What are /r/americangirl's favorite Products & Services?

<em>Working Toward Whiteness: How America's Immigrants Became White: The Strange Journey from Ellis Island to the Suburbs</em> by scholar David Roediger has excellent information on the Italian immigration experience.

Generally speaking: I try to pull the socks up as tight as possible, and to prevent getting the lumpy "corner" stuck out on the side of the doll's foot. Then I try to wiggle the doll's foot into the shoe while keeping the sock as taut as possible.

That said: my Samantha came with the plastic Mary Jane shoes (30+ years ago), and I believe I took them off and put them back on ONCE. After that experience, I bought a pair of black patent Mary Janes with a snap fastener from Pleasant Company (they still have the sticker). When I tried to put the plastic ones on her last week (celebrating the 35th anniversary of American Girl), I wasn't able to fit her foot, with the bulky black tights she came with, into the shoe. Possibly I could have, but I was afraid of breaking the shoe's strap or putting a hole in the tights if I kept on.

I'm keeping the plastic shoes because they were part of the meet outfit, but honestly I doubt if I'll put them on her again.

While I'm sure you want to keep Samantha or Molly in their authentic meet shoes, I'd just look for a good-quality black Mary Jane (either from PC/AG or another brand) and stick with those. These are my favorites: https://www.amazon.com/Scalloped-Doll-Clothes-Sew-Beautiful/dp/B01M0HJIDF/ref=sr_1_39?dchild=1&keywords=shoe&m=A2UA3P575P1IS4&qid=1621207684&s=merchant-items&sr=1-39

This is what I use: Wet Dry Sandpaper, Assorted 3000/2500/2000/1500/1200/1000 Grit for Automotive Wood Sanding, 54 Sheets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TV7LKH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C4109V581F12WQ1QCS2C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I mostly use 1500 and 2500. But that’s kind of a personal preference thing.

It's not difficult. I used Goody Ouchless hairbands and knotted them like current dolls, but you could also buy crimp ferrules, but because I'm using the bands doubled, the knots aren't going anywhere.

The most challenging part is just getting the white caps in and out of the limbs. Heating them with a hair dryer to soften the vinyl helps a lot.

As of now, only her books (1,2) have been listed on Amazon. The author, Erin Teagan, has written the Luciana books, which personally makes me super hopefully she may be another STEM girl of color!

I am sorry you do not have a supportive mom. Unfortunately, she is never going to be the mom you want her to be. I had my own struggles with my mother.

You will need to find a way to make peace that you did not get the mother you deserve.

This book helped me: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Ever-Good-Enough-Narcissistic/dp/1439129436/ref=asc_df_1439129436/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312177564685&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10994119484705133968&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hv...

I also initially thought this was a new outfit, but a friend of mine informed me otherwise. The sweater is from her Halloween Hula costume, the shoes are Molly's Saddle Shoes, and the skirt is from the Perfectly Plaid outfit.

On another note, Amazon has a listing for an abridged version of Molly's first BeForever book! It's called Molly: A Winning Spirit, and is set to release June 2nd. It doesn't have a cover image yet, but it's available for pre-order! https://www.amazon.com/Molly-Winning-American-Historical-Characters/dp/1683371941/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?

Dang, that’s a heck of a collection! Pliers / crumpets that I LOVE:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WLK0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Crimp sleeves:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTU6TI6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’ve been struggling to find good cord lately, but I strongly recommend 4mm cord weight. A lot of advice sites say to use 3mm but that is thinner than what AG uses and seems to go floppy super fast. 4mm is just right if you can find it.

The GOML line didn’t sell, but I agree the books were great. I’d love to see a line of YA books for the historical characters with LE collector quality outfits for the existing 18” dolls—encourage display rather than play for 12+.

The ultimate thing I think AG needs to do is create their own property that is popular, well done, and has STUFF. My daughter and I have watched a bunch of live action shows over the last few years for kids that isn’t Disney or Nickelodeon. AG needs something like this, with modern girls.

