AG: Raquel GOTY 2026

[impy]

If one measures AG success by how often I get messaged by other friends about the newest doll, Raquel is a hit. I don't think AG uses that metric, however, but still, it's been awhile since people came out of the woodwork and had AG opinions to the degree it sparked them picking up the books. YAY!




Raquel Reyes Doll // $135
Item#JGM71
Raquel Reyes™ loves DJing, taste-testing paletas at her family’s shop in Kansas City, and spending time with her lovable rescue pup, Luzita™. For the summer, she’s heading to the East Coast for a big family reunion and wedding. Amid the fun-in-the-sun days with her cousins, she encounters a few surprises—including her great-great-grandmother’s diary. Enjoy hours of play with our 2026 Girl of the Year™, Raquel, an American Girl 18-inch doll with brown eyes and dark-brown hair. Create matching moments with Raquel’s™ Gingham Ruffle Outfit for Girls (sold separately).

Premium features:
An 18" Raquel doll with brown eyes that open and close, and dark-brown hair styled in a front ponytail with a gingham bow. She has a soft cotton body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl.
An outfit inspired by Raquel’s great-great-grandmother Samantha Parkington’s iconic look: a pink-and-plum gingham-print top with a ruched front, puff sleeves with attached purple bows, and a ruffled bottom hem; a gingham-print full skirt with gathers at the waist; and a matching hair tie with a gingham-print fabric bow

Also includes:
A golden cuff bracelet with a bow, a pair of pink platform shoes with ankle straps and purple bows at the toes, and a pair of underwear
An illustrated paperback book, The Diary of Raquel Reyes, that tells how Raquel shares her passion for music and family history, reconnects with her relatives, and springs into action with her cousin Sloan for an important rescue mission
  I love everything about Raquel except for the fact that I cannot justify getting her because I have Maritza. And yet... If I can't find Raquel's stuff on the secondary market at a good price, I might cave and get her and then let the universe sort out what to do with two nearly identical dolls. But I love her outfit and her accessories and I want to be reading that journal already and why, oh why, did AG get out of the ebook game?
I am also choosing not to acknowledge the DJing thing because even I have my limits.



Raquel's Accessories // $34
Item#JGM72
Raquel Reyes™ totes around these accessories while visiting the East Coast, where she learns more about her family, including great-great-grandmother Samantha Parkington™. This 10-piece set of American Girl outfit accessories for 18-inch dolls pairs with the Raquel 18-inch doll (sold separately).

Premium features:
A golden chain necklace with metal charm that matches Samantha’s™ original heart-shaped brooch locket
A diary that used to belong to Samantha with some of her writing inside, a photo of Samantha, a photo of Samantha’s house, and a recipe card with two recipes in Raquel’s handwriting—one for peppermint ice cream (Samantha's favorite flavor) and one for watermelon paletas (Raquel's favorite flavor)

Includes:
A cream-colored canvas tote bag with pink and purple striped straps, a front pocket, and Raquel’s name embroidered in pink on the front
A pair of pink sunglasses with round gradient lenses
A faux cell phone with a detachable pink case and a removable phone screen
  This is very much a case of the set is not worth the asking price but I will wind up paying because the diary will be miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. Also the necklace. I wish they'd either made the diary nicer or the tote bag nicer because as it is they feel like their cheapness is weighing the set down. I will say that perhaps the bag will seem nicer in person. I don't love the look of the sunglasses, but they do get points for being different.


Raquel's Piney Point Pickleball Outfit // $42
Item#JGM78
Raquel Reyes™ learns how to play pickleball in Mount Bedford with the help of her relatives. Her cousin Sloan picks out this outfit for her to wear when they play. This American Girl 5-piece 18-inch doll outfit with accessories pairs with the 2026 Girl of the Year Raquel’s Pickleball Bag & Paddle Set (sold separately).

Includes:
A pink knit short-sleeved top with a Piney Point center graphic, a nod to the summer house Samantha Parkington loved to visit
A white pleated skirt with a pink-and-teal stripe, plus pink-and-teal bows on the side
A pair of pink knee socks and a pair of white tennis shoes with contrasting pink side details
A hair tie with a pink ribbon bow
  I haven't a clue what pickleball is, aside from knowing that some of the absolute worst people in my area play it and have made it their life. That said, this is cute. It's very pink and very preppy but Raquel pulls it off. I do love the color combo of pink and mint (you can call it turquoise, AG, but I'm going mint) on the skirt. It's not my favorite of her extra outfits, but I like it.




