Meet Summer McKinny: American Girl’s 2025 Doll of the Year

American Girl’s 2025 Girl of the Year is here, and she’s already stealing hearts. Meet Summer McKinny, a creative, animal-loving kid who’s turning her passions into a business—and making a difference along the way. If your child is into dogs, baking, or dreaming up big ideas, this is a doll worth checking out.

Summer McKinny: A Story That Feels Real—and Really Inspiring

Summer isn’t just about fun outfits and cute accessories (though she has plenty of those). Her story is centered on starting Waggy Pup Tails, a dog walking and treat baking business. She’s saving part of her profits to support Four Paws, the animal shelter where she adopted her sweet pup, Crescent.

Things get a little more chaotic—and fun—when her Aunt Olivia moves in with her quirky cat, Fettuccine. Between pet drama and prepping for her first youth entrepreneur fair, Summer’s got a lot on her plate. But her determination and creativity shine through, and her story shows how even small actions can lead to big impact.

What Comes in the Box

Like all American Girl dolls, Summer is beautifully made. She’s 18 inches tall with lifelike details, soft hair for styling, and poseable limbs that make her easy to play with. Her outfits reflect her personality: stylish, playful, and practical.

She also comes with a book that tells her full story—and for kids who love reading, there’s more where that came from. Check out Summer Gets to Work and My Journal for extra adventures and deeper dives into her world.

A Gift With Lasting Value

Summer is definitely a premium gift, but she delivers on quality and playtime potential. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the storyline brings in great messages about kindness, hard work, and giving back. It’s the kind of toy that sparks imagination—and holds up over years of play.

If you’re looking for an Easter gift, birthday present, or something special “just because,” Summer McKinny brings a little something extra to the table: a mix of fun, heart, and real-world values that kids can truly connect with.