All About Baby Dolls

Most people who crochet have made doilies, motifs, edgings or insertions at some time. If you can make these, you can easily convert them into beautiful clothes for a Barbie doll. The wonderful thing about crochet is that you can easily change the size by using smaller thread or a smaller hook. If you have a pattern that you love but find the motif is too large, you can make it smaller, and vice versa. These are ideas I used many times over the years to make doll clothes.
Remember, there are so many varieties of thread; white, ecru, pastels, bright colors, metallic.
Beading adds a wonderful look to Barbie’s clothes. Ribbon is run through small holes and either tied or you can place a small piece of velcro on each end.
Any motif can be filled in or very lacy; simply place the lacy motif over a piece of fabric lining and tack the corners.
Barbie’s dimensions are:
Bust: 6″
Waist: 3 3/4″
Hips: 5″
To make a cape:
Crochet any square motif.
You will want it an inch wider than Barbie’s shoulders.
Crochet a beading row and run small ribbon through the beading.
Tie around Barbie’s shoulders.
To make a skirt:
Each skirt will have either elastic thread around the top to make a full skirt or sew up the back to 1″ from the top and put ribbon beading around the top.
Remember that the elastic must go over Barbie’s hips so it must measure 5 1/2″ when stretched.
Also remember to leave enough elastic to tie. After you tie, run the ends back through the top and snip leaving at least 1/2″. I put a dab of liquid sewing on the ends to keep from unraveling.
Crochet two motifs larger than Barbie’s hips and join.
or
Crochet several small motifs and join (this can be made in different colors for a patchwork look).
Crochet a picot or ruffled edging around the bottom.
To make a pinafore apron:
Crochet one large motif for the bottom of the apron and a smaller motif for the apron bib.
Crochet beading on the top of each motif and join the two motifs.
Run ribbon through the beading for ties.
To make an easy top:
Use your favorite insertion pattern. Crochet two; each measuring 6 1/2″ wide and as long or as short as you wish, depending on whether you want it midriff, waist length or longer. Join the sides to the arm pits and join the insertions at the top with just one or two stitches so it will pull over her head.
A Slinky Dress or Top from Elastic Thread:
Using elastic thread (gold metallic is the fashion right now), crochet a square in sc 5 3/4″ wide and choose your length (waist, mini, knee or full length). This dress will be sleeveless and slide onto Barbie. It must be narrower than her bust or it will slide down. Add a gold ribbon around her waist.
To make Beading:
Join thread at corner; * ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across.
Run ribbon through beading.

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One of the most lasting icons of modern times for young girls almost definitely has to be that of the massive range of Barbie dolls that grace toy store shelves. Debuting to the world on March 9 1959, Barbie’s legacy still lives on.
Barbie has a fan base of women spanning nearly 50 years, from the time the Barbie dolls range of fashion dolls was launched to the present day. Although Barbie could be suffering a decline in with the advent of other popular fashion dolls in to the scene, it can’t be denied that Barbie dolls are still highly popular with young girls in western countries especially.
Women who have found memories of playing with their own Barbie dolls when they were young, go out of their way to not only get their own daughters Barbie dolls of their own, but if truth be said, it is these first owners of Barbie who scour the world looking for vintage Barbie dolls, which are admittedly collectors items.
As with anything that has as much popularity as Barbie does, there are detractors aplenty of the many different Barbie dolls and their accessories. One of the main bones of contention however, seems to be the fact that Barbie is and always has been an unrealistic role model for young girls to look up to. Many factors have been cited for this, with the unrealistic figure of the entire range of Barbie dolls being one of these factors.
Many people feel that it sets unrealistic goals for young girls to aspire to, and might even lead to these children suffering from eating disorders or other medical problems, including psychological problems. to counter these detractions the creators of Barbie dolls have given Barbie a much needed face lift to speak.
Whereas the Barbie dolls of earlier times had unrealistic body proportions the new Barbie is designed and built so that it has a body shape that is similar to that of a real life woman. These Barbie dolls are also portrayed as having career goals to which girls can share.
While the previous dolls were merely fashion models, actress dolls and hostess of glamorous parties the newer Barbie dolls have exciting careers which have the potential to inspire girls to dream of high dreams.
