Barbie Dolls

She's Come a Long Way Since 1959

Where would the world be without Barbie dolls? This is certainly not the time to find out, so take a moment to check out the dozens of wonderful gift ideas and collectibles below and be sure to get your order in for the vehicles, mini-figures, vinyl figures, creative toys, ride-on toys, and of course, super-popular dolls you need to ensure that you share in the oohs and aahs at present-opening time! American businesswoman Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of these delightful figures following her trip to Europe in 1956 where she came across an adult-figured German toy called "Bild Lilli." Redesigned and launched in 1959, and produced by Mattel, it's estimated that in the intervening years more than a billion Barbies have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries. Today, one would be hard-pressed indeed to find a girl or woman who isn't familiar with and fond of the 1:6 scale, 11 1/2-inch tall beauty named after Handler's daughter!
On her journey to becoming the bestselling fashionista she is today, our girl has had her share of bumps in the road in the form of lawsuits and other controversies, but she's survived them all. Her line has also expanded to include other characters and family members, plus a myriad of outfits and accessories. You're probably familiar with Skipper, and you may also know Teresa, Midge, Christie, Steven, Todd, Stacie, Kelly, Krissy, and Francie. And of course, we must not neglect to mention Barbara Millicent Roberts' (yes, that's her full name) ever-popular on-off boyfriend, the oh-so-handsome and collectible Ken.

Not Just Dollies Anymore!

In addition to the vast array of figures, clothing, and accessories available in the market today, the range of branded products and media has expanded to include books, apparel, cosmetics, video games, animated films, and TV specials, in addition to her appearances in the Toy Story movies. Playsets and her famed Dream House are some of the most sought-after items, especially when the gift-giving holidays roll around.

She Sure Doesn't Look 60-Years Old!

Her official birthday is March 9, 1959, but anyone who gazes at this perennially young and beautiful fashion-minded icon may find it hard to believe that 2019 marked the 60th anniversary of her debut in the universe of toys and collectibles. And she's so familiar and so ubiquitous that it's difficult for any of us to believe that she won't still be around 60 years from now, bringing joy and happiness to new generations of admirers. After all, what would our world be like without our treasured Barbie dolls?

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