So far I have done most of our Christmas shopping online. It’s convenient, and most of Santa’s loot is delivered while the kids are at school. I wasn’t poised at the keyboard on Cyber Monday though.
In fact, I wasn’t poised at the keyboard for an “unbeatable deal” until the American Girl Doll Company announced a truly unbeatable deal: Marie-Grace for $50.
Not long ago — before I had a daughter — I scoffed at the ridiculous prices of these dolls. Marie-Grace retails for $105.
My daughter adores baby dolls. She has dolls with hair, dolls that pee, dolls that move their mouths and blink their eyes (kind of creepy) and an American Girl Bitty Baby that came into her life last spring when we visited Chicago. (Hook. Line. Sinker. Enough said.)
We could toss out all other toys and she wouldn’t miss them.
So what does Santa bring the child who plays with nothing but dolls (and her brothers’ WWE action figures)? Another doll and doll “things.” Can’t go wrong.
American Girl dropped a tidbit about this sale on their Facebook page the day prior. The official announcement was made on the “Today” show the next morning.
My blood was pumping when I hit the computer. I began stalking the site before the big announcement. So did every other American Girl fan. And there are a lot of us.
I feel it is a public service to keep fellow moms informed of important happenings, so I shared the details of this sale on my own Facebook page (See what you are missing? Facebook.com/motherhoodCTC).
The page became a play-by-play for some eager (frustrated?) shoppers:
“It’s not working for me … I would love to get this doll on sale!! Help!!”
“Oh! Which doll?”
“Grrr. I was so close. When I went to check out, it was $50 until last page and then it went back to regular price. Trying again …”
“I got one! Don’t tell I was shopping during work!”
Marie-Grace, her counterpart Cecile, and the canopy bed were sold out in minutes.
“I tried to get the bed (what a deal!!), but missed it. Once you get started with AG you just can’t stop!” posted another mom.
It’s official: We’ve turned into the Cabbage Patch Kid crazies from the 1980s.
Am I crazy enough to stand in line at 3 a.m. on Black Friday next year when the new American Girl store is open in Columbus?
I’ve learned to never say never.
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