American Girl Celebrates 35 Years of Making Herstory

Doll brand brings back the original six characters that started it all.

May 4, 2021

Mattel’s American Girl kicks off a yearlong 35th birthday celebration with the reintroduction of its original historical characters: Samantha Parkington, Kirsten Larson, Molly McIntire, Felicity Merriman, Addy Walker and Josefina Montoya.

Each of the original characters in the 35th Anniversary Collection features a signature 18-inch doll dressed in her original outfit with authentic accessories and the character’s first paperback book with a vintage cover. In further tribute to the brand’s roots, each set comes packaged in a retro-inspired American Girl doll box designed for both new and existing collectors.

“For 35 years, American Girl has created powerful stories with smart, courageous heroines that have helped shape an entire generation of women,” says Jamie Cygielman, general manager, American Girl. “As we celebrate this major milestone, we’re thrilled to recognize the very first generation of American girls who grew up with these beloved, original characters and made them the phenomenon

they are today. Knowing many of these women are now moms themselves, we look forward to creating special, multi-generational experiences for families via their shared love of the brand. We can’t wait to inspire and empower this next generation with even more relevant products, immersive experiences and timeless stories.”

American Girl fans can also celebrate the brand’s 35th birthday with additional content and experiences. “Everything I Need to Know I Learned from American Girl,” is a new inspirational book with full-color illustrations that celebrates the advice shared by the characters. For music lovers, there’s an all-new digital album, American Girl Get Up and Dance, produced in partnership with Warner Music Group. The album includes 10 American Girl character-inspired songs that are available to download for the first-time, including a new release, “Happy Birthday, American Girl.”

On May 8, fans are invited to join American Girl and Magnolia Bakery for a virtual 35th Birthday Bash via Facebook Live. The event will include a cupcake decorating party with Bobbie Lloyd, chief baking officer, Magnolia Bakery and appearances with influencers Rachel Pitzel, Ava and Leah Clements, and Zooey Miyoshi.

The re-launched American Girl dolls are available now.