Barbie
Barbie is a pop culture fashion icon. She is stylish and glamorous, and has been a reflection of the history of fashion since her debut in 1959. Barbie is adored by young girls and adult women all over the world. Little girls want her and grown women want to look like her. Barbie has been a toy fashion doll for over 50 years. If you are a female born after 1959, you probably grew up playing with a Barbie. Here you will find fun and interesting facts about Barbie, Barbie products and ideas for Barbie theme parties.
The Life of Barbie
Barbie, who was created by Ruth Handler, made her debut in 1959. Barbie is the daughter of George and Margaret Roberts. Barbie's hometown is Willows, Wisconsin. Depending on which novel you read, she attended Willow's High School in Willows, Wisconson and Manhattan International High School in New York City, New York. Barbie's relationship with Ken started in 1961. Technically, that means Barbie was only 2 years old! Barbie's occupations range from flight attendant to Nascar driver. She also has a pilot's license and was an astronaut. Barbie can be seen driving several vehicles, including a pink convertible corvette and a jeep.
Photo Source: Barbie Poster by Barbie
Barbie's Siblings
Barbie's Siblings:
Skipper - Barbie's younger sister (1964 - present)
Todd - Barbie's brother and Stacie's twin (1965-1971)
Tutti - Barbie's sister and Todd's twin (1965-1961)
Stacie - Barbie's sister (1990 - present)
Kelly - Barbie's sister (1995-2010)
Krissy - Barbie's sister (1999-2001)
Chelsea - Barbie's youngest sibling (2010-present)
Photo: Barbie and Sister Chelsea
Barbie and Sister Stacie
This 2 pack includes Barbie and her sister, Stacie. Includes roller skates and skating fashions.
Barbie's Sister Skipper
The History of Barbie
Take a trip down memory lane with this fantastic video.
Barbie Collectors put together this awesome video on the history of Barbie. Take yourself back in time and explore 50 years of Barbie. Watching this video brought back so many memories of my own childhood and the Barbies I use to play with (and the ones I use to cut all the hair off...lol.)
Did You Know....
2 Barbie dolls are sold every second somewhere in the world!
Barbie Fun Facts
- Barbie's birthday is March 9th.
- Ruth Handler invented Barbie. Her husband was co-founder of Mattel Toys.
- Barbie was originally called the Lilli Doll and was first sold in Germany.
- The first Barbie doll wore a black and white striped zebra swimsuit.
- Over 350,000 Barbies were sold in the first year of production.
- Over a billion Barbies have been sold worldwide.
- Barbie has had over 40 pets, ranging from cats to a zebra.
- Pink is Barbie's signature color.
- Barbie didn't have a belly button until 2000.
- Barbie represents 45 different nationalities.
- If you placed all the Barbie dolls and family members in a straight line, they would circle the Earth more than 7 times.
- Within 10 years of Barbie's debut, the public purchased over $500 million worth of Barbie products!
Photo Source: Barbie Poster by Barbie
I think every little girl dreams of having a Barbie car and a Barbie Dream Home. I know I did! Imagine the look on your little Barbie fan's face when she sets her eyes on these! The Barbie car and Dream Townhouse make wonderful birthday and Christmas gifts!
The Barbie convertible has signature pink interior and zebra print Barbie seats. It also has a Barbie logo license plate.
The Barbie Dream Townhouse provides loads of fun! Equipped with over 55 pieces and accessories, elevator, roaring fireplace, whirlpool, flushing toilet, and a pop up flat screen TV, it provides plenty of interactive role-playing fun.
First Version of Barbie
First Barbie Commercial -1959
The first Barbie commercial aired during the Mickey Mouse Club in 1959. Barbie sold for $3.00 and her fashions ranged from $1.-$5. Barbie sure has come a long way since 1959! She's a modern day fashionista.
The History Of Barbie
The Ultimate Dream Book About The Ultimate Doll
Take a walk down memory lane with this Barbie book that traces the history of Barbie from the beginning. The history of Barbie pictures cover everything from the beginning and though the sixties and seventies to the present. It's a must have book for any Barbie lover. It makes a nice table book and conversational piece. It would also make a nice gift for a seamstress and anyone in the fashion industry.
Barbie Fun Fact
In 1959 Barbie sold for $3.00. In 2004 a 1959 mint boxed Barbie sold on eBay for $3,552.50!
Barbie Timeline
- 1959 - Barbie makes her debut and the first Barbie commercial is aired during the Mickey Mouse Club show.
- 1960 - Barbie dolls 3 and 4 are released. The 5th one was released the following year.
- 1961 - Ken makes his debut.
- 1964 - Barbies younger sister, Skipper, makes her debut.
- 1968 - The first talking Barbie makes her debut. "I love being a model" is one of her phrases.
- 1971 - Malibu Barbie makes her debut.
- 1974 - In honor of Barbie's 16th birthday a section of Time Square is renamed "Barbie Boulevard" for a week.
- 1976 - Ballerina Barbie makes her debut.
- 1980 - The International Barbies are marketed, including Hispanic and Italian Barbie.
- 1989 - Barbie turns 30.
- 1992 - Barbies sister, Stacie, makes her debut.
- 1995 - Limited edition 50th Anniversary Barbie is released in honor of Mattel's 50th anniversary.
- 1996 - Barbie.com debuts.
- 2000 - Barbie for President debuts.
- 2004 - Barbie announces her break-up with Ken.
- 2009 - Barbie turns 50!
- 2012 - Barbie Fashion Model Collection is revealed.
Barbie Dolls
The perfect birthday gift for a little girl who has a princess theme birthday party!
Th Rapunzel Barbie doll in her signature gown from the movie. Her long hair is so much fun to style!
