American Girl Store Chicago

I took my daughter to the American Girl store in Chicago for the first time. We went for their Holiday Shopping Event. It was also part of my daughter's birthday celebration.

The drive there was foggy and super early in the morning.

But we were all super excited!

Since the mall portion of the place wasn't open ( it didn't open until noon), we didn't get to do any exploring before the event. In fact, the moment we got there and got in line was the exact moment the doors were opened.

I love this little house set up behind the tables. We came in, they checked our names, and they gave us each a paper to fill out to enter the drawing. Unfortunately they were only picking 2 names, neither of which was us. I would have much rather had them do many drawings for smaller prizes. It would have been more exciting that way.

Next, we headed upstairs to the event.

Though these outfits aren't something I plan on buying, it was a cute display at the top of the escalator.

PS- going up and down the escalator is just free fun. Ayla had a blast.

So the very first thing we did, was head for the food!! This wasn't even really our first thought, but I had to use the restroom and those happen to be near the food. 

Speaking of restrooms, American Girl by far has some of the most amazing restrooms! And they smell like cookies!!

Worry not, I'm 100% alone when I took these pics.

And each stall has a place to hang your dolly! Love that. 

Next, it was time to get some shopping done.

Ayla has recently really gotten into Wellie Wishers. For her birthday she got 3 new dolls (before that she only had 1 doll which was a custom Zombies themed Wellie).

So of course as soon as we got started shopping, she wanted to go to the Wellie Wishers section.

She jumped right in to shopping.

She ended up getting Willa and an outfit for Camilla. She saved her birthday money so diligently to be able to buy her own stuff.

I really wanted to check out all of the displays.

If I had unlimited space, and money, I would have bought this set. I love the front of te pets store the most.

That hat looks huge, right?

My daughter quickly became obsessed with the AG dogs. She ended up getting Coconut, but named him Doodles. (Did you know his box has a place to cut out so that it becomes a dog house? Way to go AG! Adding VALUE.)

Not nearly enough HOLIDAY decorations or displays for a holiday event.

I want that table! Unfortunately it's $80! and I don't want any of the accessories. Who knows, maybe I'll find it 2nd hand someday.

This was voted (by my family) to be the most boring display. 

Though I have no intention of getting Lila (she's pretty but not unique), I do think she got a very nice display.

I can't afford it, but I do love this kitchen. Someday...

i also love the spa, but I already have 2 of the hotels so I really don't have the space. It gives off real Golden Girls vibes to me. If I ever find it dirt cheap I'll have to make room for it.

I don't like the mask with this outfit. I think they easily could have done a full face mask that would tie in the back.

I really like the Vespa up close. Again, I have no room or $$.

Ok, so I've thought about getting this set, but if you follow me then you know my feelings on this piece (I've ranted before). I hate that it's so short compared to the dolls and I hate that for over $300 you only get 1 seat!!!! At the very very least, AG should offer extra seats for sale separately!

Heres a piece I passed up at the AGBS earlier this year. I was having regrets but now that I got to play with it, I'm glad I didn't spend the money. I like this piece, but it was over $200 at the benefit sale and it's just not big enough for the money. Plus I have a problem with campers. That problem? Space. I already have 3 campers and Hubby got me the new OG one for my birthday.

I didn't buy any of the birthstone outfits, but they're cute. I just liked this "shopping" display.

i have this set, and it is one of my favorites! But I do see a missed opportunity here. They should have made the display look like their actual store's cafe. And this should also be a display in the cafe. This would make people want it to commemorate their own experience there. Dear Marketing Department,

Ok, now that I've shown you almost every display at the event, I saved my absolute favorite for last...

I loved this display! But I'm really into store fronts. This gave me a million ideas for my own displays, so expect to see a copy of this in my own collection.

I got pictures from all different angles.

Even the sidewalk is cute.

After walking around getting pictures, we strolled through the Historical section.

My daughter loves the 80s (even though she knows nothing about it).

I love the giant boom box.

This became their whole world for at least 20 minutes.

I had to drag them away.

Next, we checked out. There were personal shoppers to help with the event, but we still had to carry our stuff around, plus the stuff we brought from home.

And before anyone asks, Yes, Hop Hop went with us. 

The store had very nice people at the checkout.

Ayla paid with her own money. So proud.

Oh, and she got a birthday sticker and they gave us extras for our dolls!! Love that. Then everyone we walked past would say happy birthday. So nice.

She got a new 18" doll too.

Her name is Indigo. I love it. Usually she picks some really strange names for her dolls. 

At the end of the event we headed back downstairs for our goodie bags. I wondered with the event only being $10 how good the goodie bags would be, and I was not disappointed.

Loved this!!! We adore Uno and I am always looking for hairbrushs. 

I've decided to break this post up a bit since I just keep going on and on. If you have plans to go to an AG store, I suggest going for an event and this event was really great.

Stay tuned for a part 2- The Cafe and a part 3- Water Tower Place.