Photo Illustration: Bridget Clegg: Courtesy American Girl
People have been begging for an Asian American Girl doll for years, and finally, it's happened. The new American Girl of the Year was just announced, and it's Corrine Tan, along with her little sister, Gwynn. Her story is quintessentially modern: Her parents are divorced, and she's been forced to figure out what it means to be a part of her new family dynamic, while embracing the person she's growing up to become. She's from Aspen, and she loves skiing, her sister, and her new puppy. She notes that the Chinese character “jia,” means “home,” but it can also mean “family.” Corrine and Gwynn are bound to become instant classics.
American Girl may still have a ways to go, but Corinne and Gwynn aren't the only dolls representing people of color. The company has added several dolls just within the past few years that expand and diversify their line to include girls from all sorts of backgrounds and abilities, and we've featured them here. And all of the new dolls are ready to go home with families for playtime that will be cherished. Because American Girl dolls aren’t just toys: They’re treasures.
Corinne is such a charming doll. She is ready to hit the slopes and the coffee shop for aprés-ski in her adorable leggings, boots, sweater, trendy hat, glasses, and backpack. This set also comes with her dog, a toss toy, and the book that tells her story.
But that story is just the beginning. Your child will take off with adventures of their very own along with Corinne.
Can we talk about this hat for a minute? It's a whole moment unto itself. A fuzzy beret that perfectly matches the fur on her boots? The knit-on-knit ensemble? Isn't Gwynn the most stylish little sister you've ever seen?
And the sparkly mermaid-style backpack? I can already see it getting filled with all sorts of secrets.
Evette Peeters is a biracial girl who loves to upcycle clothes and wants to save the rivers. Her gorgeous curls, vintage-style boots and dress, and charming pluck are sure to make her super popular with the under-10 set.
And the fact that the additional outfits you can purchase for Evette have that same feel is wonderful — but really? Our girl loves to upcycle. There's no reason why she can't borrow some clothes from another American Girl.
Have a little kid who is obsessed with their outfit of the day, or #ootd? Makena is their girl.
But she's not all glam and fashion: When she finds out about injustice in her neighborhood, she finds her voice, speaking out boldly and committing to the cause. And she does it while looking oh-so fashionable.
Melody is a singer from the early 1960s, and she's using her platform as a beloved Black singer to fight for equal rights. (Note that her pin reads “Equal Rights ’63.") She has thick hair in a cool '60s style — complete with a flip on the ends.
Her simple shift dress perfectly matches her shoes and bag, and she’s holding a copy of her own record.
Maritza is a soccer player, everyone: a sporty, awesome, Bolivian-Mexican soccer player. For soccer super fans like myself, Maritza is a welcome addition to the family.
Her sneakers, coat, and sporty leggings all match her water bottle. The only thing she's missing is a headband made of pre-wrap, but honestly, if your kid plays soccer, you probably already have some on hand.
Samantha Parkington is not new to American Girl, but this iteration of the beloved character from 1904 is. The hair, the accessories, and even the adorable Mary Jane shoes are just the beginning. Die-hards will remember all of her outfits, but this one is potentially the most twee of them all.
I mean, the ruffles and velvet handbag? It's almost too much.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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