American Girl dolls have been beloved by children for generations, and it appears that boys are just as enchanted by them. In response to this trend, inventive parents are crafting charming ‘American Boy’ dolls that bear little resemblance to their original counterparts.
Take the case of a creative mom, Laura Simmons, who gifted her daughter an American Girl “Truly Me” doll for her seventh birthday. These customizable, 18-inch dolls allow kids to create a version that resembles themselves. Laura’s son quickly became enamored with his sister’s new toy and expressed his desire for a doll that looked like him. Unfortunately, American Girl doesn’t currently offer full-sized boy dolls.
When Laura informed her son that boy dolls were not available, she hoped he would forget about it. However, a friend’s playful suggestion to simply give a girl doll a haircut inspired a brilliant idea. She found a similar-looking Madame Alexander doll on eBay, gave it a stylish trim, and removed the makeup using acetone. The transformation was remarkable!
This innovative approach isn’t unique to Laura; a quick online search reveals countless YouTube tutorials, Pinterest boards, and blog posts aimed at helping parents create their own ‘American Boy’ dolls. Some parents opt for more affordable dolls, while others have utilized actual American Girl dolls, giving them stunning makeovers. Most transformations involve creative haircuts and outfits sourced online. Some crafty parents even order wigs for their dolls, because let’s face it, who wants to risk scissors near a $125 toy? The results are wonderful companions that look entirely different from their original forms. If ever your doll finds itself in a bind, these tutorials could help it stay incognito.
This trend highlights a significant market opportunity for doll manufacturers. It’s heartwarming to see parents invest time into giving dolls new identities, yet it would be fantastic if companies recognized the demand for more inclusive options. Dolls have traditionally been marketed as ‘girl’ toys, but any parent with a son knows better. My own son is absolutely fascinated with his sister’s dolls and would love an ‘American Boy’ doll that mirrors his appearance. Toy companies like Pleasant Company are missing out on a valuable segment by overlooking the interests of young boys.
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In summary, the world of dolls is evolving, and parents are stepping up to create inclusive options for their children. Whether it’s through DIY makeovers or advocating for more diverse toy offerings, it’s clear that all kids, regardless of gender, should have dolls that represent them.