Changes for Felicity

With the holidays coming up, I figured it was the perfect time to stop by the American Girl website so I pretend to be 8 years old again. Well I was expected to see all sights of holiday goodies, something else horrific caught my eye, although it really shouldn't have surprised me.

Two years ago American Girl retired Samantha. I had always wanted her and when I found out I bought Samantha as a present to myself. Last year they retiree Kirsten. Another doll I wanted but never had. And while I could have bought her myself again, it seemed silly when all my dolls did was sit on a shelf. But this year they're retiring Felicity!
As you can pretty much tell by the hair I've had Felicity forever. She was the first American Girl doll I owned, and my parents bought her for me as a Hannukah present in 2nd grade. It seems silly to me that they're retiring these dolls, because basically it's a complete financial decision by Mattel. I do get that they don't want to have two dolls from the same period. For example, with Samantha gone they were able to bring out a Jewish girl from the turn of the century, and the rumor is with Kirtsen gone they'll have a California Gold Rush doll. But still, what do you replace an American Revolutionary doll with?
I posted on facebook my disappointment and one of my friends pointed out that at least I have a collectors item. Which is true in a way. While I was trying to find out all I could about her retirement the other night I did find out that the small chest above which was originally around $15 now sells for over $100 on ebay. But while it's nice having a collector's item, I still want to have all the of the collection.
A lot of items, like her birthday dress above, are no longer even being sold. There are a few items still for sale I don't have but most are the big ticket items. And the ones that are smaller, don't really make sense to buy without the biggest part. For example, I don't have any of Elizabeth's clothes, but since I don't have Elizabeth it doesn't make sense to buy them. I could also buy her tea set or party treats, but again I don't have her table to put them on. And the big ticket item would be the bed, but with the canopy it would be kind of the hard to store. But even so I can't help but want it all! I guess I might just have to give myself a big present or two again this year.

Anyone else incredibly disappointed that Mattel has started to retiree American Girls? Does it make you feel like a piece of your childhood is disappearing, because in a way it does for me.

~Shoshanah