Even though many girls choose to buy other types of dolls there is still a portion of girls who are drawn to this doll with many lifestyles to her name. Unlike most of the dolls that you can find in the toy market only Barbie dolls have managed to achieved the status of an icon.

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Barbie will be fifty years old in 2009. I wish we all looked that good after half a century! Ah well she has had lots of plastic surgery over the years.
The first Barbie was made by Mattel in 1959 and since then millions have been sold all over the world. Her official birthday is March 9th 1959 when she was exhibited at the New York Toy Fair. She was dressed in a black and white zebra striped one piece swim suit, open toe high heeled shoes, hoop earrings and white sunglasses with blue lenses. She has blonde or brunette hair in a ponytail at the back. She has white irises and very arched eyebrows. The plastic had a tendency to fade and is usually white now. She has holes in her feet for mounting on a pedestal and copper tubing in the legs. She is marked JAPAN on the bottom of her right foot. On the back she is marked Barbie TM Pats. Pend. Copyright MCMVIII. Find one of these in good shape and you have a collector’s dream which they will pay quite a bit of money for. The exact value depends very much on condition and completeness. Damage or missing parts will downgrade your doll severely. She is known as the #1 Ponytail Barbie.
The #2 Ponytail Barbie is identical to #1 with the exception that there are no holes in her feet and no copper tubing. The pedestal is made with extensions to hold her up. She is marked the same as #1.
The #3 Ponytail Barbie is identical to #2 except for blue irises and different eyebrows. This Barbie has either blue or brown eyeliner.
The #4 Ponytail Barbie is made from a type of plastic which does not fade and retains its original flesh color. She is made up with blue eyeliner.
The #5 Ponytail Barbie has a hollow plastic body rather than the solid body of earlier editions. The markings are similar but she is now marked R Pats. Pend. Rather than TM Pats. Pend. A new hair color known as titian was introduced and dolls with this color hair are scarce and more valuable than the blonde or brunette. There was a problem with the plastic in some of these dolls which gives them a greasy appearance. If you find one with the original matte face it is more valuable than a “greasy” faced doll.
The #6 Ponytail Barbie has a different vinyl which does not become greasy with time. Her fingernails and lips are a pinkish red instead of the earlier bright red. She is dressed in a red swimsuit and red open toed shoes.
The #7 Barbie was made in several hair colors including ash blonde, lemon blonde, titian and brunette. Her nails and lips are orange red (coral). This changeover took place in the 1962-1963 period and the mark was changed to Midge TM copyright 1962/Barbie copyright 1958 by Mattel. The dolls with this new mark are referred to as the #7 Barbie usually, but some still call them #6. Dolls produced in 1962 before the changeover are scarce and more valuable than the new edition.
In valuing collectible Barbie dolls condition is the all important factor. A doll which is complete, not damaged and clean will fetch a premium price. If the doll is mint in the original packaging it is extremely desirable to collectors and will be priced accordingly. Dolls which have been restored or repainted are worth less than if left in the original faded condition.
Where can you buy old collectible Barbie dolls? Well just about anywhere if you know what to look for. Most people are totally unaware of what an old Barbie doll looks like or that it could be worth quite a bit of money. You can find them occasionally by searching garage sales, flea markets, and thrift or second hand stores. Take your magnifying glass along when you go treasure hunting so that you can read the markings on the dolls. Good luck.

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It is not unnatural that the online sellers repent for not saving their Barbie Dolls when they come to know the big bucks behind pretty doll business.
Barbie, the doll which has been attracting the worldwide kids and elders since 1959, is available for wide range of prices from $5 to $5,000.
One has to know the nuances of doll business to buy or sell Barbies online. For example, just handful of profit you can see if you put up a classic Bubble-cut Barbie for sale at low opening bid with no reserve.
Web reference
Thanks to Internet, one can get lot of information, pictures, quotes and suggestions on doll collection through browsing hundreds of websites. However, three websites are worth watching for latest updates and vast information of Barbie dolls.
Doll Reference is the best place to start off. This is a large, doll-collecting site, and the Barbie Menu is provided separately to find vintage Barbie & Friends of 1959 - 1976. There are more than 156 pages and nearly 2 thousand pictures in this section.
