EIGHT Tips to Save on American Girl Items

onlinements 82

1. 

   Ari November 10, 2015 at 12:49 pm MST

   Also look on their site for the Bitty Twins. They’re $125 for two, but you can pick different hair/skin/gender and maybe split between two kids. They have the same quality as the bigger dolls.

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  Jacquelyn November 10, 2015 at 1:45 pm MST

  Great idea Ari! Thanks for sharing!

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  Cara November 10, 2015 at 7:59 pm MST

  And in store you can buy them individually so save a lot!

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2. 

   casey November 10, 2015 at 12:51 pm MST

   Love the tip about buying preemie clothes for the dolls. Too bad I already gave away our old preemie clothes! I think I could probably find preemie clothes in great condition at the local thrift shop.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm MST

  Great idea Casey!

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3. 

   CourtneyAmanda November 10, 2015 at 12:53 pm MST

   I found Bitty Twins on Craigslist and my goddaughters have been thrilled with them.

   Be careful sending in a vintage AG doll (if you stumble onto an original marked Pleasant onlinepany), as I’ve read that the hospital will replace it with a newer, non-valuable model.

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  Danielle November 10, 2015 at 12:56 pm MST

  Hi Courtney. I have an original Samantha from the Pleasant onlinepany) and her hair is a disaster. So they would replace her then you think? I never thought about sending her in, but she is a mess right now and would get played with more if I got her hair brushed.

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  Katie November 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm MST

  Danielle — I’ve had a lot of success getting their hair back under control with a spray bottle of water with just a tiny bit of dish soap added. If you use a wire brush and use the spray, start from the bottom and work your way up. It’s amazing how much difference you can make with a little time and patience!

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  Danielle November 10, 2015 at 2:17 pm MST

  thank you!

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  Elizabeth August 16, 2016 at 4:57 am MST

  you should always look into what is called the hot water dunk!! it is on youtube..i have turned maybe of my dolls hair right back to normal and it is super easy!!

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  meli November 10, 2015 at 1:03 pm MST

  Hi I have a doll that here hair was a mess…i tried everything I found on you tube. ..what worked was wash carefully. .then once dry I waited a day. I put a flat iron on low a took small sections and run it through really quickly. ..don’t let it sit still at all it will melt the hair off.
  The after is amazing

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  Ashley November 10, 2015 at 1:21 pm MST

  I think the stores have a “doll salon” where they’ll fix their hair in-store. I’ve also had luck with other dolls using Downy Wrinkle Releaser. Make sure you use a wig brush to onlineb out her hair. The Downy Dunk also seems to work miracles.

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  Shopper November 10, 2015 at 2:31 pm MST

  I haven’t used the doll hospital (have the original as well), but from my understanding they have all the dolls/parts and just replace/fix what’s needed. The AG website has more details or call to get info without onlinemitting.

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  Michelle November 10, 2015 at 6:11 pm MST

  They can fix her hair at a store for $10-20 without sending her to the hospital

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  mariel November 10, 2015 at 6:34 pm MST

  Danielle, i restored a pleasant onlinepany Felicity’s hair with what they call a downy dunk. you can find some tutorials on youtube or pinterest, i dont remember the specifics but it requires time and downy liquid.

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  Tracey August 16, 2016 at 5:47 am MST

  A spot of Downey fabric softener mixed with water and speitz lightley to onlineb the tangles out, just be gentle, we have used this method a few times and it works great.

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  Danielle November 10, 2015 at 2:15 pm MST

  Thanks, Ladies! I will get to work on her 80s hair and hopefully my little one will get to enjoy her too 🙂

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  BoatGirl November 10, 2015 at 8:35 pm MST

  I’ve had good luck using It’s a 10 leave in conditioner!

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  Aimee November 11, 2015 at 6:07 am MST

  I read that someone had used downy on their dolls hair and it didn’t work that great so they took it to the doll salon and they could tell she had used it and said that since she used downy they couldn’t do anything about it. If she had just used water they could fix it for her, but anything other than water permanently wrecks the hair. I’ve just used water and brushed out is small sections and it works fine. Just make sure to protect the eyes, they will rust if water gets in.

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4. 

   Jaclyn November 10, 2015 at 12:53 pm MST

   Some of the American Girl catalogs that were sent recently had a coupon for 20% and some had a coupon for any 3 dolls for $98 each. The catalog would have it on the front if one was included. Please let me know if anyone received one they won’t be using 😉

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5. 