Raquel's Pickleball Bag and Paddle Set // $42
Item#JGM79
Raquel Reyes™ tries pickleball for the first time on vacation and later DJs at a pickleball tournament. This American Girl 8-piece set of 18-inch doll accessories pairs with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Piney Point Pickleball Outfit (sold separately).

Includes:
A pair of pickleball paddles dolls can hold, featuring pink handles, a white and teal star graphic, and golden edges
A white pickleball bag with pink piping, a side mesh pocket, a pickleball graphic, and a front zipper pocket that can hold the racket
Three pink pickleballs
A water bottle with a blue-green gradient print and pink lid
A teal visor with a transparent pink bill and an embroidered American Girl logo
  Did no one at AG pick up on the fact that the gradient on the waterbottle looks like it's growing mold? Anyone? Just me? This is one of those times when I desperately miss ye olde PC catalogs because I feel like they would've sold me on this in no time. As it is, eh. It's there and now you can pretend to play pickleball with your doll, so that's fun.



Raquel's Beach Outfit // $42
Item#JGM73
Raquel Reyes™ is ready for seaside fun in this outfit she wears to a family reunion held at a beach house. This 18-inch doll outfit pairs with the American Girl 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Summertime Treats Set, Beach Chairs & Barbecue Set, Seaside Car, and Dolphin Duo (each sold separately).

Includes:
A 2-in-1 swim outfit featuring a light pink floral-print swimsuit top with flutter sleeves, matching floral swim bottoms with ruffles at the legs, and a matching wrap swim-skirt that ties with a pink satin ribbon
A straw hat with a wide brim and a light-pink satin-ribbon band
A pair of pink double-strap sandals
  It's funny that AG decided to go so heavy on a beachy/coastal theme for a doll they debuted maybe 5 days before Summer officially ended and well after it's unofficial end. This is the most she's looked like Maritza, and I mean that with the judgemental eyebrows. I really wish they hadn't tweaked the Joss mold to give her crazy/mean brows because Joss herself was adorable. Anyway, not my favorite outfit, but I think I'd like it on another doll more maybe. I'm vexed at the shoes though and you should be as well.



Raquel's Summertime Treats Set // $ 44
Item#JGM74
Raquel Reyes™ introduces her East Coast cousins to paletas, a frozen Mexican treat—like the ones her family’s shop in Kansas City is famous for. This American Girl 13-piece 18-inch doll playset pairs with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Beach Outfit, Beach Chairs & Barbecue Set, Seaside Car, and Dolphin Duo (each sold separately).

Premium features:
A bright-pink beach cooler with rolling wheels, an extendable light-pink handle dolls can hold, a removable light-pink tray, and space to store all the included items inside, plus a set of stickers to customize the exterior

Includes:
A light-pink and white circular beach blanket with a pink fringed edge
A set of six paletas: two orange, two blue, and two pink
Two bottles of orange soda and two sandwich wraps
  The sandwich wraps are making me think of witch fingers. I may have Halloween on the brain. This is another set I'm meh on due to the price but at a lower price point, I'd be fine with it. You do you, AG.



Raquel's Beach Chairs and Barbecue Set // $75
Item#JGM75
Raquel Reyes™ can’t wait to lounge at the beach, barbecue, and bond with her cousins while on her seaside vacation. This American Girl 13-piece playset for 18-inch dolls pairs perfectly with 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Summertime Treats Set, Beach Outfit, Seaside Car, and Dolphin Duo (each sold separately).

Premium features:
A pair of pink-and-white striped folding beach chairs that can be placed in three different upright positions, featuring fabric seats and sturdy faux-wood frames
A faux-wood table that matches the chair frames
A light-blue grill with a handle that dolls can hold, plus a removable lid, grate, and coals

Also includes:
A set of two glasses of pink lemonade with lime garnish, two elotes (grilled corn with toppings), two kebabs, two light-blue plates, and a set of pink tongs

Please note:
All food items are pretend.

  I think we have very different ideas about BBQ, Raquel. I think the grill is cute, the chairs look a little too plasticy but are probably safer to use that way, but can we not call things ~faux wood~ when we mean plastic? Also, bet you thought I was exagerating when I said AG was going all in on the beachy theme, huh? This is reminding me of the AGOT Webber grill they had for awhile. Man, I really wanted that thing.

I appreciate the dedication to the color scheme.