Official site for Mattel’s Barbie Dolls, Barbie Collectibles, cannot be ignored for your comprehensive information on Barbie Dolls business. From 1959 till today, it presents both classic and modern collection of Barbie Dolls and friends. Barbie fashions, newsletter to the members and space for showcasing member’s collection are the additional advantages of this website.
To get acquainted with the business lingo of Barbie Dolls, “Barbie Collecting Terminology” is a must watch. The website rolls out all kinds of letters/characters, abbreviations related to the title and their detailed information.
Tips to identify your Barbie
Markings encrypted on backside and back of the neck indicate the product details, in the absence of pictures. The condition of doll affects the cost like all other collectibles. Clothing, paint, torso, face and the condition of hair help you in determining the price. For a seller, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantage of these features. It is advisable that a buyer should ascertain the above, by sending an email or calling the seller if they are not found in the specifications.
It is a sad fact of life that some people are dishonest, others forgetful, and others misinformed about dolls. Just like in a real life transaction at a doll show or shop, you need to protect yourself from being “taken” by the less-than scrupulous when you buy or sell dolls on the Internet at such online auction houses like eBay or Amazon.com, or in person-to-person direct sales from web sites. Unlike real life, when you purchase a doll online, you can’t inspect it yourself. As a seller, your biggest fears are someone not paying you after the doll is sent, or someone returning a doll to you that is in worse condition than when you sent it. As a buyer, your biggest fear is getting NO doll at all after you have paid for it, or a doll that is in much worse condition than described. Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself in online transactions, as both a buyer and a seller:
BUYING:
1. Get REFERENCES: If you are dealing with an unknown person or entity, find out the names of other people who have had successful online transactions with the seller, and CONTACT THEM, via e-mail or phone.
2. Send a CHECK, and not a money order, whenever possible (this is the reverse of what you would prefer as a seller). You can stop a check, but there is little you can do about a money order if things go bad in the middle of a deal.
3. Get EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS. Ask questions if the initial description is not detailed enough, and make sure you receive answers. If you sense resistance, or receive evasiveness or vague answers, PASS.
4. Get PICTURES whenever possible. If the seller is not equipped to send them via e-mail, then request them via snail mail (computer-speak for US Postal Service).
5. Get a RETURN PRIVILEGE; You WILL get dolls that are over-optimistically described, and you WILL use this privilege if you buy many dolls online.
6. Use COMMON SENSE: If something feels “off” about the doll, the seller, or the transaction or you just get a bad feeling, LISTEN to your inner self, and pass on the doll. It isn’t worth taking a chance, and your inner warning system is usually reliable. The few times I have been “burnt” on a doll, if I had paid attention to my misgivings, I wouldn’t have been!
7. Don’t be RUSHED: If the seller is in an undue rush (desperate for money; family emergency, raising cash), your warning system should go off. Another doll will come along; PASS
8. Get a PHONE NUMBER and an ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and a post-office box; both can be ignored or disappear. Call the phone number.
9. KEEP CORRESPONDENCE: Keep all computerized correspondence until the doll is delivered, in case there is a dispute.
10. Do NOT Take Part In A THIRD PARTY Transaction: Don’t buy a doll from x who is either selling or shipping it for y. This is a recipe for disaster; you can get caught in the middle of a dispute between the two parties. This has happened to me; a lady went on a long vacation, left a doll with a friend to ship when my $$ were received. They had a dispute over postage and shipping costs (and, she stiffed her friend on the electricity bill). I had to pay postage and handling on the doll AGAIN (my cheapest option to get out of this), while the two parties continued to argue and I didn’t get my doll for nearly a month!
11. Does The Transaction Sound Too Good To Be True? Is someone offering you a perfect Jumeau? RUN, quickly, in the opposite computerized direction.
12. Don’t Buy Dolls that are TOO EXPENSIVE Online: Set a limit that won’t be TOO painful if all of your precautions are of no use, and you get stuck with the dog doll of the century or, even worse, no doll at all after payment.
13. SHIPPING INSURANCE: It is a good idea to have this, in case your doll is lost or damaged in transit.
SELLING:
1. Get REFERENCES. Does the buyer pay their bills? Get e-mail and phone references from online transactions to make sure.
