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While visiting Chicago with my family we came upon the American Girl Place, it's building standing tall in the middle of the city. We were on our way out of town and had already picked our car up from valet, which is apparently the only option available in the city, when I decided I needed to go in and 'just check it out.' I had no intention with my 6 month old daughter of getting into the American Girl craze, but once inside, I was drawn to it. The store was just magnificent. We had 7 minutes with the police standing nearby ticketing any cars parked even a minute too long and so the clock was ticking. Up the elevator we went with the salon and the portrait studio off to the side and a little cafe that I had the sudden urge to dine at. We found the Bitty Baby dolls, chose one, along with an outfit and headed for the checkout. My husband went to the car. Though I wasn't able to stay very long, I was instantly in love with the store, with the dolls, the dresses, the accessories. Every little thing had so much detail and they went to so much trouble to make your experience in the store so perfect. With a friendly staff, an impeccable store, bright, clean - it was everything a little girl could ever dream of - even grown up little girls at heart! more

When I was younger, I used to have a whole collection of these dolls, complete with videos and a whole closet full of outfits for them. I know the whole concept is a bit superficial, but these dolls really are wonderful. To this day, they still look brand new and are very durable. They also taught me a lot when I was little. I mean, where else can a little girl dress up her doll to her hearts content and watch videos about her life? The dolls are cute and while a bit superficial, they are nonetheless fun for little girts. And in the end that's all that really counts when it comes to toys. more

This is a really nice place to buy gifts from. The dolls here are really nice and they have so many different kinds. The dolls here are real different from other ordinary ones. The outfits for the dolls are real cute. But watch out, its real expensive. A doll here can cost a lot, especially if your kid wants the entire collection!! But even ifyou dont want anything from here, I would suggest checking this place out, its real nice. more

For every little girl who ever wanted to be a princess, this store is perfect: you have shopping for overpriced dolls, an overly expensive restaurant where your dolly can "eat" too, and the chance to practice adult and/or "mommy" skills. Also, a hair salon, outfits to match your doll's, and velvet rope outside for the long lines (it may be velvet, but a line's a line). I consider it a training ground for future desperate housewives. more

Even though I have three daughters, I just can't talk myself into buying these expensive dolls and the accessories for them. I know that they are cute, they are popular, they are trendy, whatever ... and all the matching dresses and things really are cute, but the prices are so high that I just can't justify it. What if the kids lost their doll? Or cut their hair? I just dont think these dolls are meant for us. more

I think American Girl is a really cute place to take your kids shopping. They have great dolls here and though they are pricey, they are really adorable and they last for a long time. They are not like your typical barbie doll, whos head snaps off in a couple of months. These dolls also come with great accessories, including educational books and dvds. I think that these dolls are not only great fun, but also a great educational experience for young children. This place is definitely worth checking out! more

It may seem like a cult when you see all those red shopping bags streaming from the American Girl Place in Chicago, and I had my concerns...but neice got one of the historic dolls over a year ago and she and the family just love it. The doll is high quality, the historic dolls come with a story and teach girls confidence, and the outfits and furniture are FUN. I think the mom's aunt's and grandma's love this place more than the girls... more

The doll has a baby and the doll's baby has a puppy, seriously. I knew something was terribly wrong when I noticed the thirty something mom, strolling down Michigan Ave, hand in hand in hand in hand with her daughter, her daughter's doll and the dolls puppy. All three were "DOLLED" up in their red-checkered dresses and matching black berets. My first thought was, "Oh look at them!" Then, as I watched them walk in to the infamous store, allowing another matching family out onto the street, I thought, "this is weird." So, of course I had to see what it was about. They've got a whole lotta dolls, all with the same face, and 50 different shades of blonder and variation of curl. Even the ethnic dolls have the same face. That was what baffled me the most, I guess. Couldn't they give them a more unique look for the price? I gave them 2 stars because they do make some little girls happy and the staff is pretty nice. more

Seriously, this store has a cult following. There's even an American Girl "package" at the Wyndham Hotel. I don't even want to know what it contains but it brings a slew of moms and daughters with their gigantic American Girl shopping bags to the hotel and to the area and they take up WAY too much room. I also think there's an element of spoiling going on when kids are allowed to get that much stuff. These girls walk around with facial expressions that switch back and forth between awe at all the stuff they can get from this store, and smirks of contempt for everyone else. Plus when it comes down to it, these dolls are too nice to really even play with. Brush their hair once and it never looks nice again. What ever happened to Barbie dolls?? more

