While the name “American Girl” may evoke images of dolls primarily catering to girls, the brand has diversified its offerings to include boy dolls. Though the number of boy dolls may not match that of their female counterparts, their presence within the American Girl lineup marks a notable departure from traditional gender norms in the toy industry.
It challenges the notion that dolls are exclusively for girls and acknowledges that children of all genders can benefit from pretend play with dolls.
American Girl has adopted subtle design choices to distinguish its boy dolls from their female counterparts. One such notable feature is the absence of visible teeth in the boy dolls, a deliberate choice aimed at imparting a more masculine appearance.
See also: The American Girl Doll Teeth Trend: A Guide to Creativity
Product Launching of Boy Dolls in American Girl
While traditionally known for its line of dolls aimed at girls, American Girl recognized the importance of inclusivity and diversity in play pretend. Here, the timeline of the launch of boy dolls in American Girl’s product lineup.
1. Boy Bitty Twins (2003)
American Girl made its first foray into boy dolls with the release of the boy Bitty Twins in 2003. Initially sold as a pair with their female counterparts, the boy Bitty Twins marked an early acknowledgment of the desire for gender-inclusive toys.
2. Logan (2017)
In 2017, American Girl made headlines with the release of Logan, its first standalone boy doll without a twin. Logan’s introduction signaled a milestone for the brand, showcasing its commitment to providing diverse representation in its doll lineup.
Despite initial controversy surrounding the use of certain face molds, Logan’s popularity affirmed the demand for boy dolls among American Girl enthusiasts.
You can see features of Logan through picture above. He sports a soccer jersey of American Girl outfits, as depicted in the accompanying image, adding a sporty touch to his character.
3. Expansion of Truly Me Line (2018)
Building upon the success of Logan, American Girl expanded its Truly Me line in 2018 to include four new boy dolls. These additions featured variations in hair color, eye colowellie r, and skin tone, catering to a broader range of preferences and identities.
See also: 14 Best Truly Me Dolls: Choose Your Favourite!
Each with its own unique characteristics:
a. Truly Me #74
This blonde-haired boy doll features a masculine version of the Classic mold, with striking blue eyes that appeal to a wide range of young enthusiasts. His cheerful demeanor and relatable features make him a favorite among children seeking representation in their play experiences.
b. Truly Me #75
With a masculine version of the Jess Mold, Truly Me #75 embodies diversity with his black hair and brown eyes. His warm expression and versatile appearance make him a beloved addition to American Girl’s boy doll lineup, reflecting the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
c. Truly Me #76
Sporting a masculine version of the Sonali face mold, Truly Me #76 represents diversity with his medium skin tone and short dark brown hair. His inclusive design and friendly demeanor resonate with children of all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and representation in the American Girl community.
d. Truly Me #77
Truly Me #77: Featuring a masculine version of the Addy face mold, Truly Me #77 showcases diversity with his dark brown afro and brown eyes. His vibrant personality and unique appearance celebrate individuality, encouraging children to embrace their differences and express themselves freely through play.
4. Continued Innovation (2022): Bryant and Truly Me
American Girl continued to push boundaries in 2022 with the introduction of new boy dolls, such as Bryant and Truly Me #104 and #113. These additions further diversified the brand’s offerings.
By expanding its product lineup to include male representations, American Girl has not only widened its appeal to a more diverse audience but also paved the way for greater acceptance and celebration of gender diversity in the toy industry.
a. Bryant
Introduced as part of the WellieWishers line, Bryant stands out with his green eyes, medium skin, freckles, and brown hair. His playful charm and endearing features appeal to children seeking imaginative play experiences, further enriching the American Girl universe with diversity and representation.
b. Truly Me #104
With dark-blue eyes, straight caramel hair, and light skin with warm olive undertones, Truly Me #104 exudes confidence and individuality. While sharing similarities with Truly Me #74, his distinct features and unique personality contribute to the rich tapestry of characters within the American Girl brand.
c. Truly Me #113
Building upon the success of previous boy dolls, Truly Me #113 showcases diversity with his darker skin tone and curly afro. His vibrant appearance and dynamic personality reflect the brand’s commitment to celebrating differences and promoting inclusivity in play experiences.
By expanding its product lineup to include male representations, American Girl continues to champion diversity and inclusion in the toy industry, inspiring children to embrace their unique identities and create meaningful connections through imaginative play.
