American Girl dolls are geared towards the girl who has out-grown playing baby dolls. At first, the dolls were from specific historical periods. They were very interesting in that they could make a period of history come alive for a pre-teen girl. The doll could help delay(?) the start of the whole teen-age rush to boys and all that that entails.
It was a beautiful concept. I hope many mothers call. I know I will. Not because of my daughter, she has officially out-grown them, but for other girls who deserve a buffer between childhood and womanhood. Girls are forced to grow up too fast now-a-days...
No they're not.. just keep them away from The Limited and Abercrombie and Fitch (Aeropostale and American Eagle are iffy sometimes, but ok for the most part...)... definitely don't take them to the GAP, that is short for "gay and proud."