Things that Annoy Me as a Doll Collector - My American Girl Doll Collecting Pet Peeves!

[@Tailscutie123]

My American girl pet peeves is people trying to sell the nastiest rattiest loose limbed doll with no clothes for an unreasonable price just because it’s American girl/pleasant company. Another is people having the audacity to put an empty box up for sale just because it’s American girl. My last pet peeve is with Mattel and the new releases of furniture and clothes being super cute/pink/frilly and furniture looking cheap. Like I’ve been looking for and collecting the older pleasant company girl of today clothes just because I can’t stand the newer clothes and I’m someone who’s favorite color is pink 💀

[@FinnsDollCorner]

Yes! I get so annoyed when somebody says, "I wouldn't spend that much on a doll," because they are spending hundreds of dollars on something not as wholesome, or useful or pleasant! I'm also annoyed that people think dolls are just for kids. Thanks for this video!

[@bethanyostwald5949]

What annoys me is that American girl had historical outfits, hair, and accessories. It was working. Now the historical accuracy is gone and the outfits are worth 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 times the price. I wish they would go back to historical accurate dolls, clothes, hair, and accessories.

[@acaciaevans4185]

Right?! I've seen some really cute Historical doll outfits, and after look8ng at the price, it's like, "No, I want to eat this month." This is especially true with retired doll clothes *Cough* Felicity, Elizabeth, and Nellie*Cough*.

[@therobotdevil2284]

Agreed! AG doesn't give kids enough credit in my opinion. They're like "today's kids don't like reading or care about history that isn't in bold colors." But I think back to me and my friends growing up - none of us were particularly bookish or history minded but those books were SO DAMN GOOD they pulled us in. Heck, those books were so good they motivated me to learn how to read (I have ADHD and was waaaay behind my peers. But AG books were a huge motivator.) If I could tell AG anything, it'd be: Give kids gripping books and they'll read them (yes, including a series of 6!)

[@renee3837]

One of my pet peeves as a collector living in Europe is the fact that I can't buy anything directly off of the American Girl website. I can't even e-mail them to purchase items. The only way for someone living in Europe to buy from American Girl is to call them! The amount of money it would cost me just for that international call makes it prohibitive. There is one site catering to British collectors that also allows international purchases, but the mark up to cover import fees, the shipping costs to Europe from Britiain which have increased after Brexit, and then I have to pay VAT on top of that mark up...just no

[@brutallyhonestdollreviews]

I heard people spend loads of money on a big sippy cup these days. I mean you could buy a doll for that!

[@djg5950]

Some people just don't understand adults collecting kid's toys. Dolls. Legos. Action figures. Probably many more things I'm forgetting but adults do collect those things. Not only made for kids, but adult collectors too.

[@angelaallen6053]

My AG pet peeve is all the banner photos on AG website or in their ads that show historical dolls or outfits but those items are not available... Kirsten, Maryellen's flamingo swimsuit, etc.

[@ItsVictoriaG]

Regarding retirement: My most shameful American Girl collector moment was paying for the original, non-costume, period accurate Julie meet outfit & accessories because I adore everything about it and do not have room for another doll. It’s a meet outfit. It’s not anything special. But I legitimately paid more money than I should have because it’s complete and nice condition. I wanted the faux suede bag and belt and both Candie’s heels for my PC JLY3! Don’t get me started on Be Forever. They did Felicity dirty by giving her a Tudor dress. She looks like she’s about to sing Christmas carols dressed like a Madrigal. Samantha went from looking Edwardian to looking like a thrifted 1986 party dress. And Julie? It’s a costume. It’s like the 60s Hippie Halloween costume from the American Girl of Today line from 1998, just less creative and made with cheaper materials.

[@Paradespc]

I’ve been saying that same thing forever that video games cost more than the dolls and dolls don’t become out of date. Also I don’t want people hating on my doll room. If a man has a man cave filled with sports stuff or a whole room with a train layout everyone thinks it’s “so cool”.

[@vickiturner-simpson5091]

Definitely would love a video on curly haired dolls!

[@evanlieberman4525]

I agree with most of what you said. The only thing is that I personally think straight hair dolls are “easier” to take care of. I’m not saying curly hair dolls are “harder” but they definitely require more maintenance

[@djg5950]

Flat out truth is they are "harder" to care for. I have two Evettes (one bought recently still in hairnet - because $65) and a TM #44 that I bought several years ago that still have messy hair. I haven't worked on them yet. Gathering info before I tackle them. My first AG doll bought in 2018 was TM #19. She has straight brown hair and bangs and looks brand new even though I photograph her and take her out camping (Evette goes, too, reason her hair is so messed up) and traveling a few times a year. I always recommend a doll like this for young children if asked what I think (Kit is good, so is Isabel and others).

