An overview of 18" doll carrying devices

I love taking my dolls with me places, and so do many other girls and adult collectors alike. The vessels that we carry our dolls in, then, are really interesting to look at as features are both different and similar in carrying devices throughout the years.

The first device to carry American Girl Dolls specifically was the "Doll Travel Set" by Pleasant Company. It featured a wicker carrying basket with a fabric covering around the outside, one small garment bag and one small accessory bag. 

The Doll Travel Set by Pleasant Company, photo credit

I don't have this set so I can't speak on its utility, but I love the practicality of it. There's only enough space to carry one outfit, maybe a pet or other accessory of some sort in the other side of the basket, and then a bag for all the little pieces. The only criticism here, really, is the fact that the doll is in danger of falling out and that it could easily be messed up by brushing past something, because of the open nature of the basket. However, it's also just beautiful on display, and one day in the future I may potentially buy it, it just looks so romantic.

I can't think of many notable carriers for a while after this one, which was released in 1991 and retired in 2000, almost 9 years! The discontinuing of this product was pretty much the start of Mattel's takeover of the line, however, another carrying device wouldn't be released for 6 years.

Next the Original Doll Tote was created. This lavender tote had the space for two dolls and a big zippered pocket built into the bottom of the tote for accessories. It was introduced in 2006 and retired in 2011. These totes do have a tendency, like the original basket, to be kept in production for a long time. The criticism I have with this tote is that it is highly unlikely that the bottom will stay flat when filled with belongings, thus resulting in the dolls laying on their sides, which could be disastrous if they fall into or are layed down on some icky substance on a counter or other surface. Additionally, while the dolls are slightly more protected than they would be in the basket above, there is only room for two dolls if one sits on top of the other, the space here is actually very small and one doll's legs always have to go over the other, this has been present in all doll totes created since this one. A tote with truly enough room would probably be a few inches longer, and also very large and difficult for children to carry and maneuver. However, as an adult collector, I have considered the possibility of creating my own tote where the dolls can sit feet to feet, it could be an interesting project. 

The original Doll Tote, holds two dolls, photo credit

Then, in 2007, our non-tote or basket carrying device was introduced. The doll carrier pack was a backpack that had a pocket on the front with straps that went over the doll's shoulders to hold it in place, and the doll could then be carried around, along with other things inside the backpack. This design is simple, however I worry about all the damage that could happen to that doll's head and arms. The most valuable parts of the doll, her face and hair, are really exposed and something could easily brush against it and scratch the face or even worse. But it is adorable, and I can understand why this design was chosen. 

This is, really, just a backpack with the doll pocket on the front, but it works for carrying nonetheless. photo credit

In 2009 the iconic Starry Doll carrier was introduced (iconic really because I saw it in every catalog as a child when I got into American Girl) .  It's got a little cutout for the face, and straps to hold it. Not backpack straps really, just one long strap to go over one shoulder. Inside there is a belt that clips closed to hold the doll in place, two mesh pockets and two flap pockets for accessories, and the third pannel folds into the second panel. This carrier is one of two designs that I have the most issues with. Firstly, the cutout window has NOTHING over it. No plastic, nothing, just a direct hole to your doll's precious face for anything from tree branches to mischievous siblings to accidental scrapings to come and scratch it all up. This could have been done for several reasons, maybe plastic was too expensive or their study groups didn't ask for it enough, but for a $100+ doll, you'd think they would have something there to protect the doll's face. Of course you could modify this, but it cost $58, for that price it should protect the entire doll, including the face. Other than that this is a decent carrier, because everything else is covered pretty well. The accessory pockets feel a little nonsensical, but they don't seem to interfere with the functionality of the carrier like the doll tote zippered area does. I want to get one and modify it so badly, this was later retired in 2013.

Next comes the almighty, the iconic, Starry two doll tote! Introduced in 2011 and retired in 2013, I own two starry two doll totes, one from my sister and one from me. This is one of the best carrying designs, and I have been disheartened by all options provided since this item's retirement. It's a pink tote, similar to the doll tote design, but with four pockets on the outside of the bag that each close with velcro. The inside of the bag is grey and there is a velcro latch over the center. These things can be PACKED, and each pocket can hold a lot of accessories. This is because the pockets go all the way up against one another, so you can put stuff all around the sides, and even towards the back where the dolls sit. Mine are a little over 5 years old and there is some fraying of the material, but they have held up super well and are incredibly useful. I may be biased because this is the carrier I got as a child, but I think that if you purchase any doll carrier, it should be this one to start. It's just perfectly suited to all carrying needs, my only qualms being that of course the protection it offers to doll heads is minimal. I've had many hats and glasses get knocked off and hair get tussled, but of course having your doll's hair in a travel ready style like braids or a ponytail and removing accessories like hats and glasses prior to traveling can help minimize those instances. 

