How much does an American Girl doll really cost?

Holiday shopping season has begun, and the hottest toy lists are out, but some toys remain relevant season after season.

Standing 18-inches tall, the American Girl doll towers over her competition with more than 18 million dolls sold since the company was founded in 1986 and raking in $436 million in sales during 2009 alone.

Whether designed in the likeness of her owner, a representation of a historical girl from the past (this reporter is partial to the now-retired Samantha doll from the Victorian era), or an American Girl of the Year, the dolls represent a sense of girl power and stick-to-it-ness.