[@MissyJ-216]

I don’t exactly agree with you about straight hair dolls. I have Ivy , Corinne. and Gwynn. After I finish them I just run a brush through and they are good. I do agree with you about curly hair. Please do an Evette video. I got her with the Black Friday sale and I just took her out of the box yesterday because of the fear. She is so cute and yours looks great.

[@gingerandcloves]

You make a lot of good points. I feel bad for collectors outside the U.S. because I know it's so hard to come by AG dolls. My biggest pet peeve is along those lines...mainly their distribution system. They've gone the route now of closing down the majority of their stores, meaning that for most people, you have to order on the website. My gripe is that if you're going to close stores, at least you'd better invest some of the money you're saving into your website, and offer reasonable shipping costs. Instead, we get a checkout that is glitchy and doesn't work half the time with rewards and codes, and we get high shipping costs unless we spend $150 minimum, to say nothing of their oversize item shipping fees. It makes buying dolls on Amazon look so much better. I can get a doll or an outfit with free 2-day shipping, and if I decide to return, I can get an almost instantaneous refund, versus 3-4 weeks from AG. They really need to amp it up.

[@constantinagreen3952]

Thank you! I thought about this just yesterday! They really need to invest in their shipping protocols.

[@prbambi9934]

In the US, the basic LOL OMG and Rainbow High dolls sell for around $25 - $30. The LE dolls prices have ranged from around $50 - $100. I’m not sure why people care how others spend their own money. I would be sad too if I wasn’t able to buy something I wanted because it couldn’t ship to where I live.

[@violintrumpet7331]

Just wanted to let you know that I love your videos, and your makeup looks really good here!

[@therobotdevil2284]

It's been said before and recently, but I got an extra reminder of this annoyance today: American Girl goes way out of its way to an almost comical degree to avoid verbally acknowledging boys and men who like their products. I was on their website today looking to pick up a truly me #77 and #75 and both boy dolls' descriptions said that with these dolls, "your girl can include those who are important to her-her siblings, classmates, and friends." As if boy dolls are obviously exclusively meant for a little girl to project her little brother or best male friend onto - God forbid a little boy wants a doll he can see himself in. Talk about doing advanced mental gymnastics trying to buy into the market of boys and men who like AG while appeasing their conservative market. It wouldn't get me nearly as up in arms if they just use gender neutral terms like "your child." It's just not that hard.

[@djg5950]

When I was reading this and got to the "your girl" part I thought "your child" would have been a more inclusive term to use. I had two nieces and two nephews whose parents (my brother and sister both had one of each) bought them Cabbage Patch Kids back in the 1980's. AG was too expensive (if only they HAD bought AG. I have 8 or 9 CPK still). I sewed doll clothes for their dolls and both of my nephews had dolls. I think they were boy dolls, not sure, but even though AG didn't make boy dolls until after 2017 they may have wanted a doll because their sister had one and I was sewing clothes for them.

[@bizarrelovesquare]

I'm with you on the curly hair!!! Maybe it's because we know how we take care of/style our own hair, but, I really don't find a difference between straight and curly haired dolls!

[@bearificgirl]

Same. There are some people that handle their Evette’s with kid gloves. I love styling her hair. So far I’ve just sprays with water and scrunched.

[@theresaj9846]

Like you said video game systems and video games are basically the same price (or usually more) as dolls and outfits, but no one bats an eye at that, I cant help but think that since dolls are traditionally a girls thing, that leads to many people thinking they aren't as much worth the money. Also massively agree on the retirement thing, like growing up I remember outfits being around for years, so it was very possible to get the dolls whole collection over several years, now if you want an outfit you have like 2 or 3 years max to get it before its retired.

[@AmericanBoyCollectAmericanGirl]

Oh, Girl...don't even get me started with pet peeves...how about we just lump it into one word...MATEL!!!

[@AmericanBoyCollectAmericanGirl]

That being said, they did do good with the more recent colobs with Love Shack Fancy, Janie and Jack, and Something Navy.

[@AmericanBoyCollectAmericanGirl]

...but what they did to the company...especially the Historical collection...😭

[@cartoonygothica]

I'm not a collector (yet), but I suppose my pet peeve about the American Girl brand is just how expensive the dolls are. Yes, I know they're supposed to be better quality than most other doll brands, but $115+ is still a lot for me. I bought a mini doll of Samantha on eBay for less than $24, and she is small enough to fit inside one of my nightstand drawers. I'm waiting until I can at least find proper storage space, before getting any 18-inch dolls. I had heard that straight haired-dolls are easier for beginners to take care of, so it surprised me when you said that curly-haired dolls are actually easier. Perhaps now, I might be less hesitant about getting Rebecca or Courtney.

[@steph585]

Peeve: That I missed the early days

[@Paradespc]

I’m so lucky because my girls were huge into it throughout the 90s and we saved every piece and kept them nice. The PC clothes are so very detailed and well made.