Raquel's Dolphin Duo // $32
Item#JGM77
When Raquel Reyes™ travels to the East Coast for a family reunion, she hopes to see her favorite animal—dolphins! She and her cousin Sloan spot a mama and baby dolphin while on the beach. Pair these American Girl plush toys for girls with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Beach Outfit, Summertime Treats Set, and Seaside Car (each sold separately).

Includes:
A plush blue-and-white mother dolphin
A plush blue-and-white baby dolphin
  I do not need a mama and baby AG dolphin, I do not need a mama and baby AG dolphin, I do not need a mama and baby AG dolphin...
I will have them though. Muhahahaha... no seriously, this is added to my wtf, AG collection as soon as I have money.



Raquel's Seaside Car // $275
Item#JGM76
This cool vintage-style car lets Raquel Reyes™ feel the ocean breeze as she cruises with her cousin crew during her family’s beach vacation. This American Girl 8-piece 18-inch doll car with accessories pairs perfectly with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Summertime Treats Set, Beach Outfit, Beach Chairs & Barbecue Set, and Dolphin Duo (each sold separately).

Premium features:
A robin’s-egg-blue beach car that fits two dolls, featuring a removable pink-and-white striped canvas canopy, faux rattan seats with seatbelts and pink trim, a pink hood and trunk that really open, a built-in glovebox, a removable faux-rattan storage basket that fits behind the seats, and rolling wheels. The car has working headlights and taillights, a horn that really honks, a radio that plays six songs, and a key that makes an engine sound when turned in the ignition


Also includes:
Beach day essentials: a pink tumbler with the AG logo and a handle dolls can hold, a pretend sunscreen bottle, a pink-and-white striped beach towel with orange trim, and a light-blue flying disc
A metallic car key with a star detail attached to a pink faux-leather keychain

Shipping & gifting:
Shipping: Shipping to Canada? Call us at 800-845-0005.
This product cannot be shipped to Canada.
  Remember when AG went out of their way to make Julie's VW so she COULDN'T be accused of driving? Now AG's like fuck it, let the little kid drive a car, it's fiiiiiiiiiiiiine. And yes, I did include the confusing mixed message for the people in Canada who might want to order this.
I actually really do like this one. Not enough to shell out the cash for it, but as far as the AG cars go, it's probably my favorite of the most recent ones. I don't love the paler/peachier pink they use for the canopy, but I think it's because if it's peachier, it's a color I don't like period and if it's pale non-peachy, it feels a shade or two too light. But it works okay for the seats. Hate the orange trim on the towel because why is it orange?!
The license plate made me chortle with glee when I first saw it.





Raquel's Beach Party Dress // $42
Item#JGM80
At the family reunion talent show, Raquel Reyes™ wears this dress as she showcases her special talent as a DJ. This vibrant American Girl 4-piece 18-inch doll dress and matching accessories pairs with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel 18-inch doll (sold separately).

Includes:
A dark purple cotton dress featuring embroidered flowers inspired by Raquel’s Mexican heritage, sequin details, an off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline, and a pink ribbon sash around the waist
A faux-straw woven purse with embroidered flowers on the front and dark-purple handles
A glittery light-pink headband
A pair of glittery light-pink platform shoes with ankle straps and pink bows at the toes
  While I am more of a cool purple girl myself, I must admit that the warmer purple works better for Raquel. I don't love how they have her hair styled for this whole look but I think the dress is very pretty. I'm not totally sold on the shoes going with it, color wise, but that's just me being picky. Bag is cute but a little small, but I think I've vented enough already about AG's scale being off. I mean, they've only had 39 years to fix it, why start now.



Raquel's Vintage Vanity // $135
Item#JGM82
Raquel Reyes™ is excited for her cousin Harper’s wedding as she gets ready at this vintage-inspired vanity in her great-great-grandmother Samantha’s old bedroom. This American Girl 12-piece playset for 18-inch dolls pairs perfectly with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel™ 18-inch doll and Raquel's Accessories (each sold separately)

Premium features:
A vintage-inspired blue vanity with a wooden top, "turned"-style legs, a functional oval-shaped mirror, drawers that open and close, and golden drawer pulls shaped like bows
A pink metal chair dolls can sit in, featuring a seatback shaped like a bow
A round trinket box that belonged to Raquel’s great-great-grandmother Samantha, featuring a domed lid with a vintage-inspired rose pattern