The iconic Starry two-doll tote, photo credit

In 2012 a new, short lived carrying device came onto the scene, the Backpack doll carrier. This doesn't look like an average backpack, but it has two pink straps and an almost cylindrical design to put the doll into. I believe the doll goes in that pocket with the pink trim, and there is a zippered area for clothes and other accessories behind it. This design is okay, but it was never very popular and was retired in 2014. I don't have too many qualms besides the fact that there's nothing to keep the doll from being pushed out from the bottom of the bag, if that happened, and that there are just so many better carriers already available at this point. 

photo credit

A "berry" version of this carrier was also available, but it has now been retired as well.

In 2015, American Girl finally redeemed themselves and produced the "Berry backpack doll carrier", which included a clear plastic window over the hole for the face! This carrier only includes pockets on the front panel but there is still a belt to hold the doll in place. There is also the same one strap design, but with that window I think it's a valuable sacrifice to not have that third panel. 

Photo credit

I cannot remember when this was released, but this is the "doll and pet carrier". Interestingly enough I was going to buy this in store, it retailed for $60 and I wanted it. However, when I got to the store, I saw that it wasn't worth it. For one, your doll sits in an incredibly cramped space. There's a little room to shift in the two doll totes, but to fit in this carrier the doll has to be at an exact 90 degree angle. Also, I remember AG claiming that two dolls could fit in here if you put the other one UPSIDE DOWN. Yes, because I have to put my second doll upside down just to fit it in the item. I love the pockets on the sides and the little pet pocket on the front is adorable. The vinyl window is also an incredible detail, and really I love the overall appearance of it. In terms of utility though, the doll just isn't in the best position. The back opens up to hold accessories, which looks nice, but this really could have been made just a little longer, and I think the overall shape could have been improved. I would get it one day if I found a really good deal on it though.

In 2016, the "sparkle doll tote" was released. Similar to the Doll and pet carrier, AG now carried the belief that squares were a good shape to transport dolls in (they're not really). This design plays off of the doll and pet carrier, but there isn't the back compartment like there was in the previous carrier. Retail cost is $48, and there's even a little loop on the front door for a hairbrush. However they are still claiming that a second doll can fit in here, and yes, it can, if you want to put that doll upside down! It looks like a lunchbox too, and in my opinion this is just a downgrade from what we had previously. I have not seen any photos online of someone putting two dolls into one of these things. 

From AG website, it seriously looks like a lunchbox.  

If you put a second doll with the legs over the first doll's head, you can fit two dolls in!

In 2018, the two doll tote was revamped to a different design, and I have qualms with it. I own this version of the two doll tote:

The print of which was later changed to this:

There is one long pocket on the inside on one side, and two smaller pockets inside on the other side. There are also large elastic loops to hold the dolls in place. I dislike this design, but I have to admit it is growing on me. Really, this tote is obviously trying to save material due to the sloped bottom instead of having a right angle, and you can't set it down anywhere unless you're going to lean it up against a wall. Additionally, it is cramped! You already have two dolls with one's legs on top of one another, but then all of the accessory pockets are internal, so there's even less space! Now the big elastic loops at first I wasn't a fan of, but they've really grown on me. There's a security in having the doll physically attached to the tote, so if something happens the doll can't slide out of the carrier completely as could potentially happen with previous two doll tote designs. This two doll tote I have has served me well, and I am thankful to have been given it by my sister, who had it when she was little. It's my least favorite design but it's not as bad as it could be. 

The best doll carriers protect your doll in every way, head to toe, with no shortcuts. I think the berry backpack doll carrier is probably one of the best designs for a single doll so far, with the pink two doll tote still reigning supreme. These dolls are precious, and the devices we use to carry them should reflect that by fully protecting the doll.

Where to find American Girl Giveaways

Don't you just love a good giveaway? The internal pressure of trying to convince yourself there's no way to win when there are already 6000+ entries but that there is totally a chance you could win because it only takes one entry to be picked? Really though, entering giveaways can be an interesting way to spend your time, and American Girl giveaways are an especially good way to use your time! 