2. MONEY ORDERS AND CHECK CLEARANCE: When you sell, money orders are best for YOU. Money Orders are best. If you accept checks, make 100% sure it has cleared your bank before you ship the doll.
.3 Get a PHONE NUMBER and ACTUAL ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and post office box or a PMB. Call the phone number.
4. DISCLOSE ALL FLAWS: As mentioned above. Is 100% honest or you will end up with unsuccessful transactions and returns!
5. Have POLICIES ON PAYMENT: Also as mentioned above, and stick to them
6. Offer a RETURN POLICY–I offer return for anything that is NOT as described (purchaser finds a flaw I didn’t describe, etc.) and a more liberal policy if asked for it up front.
7. Keep CORRESPONDENCE, DOCUMENTATION AND PICTURES: Since you DO offer a return policy, you need to protect yourself against the unscrupulous buyer who may return to you a DIFFERENT doll of the same type, which is in worse condition than yours (this is not very common, but could happen). I know one lady who sent out a mint #6 vintage Barbie, and what was returned to her was a very played with #6 Barbie. At least until the transaction is successfully completed, keep everything in case of a dispute.
8. Make The Buyer Purchase SHIPPING INSURANCE. It will help you have peace of mind, in case the box doesn’t arrive. Also, it gives you proof of successful delivery.
9. Ship PROMPTLY, and let your customer know when to expect shipment. If you are going on a one week vacation, and can’t ship that week, let your buyers know in ADVANCE so they don’t get nervous when their e-mails to you aren’t answered.
10. UPS VS. US MAIL? This is a personal choice; I have had good luck with Priority Mail, Insured. My UPS packages are often received more mangled than my post office ones, because UPS ships so many heavy packages. BUT, UPS has a marvelous tracking service; you can track a package with your computer. So, for my very expensive or large dolls, I DO use UPS. Both services offer return receipts for a fee, and for expensive dolls, I would purchase this extra peace of mind.
11. PACK the doll well. You DO NOT want to have an expensive doll ruined in transit. You will have a headache to deal with, a ruined sale, and an unhappy customer.

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Barbie Doll Collection – Guidelines
Here I wish to give an explicit list of instructions to collect Barbie dolls and a note on changing trends.
1. Look for no damage: Check the Barbie Doll you collect thoroughly, for any breaks or scratches since the defected dolls are less valued.
2. NRFB dolls are worthy: The Barbie Doll in ‘never removed from the box’ condition is more valuable than the one removed from pack.
3. Insist on original: A restored or an altered Barbie may be appealing but it is no good for collector, in terms of value.
4. Time of the make: The date you usually find on the abdomen of a doll is the designed date of mold but not the date it was made.
5. Distinct ones get more: The rarity of Barbie Dolls always counts. Dolls which are produced less than 35,000 as Limited editions are valued more than the Collector editions that are released more than 35,000 in number.
6. Attire: Doll with original getup and accessories are worthier than the Barbie Doll’s outfit when it is sold.
7. Update with latest price list: Buy a book that gives existing values for Barbie Doll. Assess your collectible Doll’s value by finding the same doll in list and an average of prices shown in such lists tells you the actual value.
8. Compare: Doll-shows at your place, auctions, local stores and online shops help you to compare the doll you are looking for with that of others.
9. How you evaluate is important: A Barbie Doll finds place in your collection only when it attracts you. In that way, your emotional attachment with that doll outdoes the market value and it becomes so precious for you!
10. That’s like a good doll: Good dolls never look weird as dumb or too trendy. You can pay more for collector picks and classics.
First is The Best
I received my first Barbie Doll on my fifth birthday in 1960. Like any other girl, I love the first doll of the collection. At that time Barbie was just one year or so and her first design was with strapless black and white zebra lines swimsuit and brown colored short hair.
Houseful of Dolls
It didn’t take much time to find plenty of Barbie Dolls within our collection. We, three little sisters collected dolls with every outfit and possible haircut. Our room used to be filled with sunglasses, earrings and plastic mules. Headless bodies of dolls in the garden and floating heads in the toilets had become common as the collection amassed.
We would have made much fortune if such large collection of 1960s was well taken care of.
