American Girl just announced the return of eight beloved, original historical dolls as part of the brand's 40th anniversary. Anyone born in the 80s, 90s, or early aughts will be excited to learn that these reissued 18-inch dolls will be nearly identical to the originals. They're available now for pre-order, shipping May 1.
Here are the eight re-released dolls:
What's new, what's the same
These dolls are the same basic shape and size as the originals, unlike the dolls in the recent American Girl Modern Era Collection, which are smaller and slimmer. The modern 14-inch dolls are $90, and the reissued 18-inch original historical dolls are $175.
Each rereleased historical doll comes with a book—the original book for most characters, like Meet Addy with the Addy doll. The two very most beloved dolls, Samantha and Felicity, come with special Keepsake Guides. Called Samantha's World and Felicity's World, each offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the doll's design and lists additional facts about their historical era. The guides are an extra incentive for Samantha and Felicity fans to invest in the new doll-and-book bundles.
The brand was careful to say that these are not replicas. There have been updates in how dolls are created (materials, manufacturing process) since they were first invented by a former teacher in 1986.
Not every historical doll is back
Some historical dolls are not part of this reissue. For instance, I have Ruthie Smithens, Kit's best friend, who I got in 2008 when my firstborn was playing with Kit. Kit and Ruthie lived together in our house until they were outgrown, and then I passed Ruthie to my niece, Alma, to foster for me.
Ruthie and other "friends," like Felicity's friend Elizabeth Cole, are not part of this reissue. Neither are the many historical dolls that have been up on the brand's site all year, like Julie Albright, from the 70s era, Claudie, a girl from the 1920s, and Nanea, from 1941. I guess they don't count as original blockbusters. I told Ruthie not to take it personally!
