This year’s must-have holiday toy is putting a spell on shoppers’ wallets — and not in a good way.
American Girl’s two limited-edition “tinge” Collector Series dolls — a glammed-up Glinda and a green-washed Elphaba — quietly emerged on Sept. 22, just ahead of the blockbuster sequel “Wicked: For Good,” which hit US theaters on Nov. 21.
But quicker than you can click your heels, they were gone. Both dolls flew off store shelves and bubbled up on the American Girl site, sending desperate fans racing to resale sites, where listings for Elphaba now soar to a wicked $999.
And while children may have been the target shoppers for the doll’s design, it’s the grown-up Grinches who are stealing Christmas from the kiddos — and flexing their coveted collectibles on TikTok.
The lucky few who snagged the popular playthings aren’t shy about showing off their magical hauls.
In a recent clip, user @katnisseverslay twirled around with her Glinda doll, captioning the clip, “My $300 hg [homegirl].”
In another video, @carladistefano30 toted her Elphaba from the kitchen to the backyard, poking fun at her obsession: “how I spend my days after spending $300 on a green American Girl doll.”
Comments beneath the latter post ranged from awe to sticker shock: “She is sold out now, so I guess you have a true collector item,” one viewer wrote, while another admitted, “Imagine spending $800 for them and their pajamas, I definitely have a problem.”
Eat your heart out, Tickle Me Elmo — in 2025, it’s twenty-somethings, not kindergarteners, racing for the hottest toy of the season. And why are adults treating toys like the stock market? Nostalgia, naturally.
User @deirdre_treacy shared a video of herself unboxing her Glinda doll, marveling at the intricate details, captioning it, “This is your sign to buy an American Girl doll to relive your childhood.”
Elphaba, originally priced at $295, comes dripping with emerald attitude with her green-to-black ombré gown, witch hat, broom and removable chiffon cape. Her fingers and toes are tinged with glossy green polish, and even her eyeshadow has a magic touch.
Only 6,000 dolls modeled after “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo were made, which also happen to be the first American Girl doll to sport microbraids.
Glinda, also originally $295, looks transcendent in her iridescent ball gown, bubble wand in her pink-tipped hand, with enough glitter and rhinestones to blind a Munchkin.
Made to resemble Ariana Grande’s character, just 6,800 exist worldwide.
Both dolls come with basic undies, bendable vinyl limbs, cuddly cotton bodies, and a numbered certificate — because even magic needs a receipt.
Even the dolls’ bedtime looks are making fans cough up cash. Limited-edition “Popular” PJ sets originally sold for $80 each — Elphaba’s being violet to contrast her green skin, and Glinda’s, of course, a bubblegum pink.
Now, even the witches’ sleepytime ensembles are commanding Broadway-level markup. Their sleepover styles are flipping on eBay: Elphaba’s robe and pintucked PJs go for around $295, Glinda’s pink satin set is fetching about $199.
Collectors aren’t shy about showing off. One viewer admitted, “So real. I’ve been taking my Glinda everywhere.”
Another sighed beneath a dramatic unboxing video from an additional collector, “I am soooooo torn. I know $800 is CRAZY but oh my goodness I’m obsessed.”
Price shock was rampant too: “They’re cute … but not 300 dollars cute,” one noted, while another said bluntly, “I can’t even afford rent, I don’t see how people are out here buying $300 dollar American dolls. That doesn’t even favor the characters fr.”
In the end, these witches may not cast spells, but they’re working magic on wallets — and in 2025, the hottest accessory isn’t a wand or a tiara… It’s disposable income.
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