For 2019, the American Girl doll of the year has been introduced as Blaire Wilson, a fun-loving chef-in-training with food sensitivities and a screen addiction—a character many young kids will be able to relate to. While Blaire is described as a people person, she is also said to "[need] help finding balance between the digital world and the real world." As the Girl of the Year, Blaire's own story has the potential to inspire many young girls who also find it a challenge to maintain connections in the digital and real world.
American Girl fans are able to read more about Blaire's story through a series of books written by Jennifer Castle and published by Scholastic. The doll itself stands 18 inches tall and boasts bright green eyes, cascading red hair and outfits that suit her life on her family's sustainable farm.
Digital Age Dolls
The American Girl Doll of the Year Teaches Kids About Digital & Real Connections
Trend Themes
1. Screen Addiction Awareness - Businesses can develop innovative products and services that help individuals find a healthy balance between the digital world and the real world.
2. Representation in Toys - There is an opportunity for the toy industry to create more diverse and relatable characters that reflect the experiences of children.
3. Sustainable Farming Education - Innovative solutions can be developed to educate children about sustainable farming practices through interactive toys and learning materials.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The education industry can develop tools and resources that teach children about the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
2. Toy - The toy industry can create dolls and toys that showcase diverse characters and stories, allowing children to see themselves represented in their playtime.
3. Sustainable Agriculture - The sustainable agriculture industry can collaborate with the toy industry to develop educational toys that promote awareness and understanding of sustainable farming practices among children.