Hey Millennials, Your Favorite Dolls Are Making a Comeback

Published: April 10, 2026

By Kayla DeKraker

The original American Girl dolls are on their way back, and Millennial women everywhere couldn’t be more excited.

“Wake up Millennial women, it’s our time,” an Instagram post from Glamour Magazine announced alongside a photo of the dolls. “The original American Girl dolls are all coming back. Yes, we mean every single historical character we grew up with in the 90s and 2000s, even our redheaded horse girl queen Felicity Merriman who hasn’t been available since 2021.”

The post added, “This new launch is likely to bring a sigh of relief after the new, modern line of the classic dolls received backlash earlier this year.”

View this post on Instagram

People in the comment section shared excitement over the news.

“Finally some good news!!! And BRING BACK THE BOOKS with their original covers!!” one person said.

Another added, “Yes please and thank you! Discontinuing these dolls was such a horrible idea… I personally have discussed it with a ton of friends who grew up with them – we’d love to give them to our kids now too! Yayyy for the comeback!!! 🙌❤️”

American Girl began in 1986 with three original dolls: 1840s Swedish immigrant Kirsten Larson, Progressive era Samantha Parkington and WWII-era Molly McIntire.

Felicity, Addy and Josefina debuted in the ’90s, followed by others like Kit and Kaya in the early 2000s. Every doll taught girls about a different period in American history, inspiring learning and creativity.

All eight original dolls will return for the brand’s 40th anniversary this year. They will look very similar to the originals, including their clothes and packaging. Earlier this year, American Girl updated them with modern styles, which many fans didn’t like, so they’re happy to hear these ones will stay true to the ones from their childhood.

“Bringing these characters back with a new offering is our way of celebrating that legacy and the generations of fans who grew up with them,” said Jamie Cygielman, Global head of dolls at Mattel. “It’s a tribute to the women who formed such meaningful connections with these dolls as kids, while also introducing a new generation to the stories and characters that helped define the brand.”

She added, “American Girl has always been about storytelling and connection, and that’s what gives the brand such lasting resonance. For many people, these dolls were more than toys; they were companions in childhood and a gateway into stories about history, courage, and growing up. We see that emotional connection continues across generations.”