   Jen Eagar November 10, 2015 at 12:57 pm MST

   I have a retired, never opened, marie-grace doll & 2 boxes of accessories for sale $175 in northern utah. Amazon is selling just doll & book for more than what i am asking.

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6. 

   Kimberly November 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm MST

   After reading this, I’m so glad I have boys!

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  Chantel Chapman November 10, 2015 at 1:17 pm MST

  Haha but the boys have the Thomas stuff which is just as bad!

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7. 

   KCDworaczyk November 10, 2015 at 1:04 pm MST

   I agree with most of these tips, but not the one about buying knock-off clothes at Wal-Mart. Those clothes are very inferior. They are poorly made, and while cheap, they last about a month or two, depending on how much your child dresses and undresses their dolls. So, I’ll buy them at Target, those are better made. Or, I look for them on Craigslist or a consignment toy store in my area. And I will also look for deals on AG and get them there. Wal-Mart is never an option.

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8. 

   Jaci November 10, 2015 at 1:11 pm MST

   I have always heard people talk about outlet amer girl store in WI. My little girl is 12 now and last year we were going through her room and all her bitty/american girl stuff we put in the attic. I was giving specific instructions you are not giving that away mom. I love american girl its just so innocent.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:32 pm MST

  Aww, thanks for sharing Jaci!

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9. 

   Cheree November 10, 2015 at 1:14 pm MST

   I have also purchased AG dolls through zulilly at a good discount.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:32 pm MST

  Cool!

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10. 

    Edy November 10, 2015 at 1:25 pm MST

    I’m looking for a good place to buy a American doll for my granddaughter ! I never had a doll😭😭 and now , I can afford to buy one for her, but, store is far from me, and due to taking care of a elderly person that’s very sick now, I can’t get away ! And didn’t know about this many toys when my 4 girls were baby’s ! Anybody knows of a consignment store or a place in Houston tx thank you love you all! Thank you Collin and everyone else!

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  Jen November 10, 2015 at 4:50 pm MST

  You can order online at americangirl.online or Costco has the Caroline doll right now.

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  Sarah November 10, 2015 at 10:55 pm MST

  There’s one here in Houston at Memorial City Mall. Here is the address :

  Memorial City Mall, 303 Memorial City Way, Suite 580, Houston, TX 77024

  Haven’t been there but I would love to visit one day.

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11. 

    Sweet November 10, 2015 at 1:32 pm MST

    Does anybody know if the AG gift cards sold at Costco can be used online? Or only at an AG store? Thanks!

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  Megan November 10, 2015 at 1:38 pm MST

  My mom used them online with no problems!

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  sweet November 10, 2015 at 1:50 pm MST

  Thank you!!

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12. 

    Chris November 10, 2015 at 1:47 pm MST

    Michael’s craft store carries some 18″ doll clothing and accessories. I have gotten super cheap outfits there when I use the coupons they send out. No they aren’t AG brand, but my daughter doesn’t care about that! They have some cute things. I haven’t thought to check Joanne’s, not sure if they have any that could we could get with coupons.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:33 pm MST

  Awesome! Thanks for sharing Chris!

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  Jen November 10, 2015 at 4:51 pm MST

  Joanns has them too. A much bigger selection as well (at least at mine)!

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13. 

    Shannon November 10, 2015 at 1:57 pm MST

    If you sew or know someone that does you can make doll clothes for American girl dolls. I’ve done it. There’s tons of free patterns online or you can buy patterns. They sew up really quick. Etsy has doll clothes too if you can not sew.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:33 pm MST

  Great idea Shannon!

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  Cara November 10, 2015 at 8:01 pm MST

  Yes, my grandma made clothes for the Samantha doll she and my grandpa gave me and now my daughter plays with the doll and clothes. I love telling her about the fabric like “This was my aunt’s bridesmaid dress fabric” or “This matched a dress Great-Grandma sewed for me.”
  So special.

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14. 

    sj November 10, 2015 at 1:57 pm MST

    Do you think there will be any more Jill steal’s before Christmas? Also, if I buy the Costco gift card and there is another Jill Steal’s, can I use the gift card in conjunction with that? Also, wondering if the AG dolls are worth the extra money? I’m torn 🙂

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  Amy November 10, 2015 at 3:04 pm MST

  Personally, I feel the American Girl dolls and accessories are worth the expense. The quality just can’t be matched. Their items are made to enjoy for years to onlinee.

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  Amanda November 10, 2015 at 4:01 pm MST

  I had 2 American girl dolls when I was growing up and they held up great, I am getting one for my daughter and can’t wait. Talking her father into looking past the cost was another story but he finally caved, lol.

