The Ultimate American Girl® Holiday Wish List, Picked By Real Kids

This post is sponsored by American Girl®.

I can still remember how it felt to peel back the shiny wrapping paper and see my own American Girl doll as a young girl. Santa had brought me Molly McIntire, who was exactly my age. She even wore glasses — which I was just getting used to wearing myself! Molly was brave, strong, and adventurous, and there was so much more to her than just cute outfits.

For years, wherever I went, Molly went, too — from family vacations to very first sleepovers and more. My cousins and I would even host birthday parties in honor of our dolls, who were by our sides for so many memorable moments. We memorized their stories and created new ones ourselves. In fact, I still have my Molly doll tucked safely away with the rest of my childhood favorites.

Decades later, it’s amazing to see that kids are still getting all the feels over their own American Girl dolls, which these days come in all different types and even a “Create Your Own” option (my 9 year-old mind would have been blown!). With plenty of accessories (which, pro tip, make for awesome stocking stuffers), this is the tradition I've been most looking forward to passing along to my nieces, and I've decided that this year's the year. But the question remained: How could I ensure they'd make their own cherished memories with my beloved Molly doll?

Luckily, with so much fun clothing, books, furniture, and accessories available, it's easy to find gifts that will get my nieces excited about American Girl — and who better to identify the best gift ideas than real kiddos themselves? Here are their picks for the most coveted American Girl goodies this holiday season.

1. A Daring Doll To Inspire Her

When Holly T. spotted the Truly Me Doll #87, she knew it was the one for her because “she is bright and sparkly and has blue eyes like me! I love her pink hair!” This Truly Me doll comes complete with realistic features (including magenta hair that I seriously want to copy) and range of Sparkle & Shine Accessories, from glam belts and headbands to a glitter purse, personal phone, and more. This list-topper is all about reflecting its owner, with an extra dose of girl power.

2. A Must-Have Mini Bowling Alley

I never could have imagined a mini, working bowling alley growing up, but it’s 2020, people, and here we are! This American Girl Bowling Alley is beyond cool, which is exactly what Emma R. thought when she first saw it. “It really works?!” she squealed. “It really works! I want to play!” I'm with her. This bad boy comes with a wooden lane, motorized bowling pins, and adjustable bumpers, as well as lights, sounds, and accurate score-keeping. And let’s just talk about the accessories for a second: Think rental counter, bowling balls with removable straps so dolls can really bowl, a range of snacks and drinks, and even bowling shoes. I can’t.

3. A Bright, Bold Bedroom Set

Aubrey L. put the Courtney Bunk Bed Set at the top of her holiday wish list because she says she’s always wanted bunk beds and loves to decorate and redecorate her own room at home. Plus, her dolls need a proper place to sleep! That’s exactly what this fabulous 80s-inspired gift is all about, setting the stage for a place to call their own with realistic details including colorful bedding, a PAC-MAN™ shaped throw pillow, and a unicorn calendar that's right out of an 1980s dream.

4. The Perfect Little Pinball Machine

OK, you’ve seen the bowling alley, so you know how realistic and detailed the American Girl accessories get, and Julie's Pinball Machine is no exception! Norah B. loves visiting the arcade with her siblings, and wants to create one of her own for her doll. She’s off to a good start by adding this game to her wish list, because it’s a working machine with flashing lights, a digital scorekeeper, buttons to control the flipper arms, and authentic sounds. Made of real metal and wood, it’s about as legit as they come, and frankly, I’m jealous this wasn’t an option when I was growing up.

5. An Adventure-Inspired Surf Van

When Addy L. isn’t busy taking her American Girl dolls on real-life adventures of her own, she’s creating ones for them at home. Addy is wishing and hoping for Joss's Volkswagon Van because it’s got everything she needs (and more) to make those imaginary beach getaways happen time and again for Joss and her other dolls. “Joss loves to surf and her family loves the beach. Mine does too. I am taking surfing lessons this summer!” she says. Of course, the van has working headlights, turn signals, wipers, and a radio. But it also doubles as a space to lounge, sleep, and snack, with realistic bedding and beach gear, cooking supplies, food and drinks, and more. Don't forget the surfboard and roof rack, which brings the dream to life.