Inspired by the movie, "Barbie a Fashion Fairytale". Her dress transforms to a party dress when you fold down and flip around her gown. Her bodice lights up and is synchronized to the music from the "Barbie a Fashion Fairytale" movie.
Barbie Fun Fact
Barbie was named after the founder's daughter, Barbara. Ken was name after her son. Yes, the creator of Barbie and Ken actually had two children whose names were Barbie and Ken.
Ken and Barbie
Ken debuted in 1961, the same year he met Barbie on the set of a TV commercial. Barbie and Ken's relationship lasted until Mattel announced their split in 2004. Barbie dated Blaine during the break-up. Ken and Barbie rekindled their romance in 2006 when a revamped version of Ken was launched. Ken, whose real name is Ken Sean Carson, was name after his creator's son, Ken Handler. The "real" Ken passed away from a brain tumor in 1994.
Do you think Ken and Barbie should get married? You can submit your answer in the poll below.
Barbie and Ken in the early years. Ken originally had felt hair. The felt would rub off when it got wet, which eventually lead Mattel to change his hair to plastic. You can see Ken's hair loss in this picture. I love the old style furniture in the background.
Barbie and Ken Poll
Ken and Barbie
4 doll set.
How To Look Like Barbie
Tutorial Video
It's amazing how this young Asian girl transforms herself to look like a Barbie doll right before your eyes. Her video has been viewed by over 25 million people. This would also make a fun Halloween costume. All you need is Ken and a pink convertible corvette.
These Barbie products will provide hours of stylish fun for your little Barbie fan.
This Barbie product sparks creativity and will provide hours of hair styling fun! Hair accessories, hair clips and hair brush are included.
This Barbie train case includes lots of fun products, including makeup and hair styling accessories. Great product for the on-the-go Barbie girl.
Complete with makeup, makeup tips and stickers.
Barbie Fun Fact
For one week in 1974 a section of Times Square in New York City, New York was named Barbie Boulevard.
Barbie Binders
These official Barbie binders can be personalized with your name! Customization is free! Designed for 8.5" x 11" sized paper and has inside pockets. These stylish Barbie binders are perfect for storing homework, artwork and journal pages.
Click on any Barbie binder to purchase.
Barbie Theme Party
Barbie Theme Parties
Barbie Party Themes, Postcard Invitations and Postage Stamps
Barbie Theme Parties:
- Barbie Runway Fashion Party
- Barbie Beach Party
- Vintage Barbie Party
- Barbie Tea Party
- Barbie Slumber Party
- Barbie Doll Party
- Barbie Princess Party
- Barbie Glam Party
- Barbie Spa Party
These Mattel Barbie postcards are great for party invitations. No envelopes required. Free customization! Discounts apply to orders of 8 or more postcards. Click on any postcard or postage stamp to purchase or visit the Offical Barbie Store on Zazzle.
Visit the Offical Barbie Store on Zazzle to view more invitations and Barbie products.
Photo: Barbie Party Pack
Barbie Party Supplies
Barbie Pinata
No bat needed for this Barbie Pinata! The Barbie pinata has a pull string so it's safe for kids. Fill with candy of Barbie party favors, such as plastic Barbie rings. Officially licensed by Mattel.
Barbie Quotes
"I thought the Barbie doll would always be successful." - Ruth Handler, Creator of Barbie
"There is always hope." - Barbie and The Magic of Pegasus
"Anything is possible." - Barbie in the Nutcracker
"Love an imagination can change the world." - Barbie as Rapunzel
"Friendship is a true treasue." - Barbie and The Diamond Castle
"You're braver than you think." - Barbie of Swan Lake
"You will get what you seek." - Barbie in a Mermaid's Tale
"I enjoy getting dressed as a Barbie doll." - Vanna White
"I think they should have a Barbie with a buzz cut" - Ellen DeGeneres
"The first 10 years of a girl's life is spent playing with Barbies and the next 10 years are spent trying to look like one." - Unknown
Barbie Posters
Glam up your wall with a Barbie Poster
Barbie Music
Great CD for young girls to sing along to. Nice party music CD, especially if you're doing karaoke or playing a musical chairs game. The Barbie CD includes hits made popular by Jessica Simpson, Hillary Duff, Mya, Britney Spears and more.
Barbie Girl Song
I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
Follow Barbie On Twitter!
Official Barbie Twitter Account
The girls and I heart #CRAFTernoons! Stringing together matching best friend bracelets… join us! t.co/OMYBL8NU8X
17 hours ago
This weekend's mission? Make this a-mazing chandelier for the Dreamhouse: t.co/86e9iREJYF
1 day ago
Don't keep those heels grounded when you know you were born to fly! #DreamBig
2 days ago
Designer @RoksandaIlincic lends her sense of style to decorate the Dreamhouse! More details in @BritishVogue: t.co/YPcxhw4b4x
3 days ago
In this Dreamhouse we giggle, we have fun, we make mistakes and we forgive… but most importantly, we love! #FamilyFirst
3 days ago
Sources
Sources for some of the information and photos for this leaf include:
Barbie.com, Wikipedia, Wiki Commons and Barbie Posters
Mattel and Barbie doll are registered Trademarks of the Mattel Corporation. The Author of this page, and Zujava, are not affiliated with Mattel, nor do the opinions signify any endorsement by Mattel or any of it's subsidiaries.
RIP
The creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, passed away from Colon Cancer in 2002. She was 85 years old.
Barbie Links
Mattel's Official Home Page
Barbie's Official Home Page
Barbie's Official Facebook Page
Barbie's Official Twitter Page
The official Mattel site for Barbie collectors.
Free Barbie downloads and printables.
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