American Girl Throwback time! I found an American Girl (Pleasant Company) catalog from Fall of 1997--and my doll Abbey's twin is on the cover. ;) It has been so fun to look through!
This catalog features the Historical dolls, but also "American Girl of Today" dolls. The line was shortened to "American Girl Today" a year later then renamed to "Just Like You" to "My American Girl" to now, "Truly Me".
As you can see above, my doll Abbey is wearing the same hat and 'shirt-jac' which was part of the outfit the dolls came in. I found both pieces at a yardsale years ago and thought it was cool seeing it in this catalog picture. Very 90s!
Abbey is the doll in the second photo on the top row. I got her pre-loved on eBay back in 2008. It's really cool to see all the different doll options in the Girl of Today line back then. Each doll was $82 and the accessories were $20. The dolls also came with a book that you could write her own story in...I love that!
On the next page is the Cheerleading Outfit ($22), Jacket & Cap ($20), Blue Jeans Basics ($20), School Gear ($20), Computer Desk & Chair ($40), Mini Macintosh ($32), School Lunch ($12), School Jumper ($20), Girl Scout Uniform ($22), and Soccer Gear ($24).
Look at the Macintosh (Apple) Computer, we sure have come a long way in technology!! My family had a computer like this one and I would play computer games on it. (The internet was very slow and we couldn't talk on the phone and use the internet at the same time, weird right?! I'm very glad that changed!)
This page features the Kwanzaa Decorations ($20), Kwanzaa Outfit ($22), Christmas Recital Outfit ($24), Violin & Stand ($30), Chinese New Year Outfit ($24), Chinese New Year Celebration ($14), Hanukkah Outfit ($22), Hanukkah Gifts ($14), Ballet Costume ($24), and the American Girl Mini Dolls (each $20).
I love the ballet outfit and the minis look so different!! There were only 5 historical dolls in 1997, Felicity, Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, and Molly. In the top right corner it says that 10 Free Grin Pins (buttons that were worn on jackets and hats) were included with every purchase.
On the last page showing the collection is the Wheel Chair ($28), Plaid Nightie ($14), Fleece Robe & Slippers ($18), Hairdo Helper Hardware Kit ($12), School Locker ($100), Slumber Party Gear & Bear ($18), Slumber Shirt ($18), Sleep Sack ($18), Bunk Bed ($65), Night Stand ($32), and Nighttime Necessities ($18).
The bunk bed is awesome! They also sold a "Girl of Today" starter collection that came with a ton of stuff! You'd get a doll of your choice, accessories, three outfits, jacket & cap, school gear, the computer, computer desk, school lunch, mini doll of your choice, and doll hair brush, all for $280. Still expensive, but I can't imagine AG selling all that stuff at once today!!
I love that mini Twister Set too, with the dolls on the front! CUTE!
It was super interesting to see how American Girl has changed from 1997 to 2016. Thanks for looking back with me! :)