Here’s an example- Just Add Magic, Amazon show https://www.amazon.com/Just-Add-Magic-Season-101/dp/B08B49WV17 incredibly well done, starring tween girls and older women (grandma of one of the tweens and her friends), who have a magic cook book and cook all kinds of things from it. The show is based on a book, (which isn’t very good). There’s 3 dolls to make, clothes, cooking stuff, kitchen, books, ingredients, magic shit. There’s time travel in the show so they could go with that, too. New characters and side characters introduced later, and a spin-off if stuff sold well. We started watching this when my daughter was 6, and it’s entirely appropriate for any age. (I’d say AG should do a theater related thing, this would give them costume opportunities, too—pretty much copy Magic Attic Club)

Then have a video game made that works with the show, and is actually GOOD. I’ve played plenty of indie games that were really well done—there’s no excuse for the shitty Kit and Julie DS games they made like 10 years ago.

This way they don’t have to pay royalties to anyone. BUT I think this is how they need to move forward to make money. Sadly AG is targeting younger and younger kids, 5 year olds are not reading the books (they’re watching tv shows and movies, yes including the first two Harry Potter movies), they need some other vehicle to showcase clothes and accessories and create characters that kids have a bond with.

The GOML line didn’t sell, but I agree the books were great. I’d love to see a line of YA books for the historical characters with LE collector quality outfits for the existing 18” dolls—encourage display rather than play for 12+.

The ultimate thing I think AG needs to do is create their own property that is popular, well done, and has STUFF. My daughter and I have watched a bunch of live action shows over the last few years for kids that isn’t Disney or Nickelodeon. AG needs something like this, with modern girls.

Here’s an example- Just Add Magic, Amazon show https://www.amazon.com/Just-Add-Magic-Season-101/dp/B08B49WV17 incredibly well done, starring tween girls and older women (grandma of one of the tweens and her friends), who have a magic cook book and cook all kinds of things from it. The show is based on a book, (which isn’t very good). There’s 3 dolls to make, clothes, cooking stuff, kitchen, books, ingredients, magic shit. There’s time travel in the show so they could go with that, too. New characters and side characters introduced later, and a spin-off if stuff sold well. We started watching this when my daughter was 6, and it’s entirely appropriate for any age. (I’d say AG should do a theater related thing, this would give them costume opportunities, too—pretty much copy Magic Attic Club)

Then have a video game made that works with the show, and is actually GOOD. I’ve played plenty of indie games that were really well done—there’s no excuse for the shitty Kit and Julie DS games they made like 10 years ago.

This way they don’t have to pay royalties to anyone. BUT I think this is how they need to move forward to make money. Sadly AG is targeting younger and younger kids, 5 year olds are not reading the books (they’re watching tv shows and movies, yes including the first two Harry Potter movies), they need some other vehicle to showcase clothes and accessories and create characters that kids have a bond with.

I need some help confirming this girl's identity! The seller has her listed as Emily but I feel her hair looks a little different? I can't find any other doll it could be though. Thanks in advance!

https://www.chewy.com/pet-gear-travel-lite-pet-stroller/dp/125544

I recently picked up a hanging jewelry organizer (similar to this one) and the pockets are perfect for doll shoes. Idk long term if the vinyl will affect the shoes so I may get an all fabric one and just clip images of the shoes on the outside of the pocket.

