We are in Charlotte,NC where a visit to the American Girl store in the SouthPark Mall is a must do experience! Our daughter, now age 6, was very excited to take her GOTY doll, Gabriela McBride, with her for the first time to enjoy afternoon tea at the Bistro, ear piercing at the doll salon and some holiday shopping. Not only did my husband,daughter and I enjoy our family date, but we got the opportunity to #givewhatcounts to our child. American Girl brand inspires all to create memories that will last thru the holidays and beyond!
THE BISTRO
Good eats, delightful sweets and for your doll a special seat..that’s what you can expect at the Bistro. We went during their special Holiday Tea event, which included a deliciously different menu of teatime treats, a craft, and fun conversation with the holiday Table Talkers. We made a fleece headband to keep the dolls’ ears warm on chilly days, and a holiday-card-making craft. It was great way to start the holiday season with a special teatime together and a couple of crafty projects!
DOLL HAIR SALON
Recently, #outandaboutAva got her ears pierced just in time for her photo with Santa and thought it would be great to have her doll’s done too! At the American Girl Doll Hair Salon you can get a “Gabriela Girl of the Year Ear Piercing”, which is an exclusive ear-piercing service available only for the Gabriela™ 18″ doll. It was a quick service for her doll, which included her signature earring set. The music note studs are so adorable, I wish I had a pair! Pampering services and hair styling services are also available at the salon. It was so fun to see the dolls get a new look!
SHOPPING
Christmas is just days away and if you are still looking for ideas to gift your girl then look no further than American Girl. They have gifts that will teach her that “little moments of kindness can only come from big hearts”. I decided to treat my daughter to an early gift to celebrate her courage in performing in her first solo ballet recital a few days ago. It was practiced as a duet but in the last moments, she had to do it by herself. That experience helped build her confidence and allowed her to let her spirit shine.
To help her with backstage jitters, we were able to discuss how her American Girl doll Gabriela loves to perform and express herself thru dance just like her. Gabriela’s story inspires creativity and even when its not easy, she uses her talent to help those around her. So for both, my daughter and Gabriela, we got matching girl & doll PJ sets, which are on holiday sale until 12/24/17. We are planning an NYE ‘family date night in’ which is a together tradition we do and you can bet these fun, matching pjs will come into play. Find creative tips on planning the ‘Ultimate Sleepover’ inspired by American Girl’s ‘A Year of Slumber Parties’ book.
SobeSavvy Tip: Now-Thru December 31, 2017 while shopping at any American Girl store in the U.S., American Girl will match any customer donation to the American Red Cross, up to $75,000 maximum. Tied to the debut of its newest BeForever character, Nanea Mitchell—a Hawaiian girl growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1941 during WWII, American Girl is supporting the American Red Cross and their Service to the Armed Forces mission
to provide care and comfort to members of the military, veterans, and their families. Donations can also be made at americangirl.com.
On Jan 1, American Girl is introducing Luciana Vega, the 2018 Girl of the Year. She comes with her cool line of space inspired products (like a Mars habitat and flight suit!) AND an out-of-this-world storyline about an 11-year-old who dreams of being the first person on Mars. American Girl worked with NASA, including a task force of advisors (scientists, astronauts, and more) who helped ensure the accuracy and authenticity of Luciana’s world—from her story and products to a STEM-based educational program in partnership with Scholastic and Space Camp.
We plan to head to the Raleigh,NC temporary store to celebrate her launch. AG is hosting Luciana debut events at its retail locations nationwide on January 1. The event features interactive science demonstrations, a Moon Phase craft, galaxy-inspired treats, and a free Luciana doll tee to take home. For more details, visit americangirl.com/retail.
Check out more of our in store experiences on You Tube and see a glimpse of how magical it is! Enjoy..thanks for reading..and Happy Holidays 🎅🎄💖🎁
SobeSavvy 
What a darling little tea party, and with Dads too! How special is that! This is a very inspiring experience all little (and big) girls should enjoy with their American Girl Doll!
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Aww this is so fun! Congrats to your daughter on her first solo ballet recital! And that’s sweet you could tie it in with the American Girl doll and treat her afterwards with store visit, holiday tea, and the doll salon 🙂 I always wanted an American Girl doll as a kid and this would have been a lot of fun 🙂
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I loved my American Girl dolls as a kid, and it was always my dream to visit one of the stores! At the time the closest one was in NYC, so it’s really lucky to be a kid now and have several much closer. Sounds like a fun day out!
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This was adorable! It’s awesome that you were able to use the doll to encourage her. She’s a beautiful ballerina.
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My daughter just gave away all of her dolls, but she told me recently that she might have given them up too soon! Looks like you guys had a great time in the store!
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When my daughter was younger she did not like dolls..she didnt like the eyes she said..I gave them all away when in reality it was just a phase and I should have put them away and then reintroduced. Live and learn.
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Yay! I’m so happy you guys had the chance to have such a fun American Girl experience. We loved our day there – we even picked up the matching Christmas jammies … LOL
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Thanks…I wished they had some in my size..didn’t you?
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My daughter just received an American girl doll. We definitely have to make a trip and get this experience.
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Ooh how fun..yes,I definitely recommend it.
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I love mother daughter dates! With life being so busy its important to spend quality time with your children. My cousin just went to American Doll and took her daughter for her birthday! They enjoyed the store and the cafe. Cool that you can do things with the doll that you can do as well ie, salon and ear piercing
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I agree about finding time to have mother and daughter dates. It can be hard at times but I try. She really enjoyed our quality time.
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Your daughter is gorgeous and I love you guy’s matching outfits. She looks like she had a grand ole time!
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Thank you Ashleigh. I even found an outfit similiar for the doll to wear. Twinning is fun and AG has great matching outfits for the girls and their dolls!
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What a cool and fun experience with the American Girl Doll store! I remember reading the series and having one as a child!
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How cool how long they have lasted thru the generations! It was fun !
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This sounds so nice!! Would have been a dream to go to something like this as a little girl. I might have to do something like this for my nieces.
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It was a joy for me too but definitely a delight to experience thru a little girls eyes.
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These are the memories that will last forever. Her smile says it all.
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Awe thanks Bree! I agree!
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This is wonderful. My little girls would’ve loved attending an event like this. They paid for their own American Girl dolls and hey would love the newest doll.
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The newest doll is awesome! I just got the magazine in mail about her today. On their website it tells you about instore events..I missed the launch of the new doll but Im sure there is more amazing events planned soon.
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She seemed to have had a blast and how cute to revisit my younger years through this images.
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I am so happy you were able to enjoy revisiting your younger years. Yes..she had a blast ☺
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