensive, and you didn't want to burden them any more, but, while you have their attention, your classroom needs such and such, just if they are feeling generous.
I'm well below the poverty line and I never send in the $5.00 or whatever that they want for baskets, and I feel like crap about it, because it's one of the few times that my child notices that we are poor.
posted by myselfasme at 4:22 AM on February 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
Ideas:
1. Get one of the sports/hobbies sets and pair it with a relevant class - horseback riding with the horse, kayaking lesson with the kayak, a writing lesson with the typewriter. Make it into a learning opportunity that the parents really get value from. Sure, they may pay over the sticker price for the set, but they also don't have to be in charge of setting anything up, which tends to be a huge plus.
2. My cousin is suuuuper into American Girl Dolls. A big thing among girls that have them is, apparently, sleep overs - they always bring the doll along. Also, doll vacations - when a girl goes out of town or on vacation, she gives her doll to a friend to "take care of".
Basket includes: doll sized sleeping bags, mini pillows for mini pillow fights, mini versions of sleepover games, mini sleepover snacks, and, the Big One - matching "doll and me" nightgowns. Find someone who can sew to make it all. Simplicity has a lot of patterns that should work well.
3. Alternately: a lot of the merchandise from the original dolls is out of print, but you can find some of the good stuff online. In particular, the cook books, paper doll sets, and craft sets are great. Amazon has these books for quite cheap, and I can easily imagine a killer "party kit" being designed based off of those books and some cute party favors (mini tea sets!), perhaps coupled with the American Girls Party Book?
posted by beware the frog person at 5:41 PM on February 4, 2016
1. Get one of the sports/hobbies sets and pair it with a relevant class - horseback riding with the horse, kayaking lesson with the kayak, a writing lesson with the typewriter. Make it into a learning opportunity that the parents really get value from. Sure, they may pay over the sticker price for the set, but they also don't have to be in charge of setting anything up, which tends to be a huge plus.
2. My cousin is suuuuper into American Girl Dolls. A big thing among girls that have them is, apparently, sleep overs - they always bring the doll along. Also, doll vacations - when a girl goes out of town or on vacation, she gives her doll to a friend to "take care of".
Basket includes: doll sized sleeping bags, mini pillows for mini pillow fights, mini versions of sleepover games, mini sleepover snacks, and, the Big One - matching "doll and me" nightgowns. Find someone who can sew to make it all. Simplicity has a lot of patterns that should work well.
3. Alternately: a lot of the merchandise from the original dolls is out of print, but you can find some of the good stuff online. In particular, the cook books, paper doll sets, and craft sets are great. Amazon has these books for quite cheap, and I can easily imagine a killer "party kit" being designed based off of those books and some cute party favors (mini tea sets!), perhaps coupled with the American Girls Party Book?
posted by beware the frog person at 5:41 PM on February 4, 2016
« Older How do I handle communications with friends of my... | I want a Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, or even just a... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
Edit: nvm, you already said gift card. my bad
posted by Seboshin at 1:12 PM on February 3, 2016