I found myself in an identical situation a few weeks ago while doing a bit of organizing. I’m lucky to have a craft/doll room and the closet is 100% dedicated to AG. So I have hanging space and shelf space. My modern shoes (I also store my historical shoes separately) were all in a huge under bed storage bin (one of the 13 gallon ones) and it was unable to close, so I needed something else. I mostly wanted something that was easy to access and move around so I could just dump on the floor to search through everything when I didn’t know what I wanted, some separation so I wasn’t dumping 200 pairs of shoes on the floor, and something compact. I looked around online for days, and ended up getting this:

MONINXS 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer, Hanging Shelves for Closet with 3 Divisible Drawers & Side Pocket, Linen, 12''W x 12''D x 43.3''H, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BF63TH3/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_GXPB4YC3RQSJ23044WKJ

I’m using the top two cubbies as storage for 1-socks/tights and 2-purses, jewelry, glasses, belts, etc (like the other finishing touches with dressing a doll) (all in separate storage bags)

Ok and then the other 4 are shoes. Separated as: 1-sneakers, 2-sandals and slippers (and anything miscellaneous), 3-flats, and 4-boots. They’re all bagged, either sandwich or snack ziplocks, and these drawers hold way more than I was expecting. Of course, there’s not a lot of room for continued shoe expansion (and twee tiny shoes are one of my favorite things), and I may have to move things out of the other drawers so it can be all shoes at some point in the (hopefully far) future.

(I did have to buy a second of the storage things because I just could not find drawers that would fit, so I would 1000% recommend looking a bit more at that before buying, I could not find one that came with drawers for every cubby, but I’m sure there’s one out there that the dimensions match up to some separate drawers)

If your replacing the limbs honestly all you need is bungee paracord and metal tubes. I found both at the local hardware store for pretty cheap, but you can also order the off Amazon. This bungee paracord and [these metal tubes](www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQZN313/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PPTC4HW23BXTRYQXD64G) would work great

Thank you 😊 I got them from Amazon, here’s the link: Wallniture Ponza Wood Floating Shelves for Wall Storage, Natural Burned Small Bookshelf Set of 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XC211KF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_DCKME158781E0S5EK9MA

There’s a lot of different wall shelf options though, these just worked the best for me :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KDPYSZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_SDRGHMXVC61ED8W6973K

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KDJP8VD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_70B56D76MHAMN3Z9E134?psc=1

These have pretty good reviews. You could ask an Etsy seller if they can custom make one, but it could be expensive.

Thank you! The shirt of the outfit has an Our Generation logo on it and I'm assuming the shorts are the same, but I am having no luck finding them online. The OG shoes usually don't fit AG dolls is the only consolation. The shoes in this pic are found here and come in all 3 colors for one price with several other colors of laces too!

Kaiser Doll Stand 2601 - White... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IW9NU8O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share These are the stands I use. I don’t know how they compare to AG as I’ve never used an AG stand, but these are cheap and I’ve been pretty happy with them.

BEFORE you list anything, you need to purchase a shipping scale. You get it off Amazon. Print your labels online, and you will save. It is always cheaper to buy postage online compared to in-person, over the counter. Mine is like this, but red: https://www.amazon.com/Accuteck-ShipPro-Digital-Shipping-W-8580-110-Black/dp/B00KYA0RC2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=24TT5XZ14ZB65&keywords=shipping+scale&qid=1637458652&qsid=141-1625315-0296220&sprefix=shipp%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-4&sres...

Shipping is all about plugging in the numbers. Plug in the weight and demensions and you get the correct shipping rate.

If you use ebay, use calculated shipping. It is the most fair. Close buyers will pay less because it costs less to ship to closer buyers. The bigger and further away your package is, the more shipping costs. Check ebay for sold listings. Also check current pricing on ebay. List each twin set individually. If you wait too long to list it might not make it to the buyer[s] in time for Christmas, especially with the slow shipping.

Make sure you have a box that fits the boxes. AG doll boxes [for any dolls/ outfits/ items] are not strong enough to withstand the abuse of the shipping carriers.

Do not use any stock photos. Even if brand new. List the outfits separately.

Take pics like there is no description. Write the description like there aren't pics.

