If you have a kid who’s obsessed with American Girl, you’ve likely been to the magical flagship store in Rockefeller Center. Now there are some new reasons to visit with your kid and her favorite doll. The store recently debuted free in-store experiences which we had the chance to check out. Here’s what’s new:
Hang in Julie’s World
Julie Albright is one of American Girl’s historic dolls from the 1970s and just so happens to be my daughter’s favorite doll so she was excited to see a whole new world inspired by Julie’s life in the 70s during our recent visit. Your daughter can hang in Julie’s 70s-inspired bedroom, shoot hoops at the Pop-a-Shot basketball game or snap a picture with Julie’s VW bug—it’s full size! There’s also a podium where the kids can channel their inner activist with some public speaking.
Visit the All-New Doll Hospital
Bring your child’s doll to the store for a free wellness exam with a specially-trained doctor who’ll check the pulse, temperature and reflexes of each doll. The hospital has free play stations where the kids can give their dolls eye exams, take X-rays and give their dolls a dental checkup. When they’re through, they’ll get a Certificate of Good Health for their doll along with tips to care for their dolls at home. The experience is free but if your child’s doll needs a major repair (like the reattachment or replacement of limbs or head), a service charge applies.
Check Out the Holiday Window
There’s nothing like a trip to New York City to see the holiday windows and American Girl’s window just happens to be decked out in Swarovski crystals and beads for the season. The store recently unveiled the holiday window with help from singer and actress Ciara. It’s a perfect spot to snap a pic of the kids and their dolls.
Customize a Trunk with Her Favorite Doll and Accessories
If you have a super fan at home, American Girl’s new trunk is the ultimate holiday splurge gift. You can customize it for your daughter online or work with a personal shopper at the store to put together her perfect mix of goodies. Whether you meet with a shopper or follow the online prompts, she’ll get to pick her perfect doll along with two play packs that include a story starter, outfit and accessory. The trunk also comes with a book and the option to have your doll’s ears pierced and it comes in a keepsake box with a letter customized for your daughter based on the adjectives you shared about her personality. The trunk starts at $247 and varies depending on what you choose.
Other Holiday Goodies
If the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition in your house, American Girl has a new limited-edition keepsake collection of doll outfits for Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Nutcracker Snow Queen. Another splurge gift that’s gotten good reviews for its sturdy construction is the American Girl Bowling Alley ($150), which is a working wooden bowling lane with motorized pins, lights, sounds, score-keeping and lots of accessories. If you celebrate Hanukkah, American Girl has a menorah and dreidel set for its historic doll, Rebecca Rubin.