[@TheMaggieMia]

I am a child. . Of 67 years old. . .

[@mishti06]

O.m.g....I LOVE this video SO much. You hit ALL the same pet peeves I have. How wierd! Especially the one about spending so much. I always have to justify by pointing out that some people blow their money on smoking, drinking, gambling, fashion etc etc. They just dont get it. I do wonder if its a cultural thing that ppl judge..seems to be more accepted in the u.s but here its seen purely as childs play..so adult collectors often feel shame. I do. On the topic of AG not shipping some stuff to Canada....they don't ship ANY stuff to us here in Australia. Breaks my heart. I think that's pitiful for such a huge company. I mean, even Maplea ship here. Did you ever do the curly hair video? I would love to be more confident with their curls, but love my curly girls equally😊. Love this video....made me feel almost 'normal' 😂.

[@justdreamstudios]

I did end up make this video, about how to care for each type of American Girl Doll Hair. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2jWdoKVfKh1gsksi=AAae64jum1jZrJ2v So weird AG does not ship to Australia! I never knew that.

[@mishti06]

Omg..we have exactly the same peeves 😊. I too live outside the u.s. and find it extremely fustrating that they don't ship (most)stuff to Australia. And IF they do, the shipping is so high that I end up buying a 2nd hand one on ebay instead. Sometimes, they stock some on amazon. Don't quite understand why they don't have stores around the world because collectors are everywhere. I wasn't into ag prior to mattel, but I can see, even now, how they are slowly morphing into 'fashion dolls', and that's a shame. Really enjoyed video....yes please a haircare one would be very helpful.❤

[@gingerdean1521]

Why not get a USA subscriber to buy for you and send it to you?

[@sandybranco615]

They are so beautiful 😍 ❤ and you are so beautiful too 😊

[@Agstar91]

We have a lot of the same pet peeves! I'd love to see a curly doll hair care video. I think it's hard for me, because I don't just sit mine on the shelf. I'm so afraid of claudies hair even though I tried to fix it up. We haven't even bonded because of it. But my 122 has perfectly straight hair that brushes out soooo easily it's a dream. I have straight hair though. All I ever do with mine is wash and brush. I don't ever do anything else

[@ItsVictoriaG]

For curly hair: don’t use a brush! Use a wide tooth comb. Wet your fingers and finger comb/reshape each individual curl. I also have really straight hair! And I was terrified of Lindsey’s hair for over 20 years. I finally just decided to go for it to try and reshape the flattened parts. I don’t do any styles or anything because I don’t want to disrupt the curl pattern. I really, really bonded with my Lindsey for the first time doing this, and now she’s one of my absolute favorites.

[@djg5950]

Post video comment: Don't worry about being negative. I find you hilarious even when complaining about things. We all have things we don't like and your complaints are legit. Mattel/American Girl should watch these videos that adults make and talk about their AG dolls and what our complaints are. My biggest complaint is QUALITY. Not just the way the newer clothing fits but the general quality of the material is poor Thin, flimsy, cheap fabric but cost $35 - $50 (and up) for an outfit. With soft plastic shoes/boots on top of it. Example I paid $80 for the School Days Style Outfits (didn't pay that much because I used rewards and % off discount) and got a pair of hard, thick pink plastic sandals. They are the same ones that come with Lila's backordered Gymnastics Practice Outfit. I bought the Orange You Glad outfit a couple of years ago and that comes with cute orange sandals and a purse. The material for the dress is thin and cheap but at least the shoes are better quality. The only reason I bought the School Days outfits is that there are three outfits (but only 2 pair of shoes ??) and I can mix and match with other outfits so worth it to me (sort of....). American Girl could learn a lot listening to and reading comments about their products on KZbin. I voice my opinion with every order that I place when I order from AG. Hoping things will change in the future.

[@thedollstudiobykris]

Alll insanely valid 😅

[@natalidolll]

[@tinmanlover1994]

Can you please show newer dolls in pleasant company outfits and shoes if you can.

[@djg5950]

I want to see the older outfits on the newer dolls because I don't understand what she was saying either. I think some of the newer clothing is too tight and fits poorly on the new dolls. Sleeves tend to be too short (Maplelea clothing is perfect for AG) and the pants are sometimes too tight. The Harry Potter gray pants that came with the $55 set is very tight and hard to get on. I mention that every time I place an order with AG.

[@Joolieannie]

I honestly don’t see the body difference as someone who owns dolls from the very early 90s and those same clothes are still big on them too????/

[@Paradespc]

The problem is all dolls vary way too much. I cannot fit an older Julie into newer Julie’s pants. Like not at all. I make clothes and try to use elastic or ties to adjust for all sizes

[@bejeweledbat13]

not to be that person but i feel like people avoiding the curly/textured haired dolls and saying they're "harder to take care of" is at least somewhat rooted in racism