Has anyone bought an American Girl doll from the US?

[perceptionreality]

I'm just wondering how much it all costs once you've paid taxes etc.

[MrsBovary]

They sell mini versions of AG on Amazon UK. I bought one for one of my children as a stocking filler.

[shoppingbagsundereyes]

I looked at them in New York in October. To get dd a doll that looked like her (which would have meant paying for a haircut too) with an outfit for dd to wear to match the doll would have come to over $200. I can see that if you are loaded and have your child with you it would be a fun afternoon as you can take the doll for tea and cake etc. we decided just to buy a doll for dd who wasn't there with us was ridiculously expensive

[PolkadotCircus]

I just don't get them,I really don't.

[MarshmallowCupcake]

I bought one for my niece when she visited me in Chicago where I worked many years ago. I got her Kaya the original AG doll and she still has it after 8 years. This was great for me cos on birthdays and Xmas I just sent another part of the Kaya collection. I was very lucky to have a pal visit and she got sent back to Scotland with a new suitcase filled with Kayas horse!
You need an American friend who will post it as a gift so you avoid custom tax!

[perceptionreality]

It is like Build A Bear really isn't it (an addiction that is still at large in our house!).

[HoldMeCloserTonyDanza]

My sister had an AG Felicity doll. In fact, she still has her up on her wardrobe and she still looks great. I was jeaaaaaaaalous!

I think the historical ones are lovely especially if you choose a really interesting time period.

It is a CRIME that they discontinued Samantha!

[CheerfulYank]

I had Molly when I was nine, so 21 years ago. :) I must have my mother dig her out of the attic for me...

If it's cheaper to buy one here in the US, you could do that and I could ship it to you, or something? They can't weigh that much!

[perceptionreality]

CheerfulYank - that is very kind of you, but I wouldn't want to put you to the trouble. I do actually have a cousin in LA and I feel bad about asking her too!

[PolkadotCircus]

Wish they'd sort something out re shopping in the US online.There have been loads of things I've wanted to buy but the duty(not the postage makes it way too expensive).

Some firms won't even ship to the UK.Yes Crayola I'm looking at you.One day I will have a super duper crayon tower with allthe colours!!!!!

[PolkadotCircus]

Actually aren't there companies who you can get stuff sent to in the US who will then send on.Must look into it one day.

We have family in San Francisco but I'm too embarrassed to ask too.

[CheerfulYank]

Oh, I've shipped things to various mumsnetters before. In the interest of international good will and all. :o If you really want to we can figure something out.

Same goes for you polkadot...I'll get you those crayons if you want 'em! :)

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

cheerful - do you know the best way to get 2 of these here

knight bedding

not the sham the row and 2 shams, (*2), my friend in states has bought them for me, but the cost of postage is HUGE!

[CheerfulYank]

Wait, what? So you don't want the sham? Spell it out like you're talking to a six year old and I'll be able to tell you.

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

I couldn't find a link to the sets I have bought - the picture in This link - full single bed throw and 2 shams I what have bought the DCs each - it was only £60 for 2 full sets but it's more than that to post them fro
What my friend can see - I wondered if you had any ideas on cheaper ways.

[CheerfulYank]

I can check with my mom. :) She has an etsy shop and is very good at cheap posting. I'll let you know as soon as I get ahold of her.

And you're having a baby?! Congrats!

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

oh fab thanks so much

[lolalotta]

I haven't read ANY of this thread but I won't into the store in New York, all I can say is OMG!!!!!

[perceptionreality]

Well, I went ahead and ordered the doll with about 5 outfits and the shipping was the same as with one doll. I await the customs charges............hopefully it'll be worth it for dd.

[Growlithe]

Hi - I know this is an old thread but OP, if you don't mind me asking how much did shipping/taxes end up costing, and were you and your DD happy with the doll? My DD is desperate for one of these dolls and has a birthday coming up.

[toffeelolly]

I think I will stick to design a friend ( chad valley) have got dd three of these for Christmas along with lots of outfits .

[perceptionreality]

Growlithe, sorry I know this may be too late to help you. My dd loved the doll and I have been very impressed with the quality. They really are beautiful dolls in real life and the hair is unlike any other doll hair I've ever come across. The charges that you pay at the end are about 25% of the total cost of the item plus shipping. Shipping is $65 but you can get a few outfits without that going up any more. HTH

[Elsiequadrille]

Some of the ebay sellers list the shipping and tax costs on their auction listing. I saw it when we were looking to buy one, but we bought ours from the UK shop. I'd imagine there would only be a small saving to be made after shipping and tax. Some sellers were selling new dolls without their box and those sold fairly reasonably.

Agree the quality is really very good, they are worth the cost I think. We managed to buy a horse too which is lovely.

You can buy the mini American dolls quite easily from Amazon UK, those make nice stocking fillers.

[perceptionreality]

The thing I discovered about these dolls is that lots of adults collect them quite seriously. Dd2 is nearly 10 and she wants another one this year and my 4 year old dd wants one too (although I think she is too young but she keeps asking!).

[CoolStoryBro]

My dd loves her AG doll. She keeps it in the playroom at night tho as it creeps her out when she's going to sleep!

[Growlithe]

Thanks for this. I managed to talk her out of it but have read her your comments and she's pondering again now, and so am I because I do think they look really lovely, and DD collects things rather than plays with them IYSWIM.

Did anyone see Dragon's Den with the pair who were trying to get a British version off the ground? I thought they'd missed a trick as they wanted to sell them in other stores, rather than create their own boutique which is how AGs work in the US.