American Girl giveaways most commonly take place around the release of a new doll, whether that's a new GOTY, Historical Character or Truly me doll. Most giveaways are hosted by some sort of blogger or influencer, especially if that blogger or influencer is directly sponsored by American Girl. Many of these bloggers are moms with daughters who review the American girl product and then give it away, often a second product. 

1. Theresa's Reviews

If you want a consistent chance to enter a giveaway, Theresa's reviews posts various American Girl related posts throughout the year. It can be a bit of a hassle though, to get the most entries you'll need to be subscribed to the E-mail list and have a functioning Youtube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook account. You also have to be quite diligent about commenting all of your social media handles so that she can count all of your entries, and there are many times that entries just don't go through. However, they are posting giveaways every few months, so there's always another chance to enter and win.

2. American Girl

Occasionally, American Girl will host giveaways on their Facebook Page. Lately, giveaways have dwindled, however around new releases they are especially likely to host a giveaway. 

3. Dandrige House Dolls

This blogger is an independent blogger who sometimes posts giveaways. Last Christmas I entered and got very close to winning. She buys the prizes herself and although the giveaways are posted in very long intervals, waiting for them is worth it!

4. Chloe's American Girl Doll Channel

I've never entered one of their giveaways, but American Girl is a HUGE sponsor of Chloe's American Girl Doll Channel. They send her absolutely everything, and giveaways aren't uncommon. 

5. Google

If you are really bored and want a way to indulge in the AG goodness, just google for these giveaways, you just never know what you're going to find. 

Giveaway Tips and Tricks

*Disclaimer*

I've never won an American Girl Giveaway online (in fact I never really win giveaways at all, American Girl or not). This section does not guarantee you to win anything, these are just little things you can do to increase your chances of finding and possible, though not absolutely, winning American Girl related Giveaways. 

1. Know when giveaways are most likely to happen-

The release of a new doll is the most likely time for a giveaway to happen. Especially the Girl of the Year. When Joss debuted this year there were countless blogs giving her away, and usually the American Girl stores give away the girl of the year as well. Any new releases that aren't dolls should also tingle your giveaway senses. While not every new release is sent out to every affiliate, many of them are, meaning that after taking in the new releases for yourself, search for some giveaways, it can be a good way to spend your time.

2. Have functioning social media-

I don't use much social media. I'm on a few sites heavily like YouTube and Reddit, but others like Instagram and Facebook aren't my cup of tea. However, entering giveaways often involves social media activity, whether that's liking an Instagram post, following a Facebook page, or watching a YouTube video. For these, you're going to need social media that you have access to and that can do all of these things. I don't think you should have to remain public to do most of these actions, you can still like and comment on YouTube Videos if your channel is private, I think? I know too that on Instagram you can make your page private but hopefully still like and comment on posts there? It depends on what platform you're using, and I just don't know them all. If you're younger, please get a parent's permission, and even if you're older, think critically and know that you have a choice in what platforms you sign up for and how much you choose to do on them.

3. Have an E-mail you check regularly-

Most giveaway winners are notified through E-mail, especially if they aren't announced directly on the platform. Have an e-mail you can put in and check regularly. You also may become subscribed to a few e-mail lists, keep an eye on your e-mail to make sure that you only stay subscribed to lists that are crucial for winning giveaways (the e-mail list for Theresa's Reviews comes to mind).

4. Locate "Indie" giveaways

Dandridge house of dolls is a great place to start for Independent giveaways. Independent giveaways have a blogger or other influencer purchasing AG product using their own funds in order to give it away. Now, of course, as more people learn about these independent influencers, their giveaways will grow in the amount of entries and then not be so easy to win. However, the last giveaway I entered from Dandridge house of dolls only had about 30 entries, and I was one number away from the number that got picked. I hope to find more independent giveaways in the future, because one of these days I'll be in a similar situation, and I'll be picked as the winner! (but probably not lol)

Gabriella McBride was NOT a dancer

I really love the character of Gabriela McBride. She's an outspoken young girl who isn't afraid to use her voice, even if she stutters. However, the way that this character was portrayed through advertisements and items in her collection is such a slap in the face to everyone who had been hoping for a black GOTY in 2017. One of the first impressions I had of her was the she was a dancer. Many other people had this impression too, which was annoying because we'd already had Marisol in 2005 and Isabelle in 2014. The dancing theme has been so overdone. Gabriela, however, is NOT a dancer. She's a poet, and she has adventures at her local community center writing poetry, despite the fact that she STUTTERS. That is so cool, yet nobody paid attention to it, because she was marketed as a dancer and a poet, and being somewhat dance-oriented just caused people to ignore her. I didn't know she stuttered until long after 2017 had ended. 

