A long, long time ago my friends and I collected the American Girl Dolls. I loved reading the historical period books that came with my companions: Felicity, Addy, Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. Little girls learn through the "decorative arts" by collecting and outfitting their dolls with clothing accessories and small daily life objects. Or, a more pessimistic approach offers the story of American consumerism. See American Girl Place in Chicago.