- Sep 5, 2022
- 1 min read
Four or so years ago, I posted my email address on the Internet so people struggling with figuring out what American Girl doll they own could send pictures of their dolls to me so I could identify them. Every so often, I get emailed photos of dolls that are 18 inch dolls and seem like they could pass for American Girl dolls, but they aren't American Girl dolls, so I figured I'd post an easy guide to how to tell if you have an authentic American Girl doll:
First, if you can remember where you purchased your doll, that might help in figuring it out. American Girl dolls aren't available in toy sections in stores like Target and Walmart- Target carries Battat's Our Generation line and Healthy Roots dolls, while Walmart has the My Life As line in stock. American Girl dolls are primarily available on the American Girl site, the American Girl stores in malls across the country, and at select external sites like Amazon, Kohls (2016-2018) and Toys R Us (2016-2018).
If you can't remember or just want an easy guide, that's fine as well!
First, check the doll's neck. If it says "American Girl" or "Pleasant Company", then the doll is an authentic American Girl doll.
Another way to check the doll is to check the doll's body for a body tag. Body tags are more prominent in Mattel-era dolls, but they exist:
Hope this helped!
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As an avid collector and enthusiast of American Girl dolls, I've immersed myself in the world of these iconic toys, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and expertise over the years. My passion extends beyond mere casual interest; I've actively engaged with the community by offering assistance to individuals seeking identification of their American Girl dolls.
Several years ago, I took the initiative to share my expertise by providing my email address online, inviting people to send pictures of their dolls for identification. This experience has given me firsthand exposure to the challenges individuals face in distinguishing authentic American Girl dolls from other similar 18-inch dolls. I've encountered a myriad of dolls, analyzed their features, and developed a keen eye for recognizing the subtle differences that set authentic American Girl dolls apart.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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American Girl Doll Purchasing Locations:
- Authentic American Girl dolls are primarily available through specific channels, including the American Girl website, American Girl stores in malls, and select external sites such as Amazon, Kohls (2016-2018), and Toys R Us (2016-2018).
- Notably, the article mentions that American Girl dolls are not found in the toy sections of general stores like Target and Walmart, which carry alternative doll lines.
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Identification Through Neck Markings:
- The article advises readers to check the doll's neck for markings. An authentic American Girl doll should bear the inscription "American Girl" or "Pleasant Company."
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Body Tags for Identification:
- Another method highlighted is checking the doll's body for a body tag. While more prominent in Mattel-era dolls, these tags serve as additional indicators of authenticity.
By sharing this guide, I aim to empower fellow collectors and enthusiasts with the knowledge needed to confidently identify genuine American Girl dolls. Whether it's discerning subtle neck markings or recognizing the significance of body tags, these insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of what makes an American Girl doll truly authentic. If you find yourself in possession of one of these cherished dolls, rest assured that your guide to authenticity is just a glance away.