Barbie’s Allies in 1960s
Barbie used to have apparently less number of friends, clothes, careers or vehicles in 60s. Assorted things and friends of Barbie was a big fascination for most girls.
Ken Carson, Barbie’s beau who was another important doll of my collection but I took less care to dress him up since he wore very casual clothes all the time including formal occasions accompanying Barbie.
Midge, the red haired friend of Barbie came later. However, Mattel was smart enough to design Midge’s clothes so specially that Barbie’s clothes never fit the blonde.
Barbie got a sister called Skipper and we had one Skipper doll at least.
Time for Multicultural Barbie’s
I was told about Caucasian dolls by couple of my African-American friends of our group while talking about toys and dolls we had. Including Mattel, the maker of Barbie couldn’t catch up the trend in time.
Old is Gold
If I were to buy, I would prefer to go for number of Barbie’s that look so chic and distinguished made in the years between 1959 and 1965.
As far as ‘the best collection’ of Barbie is concerned I recommend to spend on originals and first of the series and avoid indifferent qualities of latest ones.
Gift a look alike Barbie
Barbie is a perfect gift when you present it dressed in a similar way of little girl whose birthday or other occasion is on. Then the girl likes to keep her Barbie clean, new and carefully dressed as she does for herself.

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Did you realize that Barbie dolls are not just the favorite toy of little girls? Mattel estimates that there are over 100,000 adult collectors of Barbie dolls. Ninety percent of these collectors are women who are, on average around the age 40, and purchase at
least 20 Barbie dolls a year. Almost half of Barbie collectors each spend over $1000 a year.
Mattel in recent years has been catering to this niche market. They have produced a range of collectible Barbie dolls with the aim of encouraging collectors to increase their collections in line with their individual tastes and interests. Barbie dolls of popular TV
shows and movies, celebrities and popular singers, for example, have been produced with collectors in mind.
In 2004 Mattel introduced a color tier system to help categorize collectible Barbie dolls and help collectors to find them. The colors signify the amount of dolls produced worldwide and indicate the rarity factor of the different dolls. The color also indicates
which kind of retail store stocks the particular type of collectible doll.
There are four colors in the collectible tier system, and this article gives the characteristics of each tier.
The first tier is the Pink Label collectible dolls. There is no limit on the quantity of dolls produced with the Pink Label. Pink Label Barbies include ‘The Dolls of the World’ series, ‘Festivals of the World’, ‘Model Barbie’, as well as some of the ‘Pop Culture’ dolls. Most dolls in the Pink Label are Barbie dolls , but there are also a few of Kelly doll as well. The Pink Label packaging is distinctive; the is box trimmed in pink, and has a clear front.
The next tier is the Silver Label dolls. The packaging is similar to the Pink Label, but with the box trimmed with silver. The criteria for the Silver Label tier is that no more than 50,000 of any Silver Label doll will be produced world wide. Included in the Silver Label
are the ‘Wedding’ series, the ‘Birthday Barbies’, ‘Ballet Barbies’ and ‘I Dream of a Season’ dolls. Some types of Kelly doll and Tommy doll also can be found under the Silver Label.
Following the Silver is the Gold Label collectible dolls. Gold Label dolls are produced in quantities of no more than 25,000 of each doll. The packaging is different from the previous tiers. Silver Label dolls come in a “cake box” type package with an extra see through layer to protect the doll. The box has artwork and photography on the back and lid with gold decorative trimming. Included under the Gold Label are ‘Designer Fashion Model’ dolls, ‘Designer Bride’, Vintage Repros’ and ‘Pin-up Girls’ collectible dolls.
The top tier is the Platinum Label dolls. These dolls are produced in editions of less than 1,000, and also include one-of-a-kind-dolls that are available at special events, or are exclusive to one retail store only. An example of a Platinum Label collectible doll is the ‘White Chocolate Obsession? Barbie? Doll!’ The doll’s hair has the scent of white chocolate. Other dolls include the ‘Faerie Queen’, Badgley Mischka Bride Barbie, and the exclusive ‘The Nurse’ Barbie doll designed by Robert Best.
Collectors avidly collect these tier Label dolls, and are rewarded by the exquisite attention to details in the clothes and accessories of each specially designed Barbie. To retain the value of these dolls they should be kept in the box as new. This is unfortunate, as they need to be touched to really appreciate the intricate details of the gown and dolls features. Should dolls like this be played with? A good question and maybe a topic for another article!

