So Many Thoughts on GOTY 2026

 

It's that time of year again! AG has released a new Girl of the Year, so it's time for my fourth annual GOTY opinions post! I'm a few days late, but I've had a lot on my plate. (Hey that rhymes-)

Let's get started! :)

Raquel 18-inch Doll and Journal

She's cute! Really, really cute. I know collectors have been really excited about her from the leaks, and I totally get it. Her meet outfit is probably my favorite that they've done in a hot minute. It's not really something I would wear myself, but it's cute, and probably something I would put on my dolls! Raquel herself is very cute. I think she would be fun to photograph. 

From her description, it says that she's from Kansas City, so another Missouri girl?? I am sold. I don't live in Missouri, but it's where I was born; I've always treasured the fact that Lea is from Missouri, and while I wasn't planning to buy Raquel, I'm a little more tempted now! Raquel seems like a very dynamic character with lots of interests, so I'm pretty content with her! The fact that she's Samantha's great-great-granddaughter is so funny. I kind of wish they had left Samantha's fate open-ended, but from a marketing standpoint, that's so genius because Raquel can act as a gateway to get kids into the historical characters. 

Raquel's Accessories

I'm never overly excited about the accessories because they're just little things that cost a lot altogether. However, continuing my line of thorough amusement over her being related to Samantha, I think the nods to Sam are clever and very story-focused, which irks me that she only has a journal. Alas, I don't think AG is interested in changing the journal trend any time soon. 

Raquel's Seaside Car

This must be her big-ticket item! I don't know why it's funny to me. 😂 I'm never a huge fan of the GOTY big ticket items... but I did just find one of my grails at a flea market, which happens to be a GOTY big ticket item, so maybe being a little hypocritical here. I can't tell y'all too much because it's supposed to be my birthday gift. I realize I'm off topic, but whatever. 

Raquel's Piney Point Pickleball Oufit

Pickles are (unpopular opinion?) my favorite food, tbh, so when I learned in middle school that pickleball had nothing to do with pickles, I was a little disappointed. I've been holding that grudge ever since. Nah, I don't have much interest in pickleball, but it's kind of funny because I personally have connections between pickleball and Samantha?? I implemented pickleball into my Samantha's hobbies in, like, 2022 or 2023--- before Raquel was even thought of. So. That's kinda creepy that AG made that connection. If Mattel scouts are reading this, please kindly monetize me and let me take promotional photos for the brand. Thank you very much. 

Raquel's Pickleball Bag

Yeah, that's the stuff you need for pickleball. (The sarcasm is off the charts, guys.) It's a pretty realistic set! Unfortunately, pickleball paddles remind me of the time I hit myself in the face with a ping pong paddle, so I try to avoid them at all costs. Which, you know, is ironic because my favorite sport to play is Badminton... so, kinda similar. 😉

Raquel's Dog, Luzita

My first reaction was, "That's a funny looking dog," and honestly, I'm sticking with that. She's adorable, but I crack up every time I look at her. 

Raquel's Coastal Pajamas

A pair of GOTY pajamas I actually love?? I never thought I'd live to see the day! Doesn't mean I'll buy them, but they are very cute. I almost think you could use them as not-pajamas. Since I have so many doll pajamas that don't get used, it's just not something I intend to add to my collection. Although... I kinda want to gatekeep my plan, but I've been wanting to make Min-Ji and Troy coordinating pajama pants for, like, a year now. If you saw my plan, I promise you'd see the vision.

Raquel's Vintage Vanity

Am I the only one who thinks this doesn't look vintage? Like, obviously it's painted not-vintage colors, but I digress. I spend as much of my free time as possible in flea markets and thrift stores, so idk. And now that I'm getting off-topic, if I ever do a sewing-related post like I've wanted to since 2022, remind me to show you guys my new sewing area!! *I thrifted the pieces, that's why it's relevant.* So anyway, Raquel is preppy. What's next?

Raquel's Beach Party Dress

Okay, this reminds me of the World Traveler outfits! I think I'm specifically thinking of the Peru one, maybe? It's not a bad outfit, but it's not one I'm interested in adding to my collection. I really like that it comes with a bag! 

Raquel's Beach Outfit

Yeah. I mean, it's nice. I'm not too excited about this one, but it's cute. I used to have Birkenstocks very similar to the sandals in this outfit, and they were awesome shoes. I ended up wearing them until the straps started tearing off. So. It would be fun to have those for dolls, kind of like the AG and Crocs collab. 

Raquel's Beach Chairs & Barbecue Set

OH!! KANSAS CITY BARBECUE!! Did y'all know different regions in the US have different bbq styles? Kansas City style is different from Texas style, which is different from Memphis style, which is different from Carolina style. :) This is the most random knowledge I'm sharing today lol. So basically, Raquel is from a city that has a prominent barbecue style, and I really wish they would have considered that before passing this little grill off as "barbecue." Bbq is a big thing in my family, so I know a lot, but yeah, I really don't think a KC native would ever call what this set portrays "real" barbecue. It's just a significant little thing in several parts of American culture that gives regions their identity, so I'm disappointed that they don't really seem to be embracing the Kansas City representation in that aspect. 

Wow. Never thought there'd be a rant about bbq on Just Dolling.

However, I would love this set to go with my doll pool I got at a garage sale a while back!! I'm not about to drop $75, but I think that price is pretty fair. 

Raquel's Summertime Treats

Doll food is always fun, no exceptions. This is another set, to me, that isn't my thing, but doll food is yet another thing I have sworn off bringing into my collection. I have no commentary except that it's nice. :)

Raquel's Dolphin Duo

Wait, okay, you know what these dolphins look almost identical to? Storytime: so, my 5th birthday party was at a theater that was doing the Little Mermaid musical, and they ran the games at my party; one of the games was basically hot potato, but the winner got to have an ADORABLE dolphin plushie. I wanted that dolphin so badly, and could not fathom someone else winning it on MY birthday?? But then I won it, and I have cherished the dolphin ever since. These look very, very similar to the dolphin I won on my 5th birthday (except higher quality...). I'd say AG was trying to do too much with Raquel, but then again, dolphins are pretty cool, so I'm not mad. 

And that brings us to the end! Overall, I like Raquel's collection, and I'm actually super interested in her story! I think AG hit it out of the part with this GOTY. 

That's all for now. Have a great week and remember to eat your veggies! Bye! <3