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Walk into New York's American Girl store in the lead up to Christmas and it's chaos.

Throngs of predominately female shoppers, ranging from toddlers to grandmothers, wander three floors of American Girl doll displays in search of the perfect present. Of course there's also the odd male looking as nervous as if he's been discovered in Victoria's Secret.

However, American Girl know their market by the "8+ years" stamped on most packaging and the healthy profits created by these $87 (plus tax) dolls.

There are two types of American Girl dolls that appeal to 8-year-olds, the Just Like You doll, and the Historical Characters dolls.

The Just Like You doll comes in 20 styles so you can match up the look of the doll with its prospective owner. Produced in varying skin tones, hair and eye color, with or without freckles you should be able to get a close match. Although the slight gap in the whiter than white 2 front teeth creates a strange overbite look.

If it's not the perfect match, you can have the dolls hair custom cut and styled by the in-store hair stylists.

Outfitted in a basic long sleeved purple, pale blue and white top with a large flower motif and pleated pale blue skirt and boots, the 18 inch Just Like You doll comes with a book and audio CD "Sparkle, Spirit, Style!"

There are 9 Historical Character dolls that span across time from American Indian Kaya of the 1700s to the 1970's all American blond haired Julie Albright. Each doll comes with a paperback book about the character. Julie is of divorced parents which are no doubt sold separately although they don't make the catalogue.

Eight year olds tend to know what they like so before purchasing a Historical Character doll make sure your gift recipient likes the era.

If you want to add a little more to the gift there's outfits for the dolls with matching ones in girl's sizes. Guaranteed to make the perfect photo opportunity.

American Girl also have a baby doll, the Bitty Baby, which also comes in a range of skin tones, eye and hair color and although it may appeal to a few 8-year-olds it is marketed toward younger girls.

Of course you don't have to go into an American Girl store to purchase a doll, which at this time of year is probably a wise decision. You can see the complete collection and make purchases at americangirl.com

Learn more about this author, Belinda Youlten.
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