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Most all girls love to play with Barbie dolls. I know my 4 year old daughter sure does. She even tries to get dad to play with her at times! I can remember back in 1959 when fashion Barbie came out. It wasn’t until 1967 when my sister got her first fashion Barbie doll. Barbie has certainly played an important role in the lives of millions of girls around the world.
Barbie dolls come in all different styles and manner of dress. That’s the best part of playing with dolls isn’t it? Girls getting to dress Barbie’s in different types of fashion. To a degree it is even educational, with a way for younger girls to learn about dressing and how fashion clothing works. I wonder if Mattel thought about the far reaching effects the Barbie doll would have back in 1959?
Many times, Barbie has come under criticism over the years for some of the doll clothes that were made for her. Barbie has been around since 1959 and for a long time many mothers would buy them for their little girls strictly because they had them when they were young. I know that this is what my sister did after she had her first one in 1967.Barbie certainly has a massive selection of fashion clothes, so you can always find Barbie dresses you feel are appropriate.
Although Barbie doll clothes can sometimes be pricey, you can find places to buy them at a good discount. You can find Barbie doll clothes on auctions sites such as eBay, where you can find some incredible deals on fashion clothes. Whether it be from 1959, 1967, or any other year, eBay has it all. Just be sure to check the fashions closely to make sure they are not worn out or the wrong type for your child’s doll.
You can also find Barbie dresses and fashion in retail stores. The Internet is also a good place to look. There are a large number of toy sites that have Barbie doll clothes that cost much less than what you could find in a toy store.
While buying Barbie doll clothes is certainly the most common way to get new fashions, you can also make your own clothes. If you happen to enjoy sewing, this is a great way to add to Barbie ’s fashions. You can make an unlimited number of outfits for your child’s doll, and it won’t cost you a mint. You can make just about any kind of Barbie fashion at home, and if you enjoy doing this, you might want to consider turning it into a way to make some good extra money.

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If you’re into Barbie dolls, then you might as well familiarize yourself everything about Barbie. A brief but intensive knowledge about Barbie, her history, and her makers will definitely help you in you pursuit of becoming a Barbie collector.
Barbie was designed and created by Ruth Handler based on a “Lilli doll” and was marketed as a “teenage fashion doll.” The full name of “Barbie” is Barbara Millicent Roberts born of George and Margaret Roberts of Willows, Wisconsin.
She is said to attend Willows High School in Willows in Wisconsin and Manhattan International High School in New York City. She was introduced in March 9, 1959 by Mattel, Inc. at the American International Toy Fair and from then on, Barbie became the best-selling doll in the world.
Barbie holds a pilot’s license and known to operate commercial airliners when she is off duty as a flight attendant. Because of her job, Barbie is known for having lots of friends that are of ethnically diverse and social circle that include the Hispanic Teresa, African-American Christie and Steven (Christie’s beau), and Kayla. But among these, the most popular companion of Barbie is her long-time boyfriend, Ken Carson, who followed her debut in 1961.
Aside from her love for flying, Barbie also loves animals, thus, she has 38 recorded pets like cats, dogs, horses, panda, lion cub, and a zebra. Known for her modern and lavish lifestyle, Barbie owns convertibles, trailers, jeeps and other expensive vehicles under her belt.
BEYOND THE DOLL
Aside from the lovable collections of Barbie dolls that were created and launched over the years, fans of Barbie couldn’t just get enough of her, thus, many of them created various stuff that are related to the doll. Some of these are merchandise, mementos, movies, and other souvenir items.
But among these, the most popular thing that was invented because of Barbie is the dress up Barbie doll game. This game has become popular to young girls and even to those girls who are young at heart.
Dress up Barbie doll game enables the player to dress up Barbie in trendy clothes with marching hairdos. This game also lets you dress up your choice of Barbie doll and lets you have an interactive experience with other players.
Aside from letting you dress up Barbie in any fashion you want, this dress up Barbie doll game also lets you change the color of the doll’s hair, lip, and cheeks. If you want to change everything, you can easily reset the game by manipulating the buttons.
