One word.  Accessorize.  That one word has taken on new meaning when it comes to girls and their dolls.  My daughter recently turned 6 and my wife and I decided to surprise her with a trip to the American Girl doll store to pick out a doll (a doll that better last her FOREVER).  I don’t know if many of you other dad’s with daughters have experienced an American Girl Doll store but it is unfreaking real.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m a guy.  I have no real interest in dolls above and beyond the occasional baby sitting I do when my daughter requires my expertise in watching her dolls.  But this store is amazing.  No joke.

The American Girl doll store is more then just a store to buy a doll.  It’s a complete experience.  My hat goes off to the corporate officers of the American Girl’s for making a lot of people’s wallets less full.  They have revolutionized the way a little girl thinks of her dolls.  They brought a new meaning to dolls.  It’s not about having a toy anymore.  It’s about a little girl’s best friend, an actual person (at least in a girl’s eyes) that has needs.  Here is a list of all you can do at The American Girl Doll store.

Doll Hair Salon Oh yea.  A full on hair salon for all your daughter’s doll hair needs.  Did your daughter accidentally use her own hair brush on her doll (Using your own hair brush on your American Girl Doll is a big no no)?  Does her doll just need a new hair-do?  Whatever it may be you can do it at the doll hair salon.  I’m not talking about a little play room for kids to do there hair.  I’m talking about real employee hair stylists who do your dolls hair for you.

Dining Dining for you, your daughter, and her doll.  I haven’t eaten there, yet, but when I was there I had time to look around and it looked pretty good.  Appetizers, Entrees, and dessert.  You can have anything from mac & cheese to Salmon.  Take a look at their menu here.

Birthday Celebrations As if the entire buying process wasn’t enough.  The American Girl Doll store is setup to have birthdays as well.  Your daughter and friends get to have the entire birthday experience in doll heaven.  Cake & ice cream, party favors, and food.  Another example of how genius the people running things over at The American Girl business truly are.

As you can see this store is more than just a store.  It’s an experience.  Not only do girls get to enjoy the whole “experience” but they also get to enjoy the process of picking out their very own American Girl Doll.  Beyond the plethora of themed dolls available, is an American Girl doll that looks just like your daughter.  I don’t care what your daughter looks like they have a doll that looks just like her.  Ultimately making the choices unlimited when it comes to what kind of doll your daughter wants.

The prices of American girl dolls and their accessories reflect the quality and investment of your purchase.  These dolls are not something you buy and then discard 6 months later.  These dolls are kept for years (preferably).  At $100 for a doll they are not cheap.  Accessories are sure to be on birthday and Christmas lists for years to come  You can buy anything from clothes to your dolls very own pet.

Why do I feel it’s worth the money?  I know Barbie’s have ruled the industry for a long time.  It’s practically impossible to keep a girl away from a barbie doll.  My problem with Barbie’s are the changes that have been made to the Barbie brand over the years.  I don’t know if any of you have had experience with this or if you even care, but I have and it bothers me.  It seems that Barbie has a certain “brat” attitude that simply leaves a gross taste in my mouth.  When a Barbie book says things like “Barbie was sad because Veronica sent Ken a text via Barbie’s phone telling him she wanted to break up, so that Veronica could date Ken.”  it makes me feel kind of disgusted.  I would much rather invest my money into something of better quality and morals that will last my daughter many years as opposed to a bunch of cheap, trashy, crap.  That’s my take on this.  What do you think?