I want to buy an American Girl doll for my daughter's 6th birthday. I found a replica of my daughter on Ebay- the doll is new, in the box, but has an x on the behind (to prevent returns to the store) and does not come with the computer access code (I guess this allows the child to play games online).
If I bought the doll from the AG website online, it would be around $133. (Yes it's a lot, but that isn't the debate :)
Do you think it's worth a savings of $30 or so to buy the doll on Ebay as I described (non returnable and without computer code) or should I pay full pop in store- to guarantee authenticity and have the option to return and with computer code.
Thanks in advance.
***To answer questions***
My daughter is not asking for it. She wants Ken to go with her Barbies- which I cannot stand because I find the whole Barbie collection over-sexualized and I don't need my daughter acting out Barbie with a boyfriend. I like the wholesomeness of the AG doll and I would like to steer in that direction.
A reasonable concern is that there is a 2 1/2 year old younger sister in the picture who would be more likely to destroy the doll. I have to consider that scenario :/
My older two daughters have AG dolls. NEVER played with them. Target has a much less expensive version that my 4 year old LOVES! She can dress it up, the accessories are just as cute and also less expensive and good quality.
for only $30 I would not. If would have to be at least 1/2 off for me.
Ebay is overpriced. Try Craigslist, though that will be harder to find.
I'm not a fan of the computer access game world, so I discourage her from playing it.
Is she asking for it? Or are you just giving it to her now? I'd wait till she's 7. Then you'd have an extra year to look for it. That's when my daughter started to really beg for one. If you start too young, the girls are not as careful with the dolls, hair gets matted, etc...
I wrote about this a few weeks ago:
http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/16089450936732418049
I did buy an Elizabeth (retired doll) for Christmas last year, but it was a bidding war. I won. But I paid way too much.
The only reason to buy it at the store is giving her the pleasure of picking it out herself. That ends up being a goal for most girls. Why would you even consider returning it though?
EDITED TO ADD:
I understand why you hate Barbies. It took me awhile to see what was the potential problem with them. When I was a little girl in the 1970s, we couldn't afford real Barbies. My mom bought me knock offs (really cheap plastic dolls). I loved playing with them. They didn't make me act out EVER. I tried to sew and make them clothes (inspiring creativity). I loved Wonder Woman (the 1977 series and the doll). These dolls never gave me self-image problems or anything. I didn't love WW because she was sexy (I had no clue) but because she was a heroine.
If she watches TV shows (Disney, Nick) those channels DO inspire talk about dating since they show middle schoolers doing that. So that I'd put an end to.
I'd stick with Barbie for now. Get her the Ken doll and wait on AG. Or don't get the Ken doll. Up to you. My daughter does have Barbies and one random boy (Elvis) doll.
My 8 yr old loves to watch H20 - a series about girls in Australia who are mermaids. The thing I love about the show is that they have normal friendships with boys and parents. There are crushes, but nothing over the top. She still likes the Barbie mermaid dolls.
$30 savings would not be enough for me to purchase the Xed out doll. If it were a real savings, then I'd consider it. I'd buy her the real one when she is ready for it. Maybe for her 7th birthday you can take a trip to the store together and pick one out and make a day of it, if she's interested. If she likes it, she'll keep it into adulthood and maybe pass it on to her daughter. Who wants to do this with a doll with a big X on the butt??
My mom bought my daughter an AG doll 2 Christmases ago and she only just started playing with it because her friend has one.
I'm with Jaycee. I only buy used items if they are at least 50% below the price of the new item. One more reason not to buy the x-ed out AG doll. I'm guessing that if you ever need to bring it into the "doll hospital", they might not service the doll since it was not purchased from a retail outlet.
Happy birthday to your daughter!
FYI-- One of the neat things about the AG dolls and Bitty Baby dolls is that they have a 'dolly hospital', so for a nominal fee you can send the doll to the factory and they will replace what you request (they even do hair). My son doesn't have an AG doll, but I did learn this as a nanny to many little girls.
I would get a new one, as suggested, and let her choose. One thing to consider with cloth/fabric/leather items you buy online is that they may smell of the seller's home. I have a girlfriend who does a lot of Etsy/eBay; last night she was complaining that a recent purchase reeked of cigarettes and others of Febreeze. Since this is a doll that will likely go to bed and get carted around by your daughter a lot, you won't want those scents or chemicals on the doll.
Also, consider the vast variety of AG dolls-- it might be good to look at them with her in the catalog and think about it for a few days (let her change her mind a bit) and figure out which one she wants rather than surprising her at the store. Even as an adult, I find that much variety overwhelming.
Have fun!
I'm not sure why you'd buy her such an expensive and special doll unless it's something she really wants. What if it just ends up ignored and unplayed with, will you regret spending that kind of money?
And you may want to reconsider Ken, otherwise her Barbies may start making out with each other, lol!!!
If the discount is only $30, and you really want her to have it, I'd consider new. When we bought dolls from eBay, I was unwilling to pay more than half of retail.
In case it matters: AG puts the x on dolls that have been sold as "seconds" or imperfect at special sales just for outlet merchandise, so the original owner did not pay full price.