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15. 

    Amanda November 10, 2015 at 2:01 pm MST

    I missed the last Jill’s steals and deals offer do you think we’ll see another deal before Christmas? I’ve been checking hip2save each day watching for it. Would love to get my daughter a doll for Christmas.

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  Maggie November 10, 2015 at 4:08 pm MST

  Jill has replied to onlinements on her Facebook page that there will not be any AG on Steals and Deals for the rest of 2015. I am depressed about it….

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16. 

    Chris November 10, 2015 at 2:02 pm MST

    Also, I forgot to mention start watching Aldi. The last couple years they have carried beautiful 18″ dolls with all different skin and hair colors. We bought one last year and she has held up great. She was 19.99. I bought her for when the cousins onlinee they would have a doll to play with too, but my daughter plays with her a bit more than the AG doll. Just an FYI.

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17. 

    Danielle November 10, 2015 at 2:16 pm MST

    An FYI, I saw Caroline + an extra outfit at the Costco in Livonia, Michigan for $99! Great deal!

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm MST

  Great find Danielle!

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  Megan Pugh November 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm MST

  Thank you for sharing this!!!! That is our Costco!

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18. 

    Shopper November 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm MST

    Becareful with some clothing that’s not AG, it can yellow the doll, as well as regular tissue paper, if storing. AG clothing is made to not stain, transfer color etc..at least the original AG under The Pleasant Co. clothing is.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm MST

  Thanks for sharing!

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19. 

    candice November 10, 2015 at 2:30 pm MST

    Jills steals and deals is how my niece has her dolls! Life saver there.

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm MST

  Aww, cool!

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20. 

    Frecklelily November 10, 2015 at 2:50 pm MST

    I started getting Madame Alexander dolls off eBay for about &20 for my 7-year-old daughter. They are quite beautiful and my daughter loves them.

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21. 

    Katie November 10, 2015 at 3:00 pm MST

    We love kohls doll and girl pajamas and clothes!

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm MST

  Yes they are cute!

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22. 

    Marie November 10, 2015 at 3:59 pm MST

    I’m hoping that Jill’s Steals & Deals will do an American Girl offering in November. Fingers crossed!

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23. 

    Maggie November 10, 2015 at 4:05 pm MST

    Unfortunately Jill has said there will be no AG dolls on steals and deals for the remainder of 2015 (per her Facebook page). 😢

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24. 

    Lisa November 10, 2015 at 4:24 pm MST

    What is Jill’s Facebook page called? I looked for Jills Steals for deals and nothing onlinees up?

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  Kevy November 10, 2015 at 6:19 pm MST

  I cant find her page either:/

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  Maggie November 10, 2015 at 10:09 pm MST

  Her Facebook page is her name. Jill Martin. It lists her as verified as a public personality. A week or two ago there were many visitor onlinements about AG dolls on Steals and Deals and she replied saying no more in 2015. One heads up. She often posts on her page a few hours before Steals and Deals goes live (and will tell visitors who ask in their posts when she will be on with more deals).

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25. 

    Kathy November 10, 2015 at 4:28 pm MST

    I’ve purchased doll clothes at Joanns using coupons. $5 or $6 and they hold up great!

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 10, 2015 at 4:35 pm MST

  Sweet!

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26. 

    Kari November 10, 2015 at 4:46 pm MST

    Ugg…I hope my daughters don’t get caught up in this name brand! Yes their dolls are cute, but they are SO expensive in my opinion!! My oldest has a different brand she was given as a gift and I think it’s equally as cute and as high quality.

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  Cara November 10, 2015 at 8:03 pm MST

  I don’t like the name brand issue either but the quality really is superior. My daughter plays with my American Girl dolls I was given 20 years ago.
  The hair on her new ones holds up much better than any other brand we have gotten.
  So for me the investment has been worth it.

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27. 

    cristine November 10, 2015 at 5:51 pm MST

    Hopefully Jill is teasing us and there will be another AG steals and deals before Christmas! Also, before Christmas last year, PBK had awesome deals on some of their 18″ dolls, clothes, etc. I’m hoping for a repeat this year!

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28. 

    Crystal November 10, 2015 at 6:15 pm MST

    JOanne’s Craft Store sells 18″ doll clothes and shoes! So if you can get the 50% off coupons (app, email, and paper coupons) it makes them usually around $5 an outfit!

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29. 

    Emma November 10, 2015 at 7:22 pm MST

    American Girl free shipping code for an order over $100: TOGETHER15 Expires 11-24

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30. 

