I’ve had some great luck at the thrift store, lately. Avery is really into American Girl everything right now. Along with her friends, they have been playing with them nonstop…whenever they can.
Last week we found this little wooden desk for $6. Right when I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for her little doll Kit. It’s funny, because since we found the little desk, they now have been playing pretend school a bunch. I’ve loved seeing them play so much with their dolls. I love that it keeps them little…a little longer (if you know what I mean).
Lately, Avery has been asking me if she could get a second doll, one with long hair…so she could do the hair. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a second doll for a few reasons. #1 the cost. American Girl dolls are expensive! #2 A second doll would only make it so she wouldn’t care as much for the first one she has.
We had talked about having her ask for it for Christmas if that is what she REALLY wanted.
Just this week, I had some time to kill in between errands, so I ran into the thrift store and I happened to be near the toys. I spotted this American Girl doll (Julie) for $5 (technically $4.99). Wah?! $5? And she had LONG blonde hair and brown eyes! Exactly what Avery was wanting!
Seriously?! I was so surprised to find her and for so cheap! I also found a bag of doll clothes that looked like they would fit. It was a mixed bag of clothes and I didn’t know exactly what was inside.
When I got home and opened it, I found an American Girl brand angel dress, a red sparkly dress and a pair of shoes along with a few other random things.
I called Kyle to tell him of my fun find and ask him if he thought we should save it for Christmas for her. We decided just to give it to her since it was so cheap and because we never know how long she and her friends will be into playing with them. It was SO fun to surprise her when she walked in the door after school! She was so excited about it!
We have all had the thought that our little Afton played a part in guiding me to find this doll with the long blonde hair and the brown eyes. It might sound strange, but when you lose someone you love, it’s little things like this that make everything more sweet and less bitter.
Once I saw her doll in this little angel dress, I couldn’t help but tear up.
It’s little things like this that are so fun to hang onto, anything to think of our little Afton and know that she is with us. In her own way.
Tricia says
Kami,
I loved this post – and I love that they still play dolls together, too. They are just growing up too fast. *Ãœ*
Tricia says
P.S. I think I wanna shop Savers with you – I usually walk out discouraged, stinky, and lathering up the hand sanitizer. It doesn’t stop me from going over and over again, though. 😉
kami says
I know! I hope this lasts for a long time! Sweet girls. <3
poeticchronicles (valérie) says
Oh well when I read the stroy I thought of Afton myself before you mentioned it! Hard not to make a relation between the beautiful find and angel dress, the surprise gift for big sister…:) You were right I think to give your lovely Avery such a surprise! It’s so sweet, and it feels as if it were meant to be that way! xo
kami says
Thanks Valerie! 🙂 You are always so sweet when I write about our little Afton. <3
Annie Dow says
Ellie has two AG dolls and they are Kit and Julie. Ellie and Avery must have the same taste in dolls – how funny. I don’t know who loved the dolls and their stuff more, me or my girls. Adorable desk. What luck to find a Julie doll for $5. Hope Avery enjoys it all!
kami says
How funny that Ellie has the same two dolls! Thanks Annie! <3
Donna Huisinga says
A beautiful post. I think you have yoiur sweet little Afton right there in those angel wings. She definitely had a part in guiding you that day.
kami says
Thank you Donna! <3
Julia Lyssand says
What a score! So exciting! I played with my American Girls all the time as a kid and now my daughter enjoys both her own American Girl as well as mine. It’s so fun to watch them play and to play along too.
kami says
Oh good! I will hang onto them for sure for when I have grandkids. 🙂
Thanks Julia!
Julie H in MN says
What a sweet, sweet story….I agree that you gave her the doll at the right time!
Debbie says
Thank you Afton Jean.
kami says
<3 <3 <3
Becky Yep says
I’m glad you just gave it to her! I love that post too!
Victoria @obSEUSSed says
What a lucky find! My daughter loves american girl dolls right now too. We had to get her Lanie a couple of years ago because that is my daughter’s nickname and looks just like her. http://www.obseussed.com/2011/05/poodle-skirt-tutorial-for-18-inch-doll.html I love that you found the angel outfit too. Such a blessing!
Amy says
Wow! What a find! Once I found 3 AG dolls at a garage sale for $10 each. Jackpot! My girls LOVE all AG doll stuff too. Maybe for Christmas you should take Avery to Gardner Village to that doll shop for some fun accessories. We’ve bought a few items for our dolls there. As close as we’re going to get to a doll store. Love that angel costume! Sweet little reminders #meanttobe
Also, forgot to respond to your IG comment about the camper. Sorry, I need to be better at that! Thanks for the camper blog link. I love the vintage camper world!
kami says
That’s a great idea, thanks Amy! We will have to check it out!
Sherrie says
This is the sweetest story!! I was thinking this will be a cute story to tell her own daughter….the day Grandma Kami had a shopping miracle!
Shannon L. says
I have goosebumps! I believe that 100% and having lost a sister I know exactly what you mean.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet story!
Sarah says
That is the deal of the century! I love the angel dress. A little sister looking out for a big sister for sure!
Monica says
Thanks so much for sharing your find Kami. What are the chances??! An Americal Girl doll for $5 and angel wings?! I think your little Angel Afton was definitely with you. So precious. xx
Heidi Walker says
What a wonderful tender mercy, Kami. So sweet and perfect, just like Afton and your love for her. Thanks for sharing.
Melanie Renstrom says
What a wonderful find and a sweet daily reminder of your little angel watching over you!! I’m so glad you’ve been able to find and recognize these sweet blessings!
Heather Clark says
I just happened to find your site while searching for fall wreaths. I love this post. My daughter (7 y/o) is now in to American Girl dolls and is saving her own money to buy one. I wish I could luck up and find one at a thrift store!