My story and some questions

[jenndon]

I'm just starting out here, and I have some questions, but first, my story:

My daughter and I planned to meet a friend and her daughter at the AG Place in NYC. She doesn't have a doll, and since I'm 34, I think I'm too old to have known the dolls as a kid. I started checking out some of the books for her to read (she's a 7 year old 2nd grader). I loved the idea of them. I was going to buy her a doll as her bday gift and part of the trip. She opted out of the doll, in favor of using her bday $$ on Build a Bear and other souvenirs.

So--we went to AG Place and had lunch. She was able to borrow Kit in her swimsuit to eat with her. I love AG Place! My friend's daugther brought her doll and went to the hair salon and everything. Of course, dd wanted a doll once we got there, but since I had already splurged on this overnight trip for her, I stuck to my guns and said, no. I also wanted to see if she really wants this $87 doll before committing. I told her she'd probably get one at Christmas (if she still wants one).

She did buy Coconut herself while we were there, which is going to be the start of her collection.

But the problem is, now *I* am hooked, I think!!! I've been scouring ebay to find a deal, looking at the ag site daily, finding these message boards. . . .

So, I'm thinking that she WILL get a doll--probably before Christmas. She likes Molly (that was the first book I bought her, because she also has glasses). I think she likes Kit's story better, and I personally like Kit.

I just thought I would share the excitement of "new love" with you all. I'm not sure what this means. I'm not a collector, I don't like to spend $$$ frivolously (nor does dh!!). Help me!!!

So, serious questions--if I were to buy a Molly or Kit on ebay, are there significant differences from a new doll? I do know the white body/tan body differences, but other than that? I'm thinking that "our" first (uh-oh) should be new, but I would buy one now if I got a pretty good deal.

So, now let me have it. . . .

[wrxgirl]

You can sometimes find dolls in mint condition on ebay, but not always. I guess it depends on the sellers feedback and what you are looking for. Also, if your daughter is 7 and will be playing with the doll a lot, you may want to buy a "used" but like-new doll for her rather than buying a "brand new" one when she is just going to play with it anyways... tough decision... I personally really like Kit... if I could afford another doll she would be the one to get! [img]smile.gif[/img] Let us know what you decide! Good luck!

[American_Mommy]

You may not know this yet, but AG Girls are extremely social creatures.It is best not to keep them alone if at all possible.They really do best in large groups, but you should at least try to keep a pair. [img]wink.gif[/img]

Molly and Kit would be fast friends I am sure.... Maybe Mom needs a doll too?

I love all of our Girls, but Kit is mine and mine alone. [img]redface.gif[/img]

Welcome aboard.I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

[nicolej]

Kit is great because of her short hair. And her meet clothes have no velcro!!!
Molly has long hair that will be harder to keep nice if your
daughter is not really careful with it. Of course - you can take
it out of the braids and redo it.
I find that often the ebay prices are not all that much cheaper
considering the agony you go through of wondering if they are
in good condition, smell smokey etc. Also different people have
different ideas of "excellent" condition.

As for you - you sound sunk already!!! You obviously need your own doll.
And its all downhill from here. [img]smile.gif[/img]
I recognize signs in your note that you'll end up like all the rest of us!!!!

[Peachysweetdream]

Welcome to the board!

Like the posts above said, you can get a huge range on eBay... but I bet you will be able to find a few great, newer AG on there (especially if you go in late summer and find one from the benefit sale that AG has that others resell at auction).

AGs are really expensive, but they really are a fair investment... they're great toys for your daughter (and yourself [img]wink.gif[/img] ) and they last a long time. Plus, as online auctions will show you, they have pretty good resale value if you want to think of them that way.

Good luck deciding and starting your AG collection! [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

[jenndon]

You have me LOLing. . . . I'm very scared.

Another question--what is the deal with the X on the bottom--benefit sale? That wouldn't bother me, but I'm also thinking, "When is this sale? Can I get some deals there?"

Wonderful feedback on getting a "used" one for her to play with. She has a wonderful imagination and will be playing and dressing etc, I know, and I want her to (but with an $87 doll and $26 outfits. . . [img]confused.gif[/img] ). I was reading up on the history of the company, and just love the vision of older girls having quality products for good imaginative play. And I love the history she's learning by reading the books.

[American_Mommy]

Do you sew? If so, you could help provide a nice wardrobe for very little $. Also, there are always a lot of nice, less expensive clothes and shoes listed on Ebay.
Kit is getting her "official" clothes, but the other girls get a lot of homemade outfits. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[PrincessRuthie]

Welcome!! [img]smile.gif[/img]

I have both Molly and Kit, as they were my first dolls. Now I have 9!!!! Molly was my very first, as Kit wasn't out yet. I had/have glasses, too, and that was a bonus for me wanting her. My mom told me to read the books before I got her, which I think really helped me. I was 7 when I got her, too. Your daughter is the perfect age to get one. Not too young, etc.

Good luck choosing....or you could get both.... [img]wink.gif[/img]

[FelinaDoon]

Ahhh the sale - Ok - It is the most chaotic, insane thing in the world, and the most fun I have had in maybe ever.

It is In July held in Madison Wisconsin - I will post the link again. We were able to get a whole passel of things for next to nothing (In AG world anyway)

My Daughter is just a year younger then yours and she has Kit who looks just like her - I love this doll because she seems to be the easiest to care for (Short Hair is a big plus IMO) Her collection is very nice. Also if you choose her, just go ahead and get her new since she regularly goes for that and more on E-bay. Look for the 10% discount code on this site

[robin0850]

Welcome to the board!! And yes, resistance is futile--you are now officially addicted, and quite beyond hope. [img]biggrin.gif[/img]
So, for your DD, I would definitely recommend an ebay doll(unless you want a new Kit)--you can get almost-new with nice hair for around $65, if you are patient.
All my dolls have been acquired from ebay--I have 10( [img]redface.gif[/img] ) just now--so I would like to offer up Robin's Recommendations for Happy Ebay Buying:

1. Look for sellers w/99% or higher positive feedback, who accept Paypal.

2. Look for a doll with:
a. your preferred hair and eye color
b. nice hair--not frizzy or dry or cut
c. tight limbs--stands alone
d. eyes that work, all lashes, no silver-eye
e. nice lip and cheek color, if important
f. reasonable shipping(I like under $10-$12)
g. smoke-free home
h. clear pictures, including back of hair
i. cPLEASANT COMPANY on the back of her neck

3. E-mail seller w/any questions not answered in auction description--if no answer, or non-satisfactory answer(s), don't bid.

4. If no shipping is specified, and seller won't quote a rate for your zip code, don't bid.

5. If pictures are too dark to see, and seller won't e-mail you more pictures, don't bid.

6. Remember, THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER AUCTION!!! Non-bidding remorse is always preferable to buyer's remorse.

Happy hunting!! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50"><font size="1">[ September 15, 2005 06:47 PM: Message edited by: AsianAG ]</font></font>

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 15, 2005 07:02 PM: Message edited by: AsianAG ]</font>