Barbie Buying Guide
Few toys have as charged a history as Barbie. Love her or hate her, you know her, and chances are your niece, little sister, or daughter is familiar with her too. Little girls have been looking to their Barbies since 1959 for an example of how to do everything with grace--and in fabulous clothes. She's been an astronaut, a flight attendant, a beach bunny, a girlfriend, a nurse, a princess, and always looked perfectly suited to her position. Though they're clearly not plastic, little girls look to Barbie with hope that maybe one day they can look and feel as confident and capable as she does. She's the American Dream for women. But enough reminiscing. Let's take a look at Barbie's evolution and where she's at today
Different Looks
Over the years, Barbie's undergone several makeovers. For starters, when she first came out, Barbie looked demurely down and off to the side. It wasn't until 1971 with the Malibu model that Barbie's gaze was head on. She's also had a wide, wide variety of hairstyles: everything from the classic pony tail and bangs to the trendy bubble 'do to painted on hair. Most recently, her body has gotten a makeover when inches were added to her waist so she'd be better suited to today's fashions. At least that's the statement Mattell issued; some believe it's because of mounting evidence that Barbie's unrealistic proportions cause eating disorders in her young fans.
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Original Barbie #1 1959 
The original Barbie was named after the creator's daughter, Barbara. She was one of the first children's dolls to feature an all grown up look--including very distinctive breasts, which many parents were upset with--and was available in blonde or brunette. |
Barbie Bubble Cut
Barbie with the very dated bubble hair-do debuted in1961. But a much bigger development happened in that year: Barbie started dating Ken (also named after one of the creator's children). The original commercial urges children to take Barbie and Ken on dates, and "see where things will lead!" (The altar, of course) |
American Girl Barbie
This doll is one of the most valuable vintage Barbies because of her exciting new haircut: a fresh bob with bangs that came in either a side or middle part. She also featured bendable legs (the second ever Barbie model to do so). |
Twist and Turn Barbie
The most moveable Barbie yet, Twist and Turn had both bendable legs and a swivelling torso. Subsequent Barbies with TNT bodies have the year "1966" printed on their bottoms (the year the change occurred) and have mislead many collectors into thinking that they'd found a vintage Barbie when they hadn't. |
1970 Malibu Barbie
This one of the most popular vintage Barbies, which may be surprising considering she's the most minimal (she was issued without shoes!). But her dark tan, long, flowing hair, and general sunny appearance make her broad appeal pretty obvious. |
Dolls You Can Buy Now for Kids
Dolls You Can Buy Now for Collectors
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Happy Birthday Barbie is one of the top picks for a young girl. It features fun, easy to handle accessories (including a tiara for Barbie's owner) and costs around £12.
Just make sure the age of the child is appropriate for a Barbie doll, which may be too small and hard to handle for a very young girl. |
Recommendations for Collectors
Doll collectors will be eagerly awaiting the holiday season for the emergence of the following new models: - Barbie Fan Club Exclusive
- Designer
- Fashion
- Vintage Reproductions
- Wizard of Oz Series
- World and Other
Barbie Accessories
Remember that Barbie needs other things to live the fabulous life including a house, a car, friends, family, and of course, a boyfriend.
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