The dress up Barbie doll game can be downloaded with minimum requirements such as supported OS Windows 2000 or Windows XP. You can also share it by sending it via funny messengers.

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The New York toy fair hosted the introduction of a phenomenon in 1959. This was when Barbie dolls were introduced to the world. They are still made at the present time and many millions have been sold all over the globe. Barbie doll collecting is a very popular hobby as a result and Mattel estimates that there are over 100,000 people who collect Barbie dolls. Most of these are female and are on average 40 years old. They tend to buy about 20 barbie dolls each every year.
Barbie underwent many changes in appearance over the years. The first Barbie had a ponytail hairstyle and wore a zebra striped one piece swimsuit. She was marked Made in Japan on the bottom of the right foot and had the copyright date 1958 on the back. This is the rarest Barbie and if you locate one in really nice condition it is quite valuable.
Vintage Barbie dolls are considered by collectors to be those made between 1959 and 1972. Later dolls are considered to be modern. Mattel made special edition dolls in the later years which have their own collector following. To be truly collectible these later dolls should be in mint condition in the original box. Several different label editions of these were made in varying limited quantities.
The Pink Label collectible Barbies were made with no limit to the quantity. The next level of collectible Barbies was the Silver Label edition which were limited to 50,000 dolls and distributed worldwide. Gold Label Barbie dolls were made in an edition of up to 25,000. The top tier is the Platinum Label dolls which were limited to 1000 dolls. These label edition dolls are much sought after by collectors. To be of value as a collectors doll they should be in the original box and be in mint condition.
Barbie doll collecting is popular in many countries around the world. Pre 1972 vintage Barbies are the most sought after and many are still to be found in garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and such like places. Most people know nothing about vintage Barbie dolls or their values. As a result there are lots of them still out there waiting for the right collector to come along and find them. The thrill of the hunt can be almost obsessive and can get an avid collector out of bed to be an early bird at garage sales or flea markets. It’s all worth it when that early Barbie is purchased for a song and carried home triumphantly to join her sisters in a collection.

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Barbie doll or most often just called Barbie, is a registered trademark of a toy doll from the American toy company Mattel. Since 1959 has been sold massive amounts of Barbie dolls in a number of variations all over the world. The doll is made of plastic and has flexible body part. They are formed as beautiful, slender young women or girl’s teens and sold as a fashion characterized the doll clothes. It has also been developed dolls in the same series of young women with other name, hair color and ethnic features. It also came early Barbie dolls shaped like young, beautiful men, including Ken.
Background
The doll was invented by Ruth Handler (1916-2002), who was married to one of the two owners of the company Mattel. She was inspired by her daughter’s interest for the attire of paper dolls and would create a three-dimensional version. She made a variation that imitated a German fashion doll, Bild-Lilli, which was based on a cartoon figure in the newspaper Bild that was produced from 1955 to 1964. Therefore, it was already from the start, produced a wide range of fashion clothes and accessories for doll was named after her daughter Barbara. Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, while the boyfriend Ken called Ken Carson.
The first car for the Barbie imagined an Austin Healey in the pink.
Popularity
It is sold over 100 million Barbie dukker all over the world, and Barbie is is still among the most well-known trademarks.
90% of girls aged 3-10 years in the United States own a Barbie, and the homepage for dolls was in 2007, visited by more than 50 million each month. Barbie and Barbie products is estimated to sell for around three billion dollars annually, while main competitor Bratz has a turnover of around two billion dollars. Bratz dolls are attire in a slightly more modern style, and came on the market in 2001. These dolls are made MGA Entertainment and are one of a number of Barbie-like products their target audience are girls. While there for the boys used more and more money on computer games and sports gear than on traditional children’s toys, the girls any longer with the toys, like dolls in the social role-playing game. Even so, Barbie sales had shown a certain decline in recent years.
Fulla is one of a number of competitive Barbie-like dolls attire. Fulla dolls, which came in 2003, among other things, equipped with the hijab and the most popular of such attire dolls that are intended for sale in the Middle East and to Muslim children.
Criticism
The popular Barbie dolls have for years been criticized for promoting the stereo type of gender roles patterns among young girls and give a false picture of the adults’ seemingly glamorous and consumption oriented world.

Popularity: 22%

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