Aside from Gabriela's pajamas, two of her four outfits are dance-oriented. Gabriela's Rehearsal outfit and Gabriela's Sparkling Sequins outfit. Her other two outfits are nice, pretty dresses, perfect for reading poetry. My question is why she had to have two dance-oriented outfits at all? On the cover of Gabriela's second book, Gabriela wears the same "sparkling sequins" top, but with a black blazer and jeans. How cool would that have been?!?!? A black blazer, an item we've never had before AG. On her third book, she's wearing a simple blue t-shirt and jeans. Why, oh why did AG have to make these crazy outfits?

This outfit gives you the impression that Gabriela is a dancer or does something sporty and active

This outfit gives you the impression that Gabriela is running for some student council position, a very different impression from being a dancer or sporty character. 


This outfit doesn't have a picture in the books, but it got a lot of criticism for being strange, which I agree with, but most of all it's a dancing outfit. There's a leotard/bodysuit, leggings, shoes that look like dancing shoes. However, Gabriela's story focuses on poetry, not being a dancer. 

It's not only her outfits, her accessories are dance-oriented too. For Example:

This is Gabriella's creative studio set. A recolor of Isabelle's ballet bar, a DANCE item. This was Gabriela's "big ticket" item to. Why not produce a stage so your doll can read her poetry? Or a simple cafe set where she can do smaller poetry readings? There were so many missed opportunities here for a more creative, more original playset. 

Gabriela's Showtime Kit. It's not necessarily dance oriented, I'd want to look good for a poetry reading too, but to make a whole set based on this? What about making a poetry notebooks set, or a backpack set, or something that isn't focused on hair like we've had so many times before?

This is one of the coolest items in Gabriela's collection. Here she's not a dancer, she makes music! I think something like this should have been included in her big creative studio. This looks a lot more creative to me than a blue ballet bar. She's got a laptop with screens of a sound editing program, a microphone and a drum pad. What if she was a music producer? That would have been really cool. 

Now the question is, why complain? 2017 was three years ago, at least we got a black GOTY, and if I wanted to I could make every item I hypothetically offered up. I could make my doll a black blazer with golden buttons and dress her up just like the outfits on the covers and make her a poetry stage with a microphone and everything. But, these are the images that people see before they read the books, if they read them at all. These images don't show poetry, they show dancing. The other two outfits I didn't include don't necessarily give off the vibes of anything, but when little girls see the blue ballet bar and the leggings and leotard, they think dance, not poetry. Dance doesn't play as large of a role in her story as it would look like from her collection. It's not bad to be a dancer at all, and if she wants to dance and do poetry that's great, but the dance theme was overdone. SO overdone, especially in the girl of the year line, that the way this collection came together can only be described as disappointing. I really want everyone to know that Gabriela McBride was NOT a dancer, she was a poet, and that her story is just as valid as every other Girl of the Year story, because many young black girls looked up to her, and are continuing to look for the next black or POC Girl of the Year. 

How to Restore American Girl Lindsey's Boots

I got Lindsey Bergman as my third doll for my birthday in 2013. She came with most of her meet outfit, which includes a pair of red faux suede boots. These boots were a nightmare, because the deep red flocking flaked everywhere. I didn't use them for the longest time. They left red flakes everywhere, as if paprika had leaked out of them and onto everything they touched. However, I finally came up with a restoration method! 

*Side Note, I have no clue what Lindsey's shoes are actually made out of. It's obviously a synthetic material, but whether it's suede or pleather I have no idea.*

Step 1: Remove the suede

Using your fingers, rub off all of the old dark red flocking from the shoes. All of it. I used my fingers for most and then I used a toothpick for the tiny pieces under the strap. Be sure to get as much of the red flaking off as possible. Inside the shoes are also seam allowances that will continue to flake, so be scrupulous. 

The left boot is peeling, before I removed the suede. The right boot is step one completed and all the suede/flocking removed.

Step 2: Paint the suede

Once all the dark red flaking is rubbed off, get some dark red paint and paint all the red parts of the shoes. I used Anita's all purpose Acrylic paint from Hobby Lobby in Dark Red. Linsdey's Meet boots are technically a bit darker than that shade, but I was happy with that color so I decided to use it. Paint the boots and let them dry. 