Hello :) I just rubbed my finger on the chalk pastel to get some chalk dust on it and gently rubbed it onto the vinyl. The cheeks got about 3 layers and the lips about 5. It hardly seems like any and I'm amazed how big a difference it made. I have not sealed it or anything, so I still need to figure out how to keep it from rubbing off. Here is an Amazon link to the pastels I used. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZXNV36T/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o02\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A lot of people have mentioned this set before. There are three of each piece, nine total.

https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Mr-American-Girl-Welliewishers/dp/1609588770/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=wellie+Wishers+mystery&qid=1634752981&qsid=141-1625315-0296220&sr=8-2&sres=1609588770%2C0736427945%2C0811864952%2C0736...

Scroll down to new & used, there's multiple listed.

https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Mr-American-Girl-Welliewishers/dp/1609588770/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=wellie+Wishers+mystery&qid=1634752981&qsid=141-1625315-0296220&sr=8-2&sres=1609588770%2C0736427945%2C0811864952%2C0736...

I feel like you could definitely make the Christmas one. It’s really a pretty simple dress and the skirt isn’t pleated.

https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Pattern-Transfer-Embroidery-Included/dp/B01FZYT1BO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=simplicity+7431&qid=1630982775&sr=8-3

This pattern seems similar enough but it might be hard to find one the right size since this says size 7. You could perhaps adapt it to make a larger size though and use it as a guide.

Hi! I bought this one specifically for dolls because it’s the lowest temp I could find at a reasonable price. It IS still possible to melt their hair with this so you still need to be careful, but I love it.

ALWAYS keep the hair plenty wet. Don’t go over a section a second time until it has fully cooled. Don’t try to straighten too small a section at once. I don’t know why, but this is how I accidentally melted a tiny section of hair on one doll.

IRUISI Ceramic Flat Iron for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ2XK14?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Something that I've considered buying for my granddaughter's AG dolls is this duffle bag:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XC21S5R/ref=twister_B07QWB51HF?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

It doesn't have the clear window and the length is 18" so not a lot of wiggle room with the length, but seems like it would be roomy enough to hold a doll with several accessories, outfits, book, etc. It also has the 2 zipper pulls that could be tied together with a zip tie. However, I haven't actually bought one yet so can't vouch for its durability.

Agreed with everyone else, a rug would work but specifically a “shag rug”! I saw this one and its kinda similar, maybe not color-wise. Something worth thinking about!

It appears they printed them at least through Julie and Rebecca but not later, some of them are available cheap, some are not.

I sell on both eBay and Mercari.

Do yourself a favor. Get a BEFORE you list anything. Weigh your item with box and packaging material. I got mine off Amazon. It's like this but red. https://www.amazon.com/Accuteck-ShipPro-Digital-Shipping-W-8580-110-Black/dp/B00KYA0RC2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=shipping+scale&qid=1616913181&sprefix=shipping+&sr=8-4

It's also helpful to get a measuring tape if you don't have one already.

Part of shipping is plugging in numbers. Plug in your weight and demensions. The other part is packaging your item. Finally, it's dropping off your package at the carrier or scheduling a pickup. And when selling online, it's also tracking your package(s).

Mercari, eBay, PayPal, Pirateship etc... and other shipping services often ask for box size. Measure your box and enter your demensions. Then weigh it and go up to the next pound.

If package is 2 # 1 oz, enter 3 #. You never go down. Ebay has calculated shipping so you can charge the buyer according to where they live. Mercari has a flat shipping rate depending on size and weight of box. Mercari UPS and FedEx only reach the lower 48 states. Mercari USPS labels reach all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

If package is under a pound, then you go up to the next ounce. A 7.1 oz package gets at least an 8 oz label.

Ebay has eBay Global Shipping Program to allow you to safely ship internationally. You can enable it on your listing(s). If sold through it, you ship LIKE NORMAL to their warehouse in Kentucky. Then they take care of the rest and ship it to whatever country.

Both eBay and Mercari have shipping labels you can easily print and stick on your package.

Take good pictures. I usually do it against a solid colour wall or a door. Sometimes I have to use my desk lamp or flashlight for extra lighting.

I've sold on both. But I've had more sales overall on Mercari. I like to make the buyer pay shipping on both platforms.