    Lynn November 10, 2015 at 9:25 pm MST

    One of my favorite places to buy clothes for my daughter’s American Girl Dolls is Jiminees Doll Clothes. They have beautiful clothes at very reasonable prices. They have a great online store.

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31. 

    Patty November 10, 2015 at 10:13 pm MST

    If you are military AG gives a discount on select items each month. This month I bought my daughter Mary Ellen and received 20% off. The items in the AG Seattle store are not marked, you have to do it by luck. Find an item you want to purchase have cashier scan it and tell you if it qualifies for a military discount.

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32. 

    Deborah November 11, 2015 at 1:59 am MST

    Heads up! Tonight at my Costco in Carson City they had four American Girl doll gift certificates for $25 each for $79.99. That would save you 20 percent off right there!

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33. 

    Sarakate25 November 11, 2015 at 2:31 am MST

    Our family makes clothes for the dolls and my daughter loves them. Also
    I watch at craft stores for doll items b they are much cheaper than the brands.

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34. 

    Robin November 11, 2015 at 7:24 am MST

    My mom found my daughter an AG doll at a yard sale for $1, but her hair was a wreck and she had paint on her head. I paid about $40 to send her to the AG hospital, and she was returned with a onlinepletely new head with her hair in pigtails with a cute hospital gown and heart socks on. My daughter thought it was a brand new doll! I’ve found deals on AG clothing sets following Hip2Save where each outfit including shoes cost around $10 each

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35. 

    Cherrie November 11, 2015 at 10:42 am MST

    https://www.etsy.online/listing/250886373/fun-in-the-sun

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36. 

    Joyce November 11, 2015 at 7:33 pm MST

    I grew up owning a doll that was not this expensive and loved it! $200 for a bed? $50+ for an outfit? That is way too expensive. I guess some moms, not saying all, are ‘obliged’ to buy one for their kids just to show off that their kids have one carrying around the malls or restaurants. Just my two cents here, no pun intended.

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37. 

    PKAZ November 15, 2015 at 6:55 pm MST

    I am always surprised when people won’t pay $120 for a doll, but think nothing of paying double that for video gaming systems or for bicycles. If your daughter play dolls then it’s totally worth it. If they loose interest, you can always get at least half for it if you were to sell it. I just bought my 6 year old granddaughter “Grace” and she loves her and sleeps with her and is thrilled with her. I got the Costco gift cards also. They are so worth it. I couldn’t wait for Christmas because she wanted Grace and I didn’t want her to be sold out.I wanted her to enjoy her now instead of waiting when she’ll get lots of things and not be overwhelmed.

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  Ketsy December 1, 2015 at 1:44 pm MST

  My daughter wants one and is not getting one. I think she hears other snobby girls at her school talking about these. I have the money but I refuse to buy a doll for $100. There’s a big difference between a train set or a video game system and a doll. I’m with you Joyce in saying that it’s all for the show or for parent’s to pat themselves in the back.

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  Barbara December 7, 2015 at 10:58 am MST

  Please dot not judge others purchases so harshly. My daughter has an American girl doll. She is a kind, loving, funny, caring child. She is neither snobby or was the doll purchased to satisfy some parental need for myself. Not that it matters but She saved her own money to purchase it herself. I usually do not onlinement on others opinions but please don’t be so mean. It is just a doll that she loves and plays with for hours and hours. Isn’t that what it is all about?

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38. 

    Sharon Colburn August 16, 2016 at 7:00 am MST

    The quality of the American Girl dolls can’t be beat and I have bought one for my granddaughter and also furniture and clothes. That being said, there is enormous frustration for hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of customers when it onlinees to trying to get through to the onlinepany by either phone or internet when trying to purchase the special deals and/or sales. For a onlinepany that large they should be able to solve this. It happens year after year.

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39. 

    Chantel September 2, 2016 at 2:01 pm MST

    I have actually bought several AG dolls through Steals & Deals, but also wanted to mention sometimes you can find these dolls at thrift stores. I actually found what I believe is Elizabeth, the friend of Felicity, at Goodwill for $2.19 in impeccable condition.

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  Aquamarina September 22, 2016 at 11:31 am MST

  Wow that’s amazing what a find!!! I wish I were that lucky 🙂

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40. 

    KaylynsWorldBlog November 30, 2017 at 2:34 pm MST

    I am really trying to save up for a new AG doll, but it is really hard for me! Thanks for sharing these tips. Will you check out my blog?
    ~Kaylyn
    kaylynsworldblog.wordpress.online

    Reply