I Had My 21st Birthday At American Girl!

Today, I had my 21st birthday party at American Girl, and it was such a special experience! I went with my sister, her boyfriend, and their respective roommates, and I had such a good time. We booked the private party room, and we got salad, pizza, cake and ice cream, as well as a doll crown craft and hairstyles for our dolls. I wasn't looked down upon for having my birthday here despite how old I'm turning - in fact, our party host said that their favorite parties were the ones where older collectors came in! On our cake, I even got twenty one candles. It felt so special and was such a great experience.

I'm making this post to tell you guys that even if you are an older fan of American Girl, or even if you're in an upper grade of elementary school or middle school and peers at school are bullying you for your enjoyment of these dolls, that you should never let go of your love of dolls just because of your age.

I'm an adult now. I have a lot more adult responsibilities. I am a full-time college student, an author and screenwriter, a political activist and leader of an organization. And yet, I still love these dolls. And nothing has ever taken that from me.

I remember when I was in middle school, feeling ashamed about my love for American Girl. I was bullied constantly for being different, for loving these stories.

But the truth is? I'm so glad I never let their words deter me or have me give up these dolls.

American Girl has been apart of my life for almost 13 years. And at this point, I don't see anything ever changing that.

So go. Book that double-digit birthday party at the American Girl cafe. Be the only one in the crowd watching an American Girl movie or play that isn't a kid or a parent. Tell your friends outside of this field that you collect dolls, and ask them if they used to or knew people who did. Reach out to one of the singers in your favorite band, tell her you customize American Girl dolls and ask her if she wants one, then make that doll once she says yes and make plans to give it to her at the concert you'll see her at. Log that American Girl movie on Letterboxd and write a long review. Sit down to read an American Girl story in one sitting. Take your dolls out of their closet and dress them to look like your friends.

I've done all of these things - and more - in my time since becoming an adult American Girl fan? And you know what? My friends loved the dolls I made of them. Some of my most rewarding film reviews have been for American Girl movies. I still devour American Girl stories to this day. The singer in my favorite band, The Protomen, absolutely loved the doll I made of her and can't wait for me to give her the doll. All of my friends in different friend groups know I collect dolls - and love me for it. I was the only person who wasn't a kid or a parent at American Girl Live in Concert - and all the actresses there lit up when they saw me.

And I booked that double-digit birthday party at the American Girl store. I booked a party for an age that starts with the number 2.

And I had the time of my life.