Also includes:
A faux curling iron that the doll can hold, featuring a pink handle and a metallic barrel with a spring-clamp function, just like the real thing!
A large light-blue hairstyling clip, two makeup brushes with pink handles and real bristles, and a clear two-section caddy with a golden base to store them
A pink cushioned headband Raquel wears while getting ready
A pink compact with a mirror and faux makeup inside, a pretend bottle of blue nail polish, and a pink faux perfume bottle
  ...I love this. I love that instead of the weird gold plastic that looks so ugly, they went with the stuff that actually looks golden. The mint/robin's egg blue, light pink, and gold combo is so, so pretty. Raquel gets an actual cushioned headband instead of it being molded plastic. I love the trinket box being Samantha's. Why do I love this? *cries in poor*
I also love that when they point out the details (in more detail), they mention the bow chair is a nod to Samantha's iconic bow.



Raquel's Dog Luzita // $42
Item#JGM81
Raquel’s rescue pup, Luzita, is the official taste-tester of the dog-friendly flavors at her family's paleta shop. This 4-piece set includes an adorable American Girl pet with matching accessories for 18-inch dolls and pairs with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel Reyes™ 18-inch doll (sold separately).

Includes:
A plush Pomeranian dog with fluffy light-brown fur and a white chest
A tote-bag dog carrier with pink and white stripes, pink ribbon handles, and Luzita’s name embroidered on the side
A poop bag holder with a faux bag sticking out
A pink dog bowl with faux water inside
  I'm sorry, 42 dollars for a plush dog, bag, and a couple of accessories? AG, wtf? You could adopt a real dog for less than that upfront if you timed it right, particularly a rescue dog! Look at that face. That is the face of a dog that is PLOTTING.



Raquel's Coastal Stripes PJs // $30
Item#JGM83
Raquel Reyes™ relaxes on her East Coast vacation in these breezy PJs with beachy vibes. Create American Girl matching moments by pairing these 18-inch doll pajamas with the 2026 Girl of the Year™ Raquel’s Coastal Stripes Pajamas for Girls (sold separately).

Includes:
A white woven PJ tank top with pink and teal stripes, ruching along the neckline, and flutter straps
A pair of matching wide-leg pajama pants with pink and teal stripes, wide cuffs with piping detail, and an attached pink ribbon at the waist
A pair of fuzzy pink mule slippers with large bows at the toes
  Annnnnnnnd these I love. Give them to me now, please and thank you. I also like how Raquel's hair looks in these shots. I'm not totally in love with the rumpled appearance of the PJs but they still scratch the nostalgic itch and remind me of Molly or Nanea by way of Raquel's color scheme.

All in all, I like most of Raquel's stuff and I love that they linked her to Samantha. I only wish she didn't have the Maritza-like brows and also just didn't seem like Maritza 2.0, doll wise. I did go and look at a comparison or two of the dolls, and I will be looking for more, but while they aren't quite as similar as I thought, they're still really close. Like Maritza's red highlights and the length of her hair are doing a LOT of the heavy lifting. I also didn't realize that Maritza is now so sought after? Y'all slept on her for years and now you want her?

I guess that tracks.

Comments

[luxken27]

So, I take it that Raquel is Samantha's descendent? :D

I like the beach party dress, but could take or leave the rest of the stuff. The dog is cute but not worth $42 and those pictures are just unfortunate, with the tuft of fur making the eyes look suspect.

The dolphins are surprisingly adorable!

I played pickleball in junior high school and thought it was just a fever dream until the sudden pickeball crazy started a couple of years ago. We played with wiffle balls and tennis racquets (I think) on the gym floor. Apparently "real" pickleball is played with ping pong bats on tennis courts. I'm sure the tennis snobs are oh so happy about that!

[impy]

I believe she's her great-great granddaughter. :D

The dog is cute but not worth $42 and those pictures are just unfortunate, with the tuft of fur making the eyes look suspect
It's times like these I am left to assume that AG simply is marketing me directly with certain shots because the dog would be on my take it or leave it list if not for the fact that she is clearly plotting to murder people and I need in on that. Not for that pricetag though, so I'm safe for now.


Pickleball still doesn't seem real to me, though knowing you've played does make me more inclined to believe it is not, in fact, a prank being played out on the general population.

I'm sure the tennis snobs are oh so happy about that!
Oh, the snort that prompted. I mean, the tennis elite are ever so welcoming and are known far and wide for this. Definitely not making me wonder if that's who Raquel's dog is working for and the plotting being done. Nope, not at all.