NEED TO KNOW
- Mom surprises daughter by restoring her old American Girl dolls
- Morgan Stilphen tells PEOPLE she was shocked by her mom’s ‘thoughtful’ gesture
- Stilphen plans to pass the dolls down to her own children one day
Childhood memories are often tied to special objects that symbolize a certain period in one’s life. For one 23-year-old woman, her American Girl dolls are more than just toys — they represent a meaningful connection to her past, her family, and her identity.
What began as a childhood collection has now become a symbol of love and care after Morgan Stilphen’s mother surprised her by having her cherished dolls restored.
Stilphen took to TikTok to share her mother’s thoughtful gesture, expressing her surprise when she realized her beloved dolls had been “fixed up” so they could be passed down to her own kids one day.
“My American Girl dolls were in excellent condition overall, though their hair could get a bit crazy,” Stilphen tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I had waited so long to get one, and since I was a little older than most when I finally received my first doll, I really took care of them and treasured every detail.”
The dolls – Kit, Ruthie, and Rebecca – had been with Stilphen since she was 8 years old, and the memories associated with them were as valuable as the toys themselves.
Growing up, the American Girl dolls became Stilphen’s constant companions. “I always made sure to bring them along when I traveled,” she shares. “I had a special dresser where I kept their clothes organized, and we often played school with their accessories.”
The dolls’ stories made them even more relatable to young Stilphen. One memory that particularly stood out for her was the connection she felt with Rebecca Rubin, the Jewish doll.
Growing up in a predominantly Christian community in Charlotte, N.C., Stilphen often felt isolated in her experiences. “Rebecca’s story really spoke to me because it reflected a lot of the challenges I faced, being part of a minority group and navigating a world where I didn’t always see myself represented,” she recalls. “It was as if American Girl dolls took my personal feelings and turned them into a story that validated my experiences.”
Years later, the dolls had been tucked away, stored in her closet, forgotten except for occasional moments when the children she nannied would play with them. So, when her mother decided to take action, Stilphen was taken by surprise.
“My mom has always been so thoughtful and caring, and she had mentioned before that we should get the dolls fixed up, but I didn’t expect her to go to such lengths,” she says.
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Stilphen’s mother had the dolls renewed and set in a beautiful carrier. The gesture was not only unexpected but deeply meaningful.
“Honestly, the gesture of getting my doll fixed made me feel incredibly touched and grateful,” Stilphen admits. “It was such a thoughtful and loving thing for my mom to do, and it really reminded me of all the ways she’s always put me first.”
Her mother’s unwavering support throughout her life became even more apparent. “She was a single mom starting when I was 5 years old, and despite the challenges, she always made sure I had everything I needed. She put me through private school and did everything she could to make sure I felt like I fit in with the other students,” she said.
Given their strong mother-daughter bond, it was only natural for Stilphen’s mom to think about preserving her daughter’s memories in eager anticipation of future grandchildren.
“She definitely talks about being a grandma all the time,” Stilphen reveals. “She’s always talking about how she can’t wait to come over, make dinner, teach them how to swim, and play with them.”
When Stilphen imagines her future, she sees the dolls as an essential part of it. “My American Girl dolls were so special to me, and I’ve always dreamed of passing them down,” she tells PEOPLE.
Whether she has sons, daughters, or both, she looks forward to sharing these dolls and their stories with the next generation. “I can’t wait to share the dolls with them and let them create their own memories with them,” she expressed.
For Stilphen and her mother, the American Girl dolls are not just relics of childhood; they are connections to the past, each one a symbol of the love that binds generations together.
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