Honestly, this is a very cute store, with very cute items, but why in the world would anyone spend this much money on a doll! There's so many other educational things you can get, or better ways to help the world than spending this much money on a doll. I love the American Girl books (and read them as a kid), but other than that - I don't recommend buying from this store. more

My daughter enjoy this place so much ! We usually come here just to browse around, enjoying all the dolls and toy they have to offer. Particularly I like to see how the little girl line to have their dolls go to doll salon, it's kind a cute ! Buying is another thing, the dolls are so expensive, so we still skip buying. An interesting place to visit if you have a little girl or a big girl with a little girl at heart. more

After seeing this store, does anyone honestly believe the American Girl stories and dolls "empower" little girls or serve as decent role models? This store does nothing but propagate the image of girls as consumers and caretakers. Face it, they sell dolls, doll clothes, doll accessories (b/c your doll MUST have the right shoes and handbag), doll services (so her hair is just right) and has a restaurant where your doll can eat too. American Girl (owned by Mattel) has taken what may have, at one time, been a good thing and turned it into a profiteering monster. However, I do appreciate that American Girl supports Girl Inc, an incredible nonprofit. For an entertaining read from Gaper's Block: http://www.gapersblock.com/detour/american_girls_gone_wild/index.php more

This shop is super cute. They sell lots of different collecctible dolls here. Each doll is based on a certian culture and that doll's hair, clothing, make-up, and accessories reflect that culture. It is a great place to get a little girl a gift because not only are the dolls cute, but they come with good books that introduce different cultures. It is a fun way to teach young children about different cultures. The store is fun to browse around in also. more

We had so much fun during our visit to the American Girl store. We spent hours browsing and enjoyed a nice lunch at the cafe. Their are so many things to see and do. We are not quite old enough to understand the American Girl items but we definately had to pick up the bitty twins and a few outfits. These dolls are so much fun! If you are ever in the area, it is definately worth your time to stop in. more

My daughter and I took a bus trip to Chicago last spring, and our #1 destination was AGP. My 8-year-old looked forward to the trip for weeks, and saved up all her birthday money for it. Saving up is necessary - the dolls are close to $100 and outfits for them are around $25 each. However, girls are buying, buying, buying like mad and everyone seems to be toting huge bags of stuff they've purchased. You can't understand the American Girl "addiction" until you've seen shoppers here. There is a beauty salon for the dolls, a cafe where you can eat (with your doll, of course - they even give you a little clip-on seat for her and her own dishes, etc). There is a theater with an American Girl play showing, and a photo studio where you can be photographed with your doll. It's good clean fun though - many of the dolls hail from various periods of American History (others are contemporary), and they are well-made. If you have a daughter, treat her and yourself and make the trek here at least once. You'll both be glad you did! more

In the American Girl Store your kids can pick out their "baby." They have a variety of skin colors, eye colors, and hair colors to choose from. After picking out their new baby, they have the opportunity to accessorize with clothes, hats, shoes. etc. This is where most of your money will go. some of the clothing costs just as much, if not more, than the clothes your kids are wearing. Definitely not a cheap store if you consider the long term implications of getting your child a doll here. more

American Girl Place is a wonderful place for your young daughters and you to go to. Your daughter can go and pick out her baby. Choice the color of skin, color of hair and eyes. Then she can shop for clothes and accessories for her new doll. They also sell matching outfits for your daughter to wear. You both can stop and have a tea party while you wait. This is a lot of fun for both of you. In fact, I know adults (including me) who purchase some of these items for their own doll. more

American Girl Place has a huge store on Michigan Avenue, the Magnificient Mile in downtown Chicago. They display and sell famous American Girl dolls together with all kinds of clothing and accessories for the dolls. They also sell matching clothes and accessories for little girls. This amazing store houses a movie theater, a doll hairdresse, and a restaurant. You can have a birthday party or a tea party for your little princess and her friends. Could be an expensive addiction though, so be careful. more