by Sunny and MJ

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

Anyone who’s ever had a beloved American Girl doll in their family knows where I’m going with this post!  MJ received her very first American Girl doll from Santa back in December and her 6-year-old world became forever changed!  Maryellen Larkin goes everywhere MJ does: to the grocery, to school for show and tell, to tumbling class, to sleepovers and playdates, and naturally, even on vacation!  We spent President’s Weekend at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnnesota.  MJ and Maryellen enjoyed lots of time at the American Girl Store there.  With the help of MJ, here is a recap of our experience along with tips to share!

American Girl Store:

Overwhelming – The anticipation was high as we counted down the days until our trip.  MJ is very familiar with the American Girl catalog so she went in with an idea of what she wanted to look at and purchase.  I would definitely recommend browsing the catalog or website with your child before your visit, especially if this is a first time, out-of-town experience.  Some kids are easily overwhelmed and the American Girl stores have so much to take in!

Budgeting –  There’s no other way to say it than bluntly: American Girl products are expensive.  Going in with a budget or plan is essential.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement and wind up with a $500 bill at the register.  About a month before our trip, we started a sticker chart with MJ.  She earned stickers for doing chores, using her manners, and working on extra school work.  Our deal was that if she earned 50 stickers before our trip, she could pick out one outfit at American Girl.  It worked!  And she was so proud of herself and got the poodle skirt outfit she had been pining for!  She also had some of her own money to spend.  The store even has a free personal shopping service that will help your girl find a special item for her doll that is within her budget.

Visit twice – Being in the Mall of America, we were able to visit the American Girl store a couple of times during our stay.  If you can, go in for an initial look at everything.  Let your girl soak it in.  Then return later once she’s had time to think about what she really wants!

MJ – I was very excited!  When I first got in it was amazing!  Scooter (Maryellen’s dog) was in a box that said “contains: one dog.”  I bought that dog!  I bought Maryellen some clothes that I didn’t even know would be there!  We even bought matching shirts.

Ready for lunch at American Girl Bistro.

American Girl Bistro: We were also able to experience the restaurant in the American Girl Store.  It was delightful and I highly recommend it! We had the second seating at 11:15am and we were able to enjoy a peaceful lunch.  When we left about an hour later, the Bistro was packed.  Be prepared for lots of pink: pink tabletops, pink walls, pink light fixtures, pink centerpiece, pink doll highchair, the list goes on.  Our waitress was kind and attentive.  She recognized Maryellen right away and took note of MJ’s name so as to start each conversation with her.  MJ and Maryellen were truly the guests of honor and our waitress made sure it was special for her.  The menu is simple and delicious.  There is a set price of $15 for everyone which includes an individual appetizer and entrée.  Jimmy and I both liked our meals, and the portions were definitely adult-sized; it was too much for MJ to eat.  Drinks are separately priced, and there is a variety to choose from including pink lemonade (of course).  Desserts are also priced separately and our waitress was so kind at hinting to Mom and Dad first about dessert before bringing a dessert menu right to the the table.  Once we agreed to dessert, she recommended the cupcakes.  The dessert comes with one regular-sized cupcake and one doll-sized cupcake along with a piping bag of (pink) icing and three different types of sprinkles.  MJ loved decorating the cupcakes herself and “sharing” with Maryellen.  It really was a fun morning that even Jimmy enjoyed!  You even get a few take-aways from the lunch.  The napkin rings are actually (pink) ponytail holders, Maryellen was given a doll-sized tea cup and (pink) saucer.  Little mementos of our fun day!

Decorating cupcakes – one for MJ, one for Maryellen.

MJ – The lunch was awesome!  Maryellen got to sit in her own little seat.  It was very cute! I got pasta for lunch.  My favorite thing to eat was the cupcakes! You got to make your own cupcakes and they already had the icing and the fluffing made for you!  Maryellen was so happy when she got there!  It was very fun!  I hope we go there again!

Have you had the American Girl Store or Bistro experience?  Share them in the comments below!