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Mattel
Discontinued: 2009
The face of American Girl for decades. This orphaned socialite from 1904 lived with her wealthy grandmother, championing progress while learning about inequality. Samantha’s silhouette was even used in the Pleasant Company logo, making her the brand’s most recognizable doll. Sadly, the toy was discontinued in 2009.
Discontinued: 2010
The brave Swedish pioneer girl. Kirsten immigrated to Minnesota in 1854, facing language barriers and frontier hardships. This American Doll’s wool slippers were handcrafted by a real Swedish artisan for 20 years, adding authentic cultural touches.
Discontinued: 2013
Molly was a WWII home front hero with glasses. Living in Illinois while her doctor father served overseas, Molly symbolized resilience during wartime. Surprisingly, she was the least popular original doll. These are some of the rarest collector’s dolls today.
Discontinued: 2011
The spirited colonial rebel. This horse-loving Virginia girl from 1774 embodied Revolutionary War independence. Her introduction changed everything for American Girl when they switched all doll bodies from white to flesh-toned to accommodate her period-accurate necklines.
Discontinued: 2015
Caroline lived in New York during the War of 1812, aspiring to captain ships like her father. Released for the war’s 200th anniversary, she featured unique aquamarine eyes.
Discontinued: 2014
The shy songbird of New Orleans. Living in 1853, Marie-Grace loved music and had a special bond with her dog. Released as a pair with Cécile, she showcased antebellum Southern culture. The doll used themes of friendship across social lines.
Discontinued: 2014
The confident storyteller. A free person of color in 1850s New Orleans, Cécile dreamed of becoming an actress. Her retirement sparked controversy since it left only one African-American historical character available.
Discontinued: 2009
The doll with a hardworking immigrant background. Samantha’s Irish best friend worked as a servant, teaching privileged girls about the realities of child labor. The doll was inspired by a massive wave of European immigration that shaped turn-of-the-century America.
Discontinued: 2014
The gymnastic trailblazer. Julie’s Chinese-American best friend from 1970s San Francisco balanced family traditions with athletic dreams. As the only Asian-American historical character for years, she broke cultural barriers in the doll world.
Discontinued: 2002
The original Girl of the Year. This Jewish trumpet player from Chicago launched an entire product line in 2001. Though initially unsuccessful (causing a year delay for the next release), Lindsey pioneered the limited-edition concept that became hugely popular for American Doll.
Discontinued: 2013
McKenna balanced competitive gymnastics with academic struggles, teaching kids about perseverance. Her movie and widespread popularity made her one of the most successful Girl of the Year characters.
Discontinued: 2016
The Parisian baker. Grace traveled to France to learn baking from her grandmother, celebrating French-American heritage. Her story combined cultural exploration with entrepreneurial spirit. The doll would go on to inspire young girls to pursue their passions across continents.
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