I made a whole wardrobe for the AG doll Santa brought my GD in WA. Borrowed a doll from a girl at church who was 'outgrowing' hers for a model. It was so much fun!! I still have my Ideal doll from the early '50s. Her name was Melissa, and coincidentally the same as my first daughter, born in 1967. LOL
If you think AG's are pricey, check out the dolls made by my next door neighbor.
http://bonniesbundlesdolls.com/ But they are gorgeous, and bought just as often by/for "mature women" as for the kiddoes. Anybody can make a "rag doll," but these are extraordinary. As with anything, value is relative to quality and to how badly you want it. Bonnie's Bundles are worth every penny, and so are the American Girl Dolls!