There are some very high-quality budget-friendly alternatives to American Girl Dolls that parents need to be aware of to save money. Girls everywhere love the American Girl brand, but the prices are very high and there are other options that will bring a smile to your child's face!
18 INCH DOLL CRAZE
The 18-inch doll craze has been going on for years and doesn't seem to be letting up. As a mother to 3 girls I have been living in the midst of this craze and have a lot of experience with different doll brands.
The premier brand for 18 inch dolls continues to be the American Girl brand. Unfortunately, there prices are very, very high and out of reach for many regular families.
Luckily there are really great quality alternatives to American girl dolls and their accessories available now.
We have tried out a bunch of the alternatives and I am going to share it all with you!
IS THE AMERICAN GIRL BRAND THE BEST?
This is one of those ageless questions. Many people believe that American Girl Dolls and their clothes and accessories are the best because they are the most expensive.
It is like other things in life…does being the most expensive make something the best?
I can say that I have personally purchased many items from American Girl and they do have a very high quality. Most of the items I have purchased I have been very happy with, but….my wallet has never been happy.
If I was purchasing items that would be used for the next 10 years…then no problem, but I am not. I am buying TOYS that my child will only have an interest in for a few years, tops.
When I started branching out and trying other 18-inch doll brands I can honestly say I have been very happy with the quality, especially for the price!
ALTERNATIVES TO AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS
I love having options when I shop and I am glad there are good quality options out there for kids who love dolls.
The bottom line is we each have a set budget for holidays and birthdays. I prefer to buy multiple gifts instead of only being able to afford one because of the high price tag for a name brand item.
I am going to outline some of the best alternatives to American Girl dolls and their accessories.
PLAYTIME BY EIMMIE
I was recently introduced to the doll brand, Playtime by Eimmie. This is an online brand and I have been very impressed.
They have a small, but nice selection of 18-inch dolls. Most of the dolls come with a carrying case, pajamas and a few other small accessories. Regular price is around $69.99, but you can find these on sale too!
The doll I am most excited about is their Capezio Ballerina Eimmie Doll. She comes dressed in a beautiful ballerina outfit and has a duffel bag too! The doll is really, really pretty and I know my daughter is going to be so excited to find it under the tree this year!
Playtime by Eimmie also offers playtime packs with outfits and accessories in different themes. They have a nice selection of doll furniture sets that are wood and the prices are great.
CLUB EIMMIE
One of the best things about Playtime by Eimmie is their Club Eimmie program.
Subscription boxes are very popular and honestly…so much fun. I was excited to find that Playtime by Eimmie has a monthly subscription box that is AFFORDABLE and something my daughter will actually LOVE getting every month.
We got our first box recently and it was adorable!! My daughter got a holiday themed Gingerbread apron and hat with a matching doll apron and hat. How cute is this??
Here are the details of the program:
- The first month is only $12.99 and then $19.99 for future months.
- If you sign up for 6 months or 12 months you will save more money!!
- You will get a different play time pack each month.
- You will also get items emailed to you to keep your child busy. Color sheets, stories, play prompts, kid-friendly projects and more right to your inbox.
This would make a great gift idea for a doll lover in your life.
OUR GENERATION AT TARGET
Target has a whole line of 18 inch dolls and products for dolls that are very popular and our one of my favorite alternatives to American Girl dolls.
We have not purchased any of the dolls from the Our Generation brand so I can't speak to the doll quality.
We do have quite a few of the clothing sets and playsets.
I love that Target offers a lot of small packages of doll accessories for under $10. These make great stocking stuffers.
My daughter received the gourmet kitchen last year and it was very nice. There were tons of small accessories included that were very realistic. The price difference was huge.
The Target kitchen was around $65 and the American Girl doll kitchen was $275.
MY LIFE AS LINE AT WALMART
Walmart didn't want to be left out of the 18-inch doll market. They have their own line called My Life As.
We do not have one of their dolls, but they do have a large selection of dolls available.
There are lots of playsets and clothing sets etc to choose from and the price point is typically less than the Target line.
The selection is big and the prices are low so it is a great option for those on a tight budget.
I will note that the reviews aren't as good for many of the products as the reviews are for the Target line.
They have a few items that seem very unique and I plan to get my daughter for her birthday.
One is a motorized vending machine that really dispenses toys snacks. How CUTE!! The other is a radio-controlled Segway type scooter that the dolls can stand on and you can use the controller to drive them around. FUN!!
JOURNEY GIRLS
Journey Girls is a line of dolls and accessories that was sold by Toys R Us. The line still seems to be active, but is now sold and fulfilled by Amazon since Toys R Us closed.
I bought quite a few furniture items from the Journey Girls line probably around 8-10 years ago and wasn't overly impressed with the quality….but it could have improved.
There are quite a few dolls for sale and various playsets and furniture. The prices seem to be higher than Walmart and more in the Target range…or a tad higher.
They have a very cute pink and purple Outback Jeep that I know little girls would adore.
NEW ADVENTURES STYLE DOLLS
A doll line that is new to me is the New Adventures Style Dolls. This brand has been around since 2001, but I just recently heard about it.
They have a whole line of dolls, clothes, accessories and some furniture. I have seen this brand for sale at Kohl's.
WHO LOVES DOLLS AT YOUR HOUSE?
Who are you buying dolls and doll accessories for? I hope this list of alternatives to American Girl Dolls has helped you find some great items the little girl will love!
Be sure to check out these other great doll-related articles while you are here:
- Fun Accessories for Your American Girl Doll that Won't Break the Bank
- Holiday Hairstyles for American Girl Dolls
- Easy American Girl Doll Hairstyles Even Little Girls Can Do
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