I didn't take a photo of the shoes before I put the mod podge over the paint, so onto step 2.

Step 3: Mod Podge

Use Mod Podge inside and out to seal the boots and make sure they don't flake anymore. I used a paintbrush to apply the podge in a thin layer on the outside and inside of the boot, and I used my fingers to get the podge all into the toe of the boot. Then, let it dry.

Here are the shoes completely painted and mod podged. As you can see, they don't need socks! The red color is sooo pretty on camera and IRL.

And you're done! Linsdey's meet boots are still red and now you can use them without the red flakes going onto everything else. 

How to Actually Afford American Girl on a Budget

If there's one thing that every single person is aware of when it comes to American Girl, it's that their products are expensive. The current price for a doll is $110, but they have been as high as $120 for some girls of the year. Outfits complete are usually $24 or more, and even mix and match pieces can cost more money than some actual human clothing. Furniture and accessories are even more than that.

However, there are many ways to afford American Girl, even if you don't have the money to buy items directly from AG. 

Firstly, nothing is purchased brand new. Especially directly from AG, which will have high shipping costs. Eve now as an avid collector for over 9 years, I don't buy much of anything from AG unless it's on sale, or it's a special occasion like birthday/Christmas. Select products go on sale monthly, which can be a great tool, although that most likely still isn't an option for a lot of people. And the good stuff, like dolls, big play sets, etc. never/rarely goes on sale. So let's break it down.

The Doll

It all starts with the doll. A little above $100 has been the standard pricing for them new from AG for years. However used dolls are very easy to find. Used dolls are also appealing if a child plays roughly with their toys or if they may not be into AG for that long. They can also be restored using methods I have detailed on this blog or that are also explained elsewhere on the internet. I use a combination of Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and sometimes Craigslist or other selling sites/apps like Mercari or Poshmark. Finding a doll for less than $100 is incredibly easy. Finding a doll for less than $50 is difficult, but doable. Refer to my doll pricing guide for more information, but finding a doll requires hunting, but it's possible.

 

Getting it down to the price of other dolls from Target or Walmart is probably the hardest thing, because most dolls priced under about $40 are very TLC and in need of repair, but repair is possible.

The American Girl Benefit Sale in Middleton, Wisconsin can also be a great opportunity to get dolls for discounted prices. However, unless you live near the sale this option isn't that feasible for the majority of consumers. 

Making crafts

Then of course there's the clothes, furniture and accessories. Most of these things can actually be made. Refer to American Girl's YouTube Channel for more, but there's tons of other tutorials out there for doll items as well!

The Brush/spray bottle/hair care

A wire wig brush and water spray/misting bottle are required to take care of a doll's hair. American girl sells a brush for $8 and a spray bottle in different kits, but Target's Our Generation sells a brush and spray bottle for just $6 that's the same quality as American Girl's. 

For elastics, human elastics from walmart or any pharmacy/drugstore will work just like AG elastics, and some with most other human hair products. Do try to stay away though from rubber bands with metal clasps or anything you wouldn't use on your own hair. 

The Clothes

Non-AG clothing can be really cute, but often not colorfast. This means that darker colors of off-brand clothing, especially black, blue, red, etc. can bleed onto your doll and turn her skin blue, black or red. There are treatments to repair this but my best advice is to simply wash any off-brand doll clothing before putting it on an AG doll. Doll clothing is washed just like human clothing, with like colors, and washing the clothing will allow excess dye to not stain your doll's skin. 

Fit can be another issue. Plastic shoes I try to avoid. Our Generation has some outfits with plastic shoes but also has a good selection of high quality non-plastic shoes for a fraction of AG costs. Dresses are easier to fit than outfits with pants, and most stuff will fit, just not everything. 18" dolls from different brands are similar, but none of them are exactly the same. 

The Furniture

Most furniture can be made from cardboard, or out of other materials from around the house. When I started out I had the doll box closet (refer to my previous posts) and several cardboard items. Use your imagination to make backdrops, tables, and other items like those from American Girl.

The Accessories

Accessories, like everything else, are easy to make. Refer to YouTube, Pinterest and other blogs and look up tutorials to find things you would like to make. When I was younger I made my own cardboard backdrop, I made a set of uneven bars from thin dowels, and I used a box lid as a doll bed.