Classic Toys

Barbie Dolls

By GToys Published · Updated

Barbie Dolls

Everyone’s favorite doll, Barbie, celebrated her 50th birthday in 2009, and she was first covered in a December 1962 story, “Teenage Fashion Dolls.” Back then, she cost $3, and Ken cost $3.50.

The Birth of Barbie

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002) is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.

Handler noticed her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls and imagining them in adult roles. At the time, most dolls available to children were baby dolls meant for nurturing play. Handler envisioned a three-dimensional adult-figured doll that would allow girls to imagine their futures.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact

Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over sixty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.

More Than Just a Doll

Over the decades, Barbie has held more than 200 careers, from astronaut to zoologist. She was an astronaut four years before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. She has represented more than 50 nationalities and has been sold in over 150 countries.

The Barbie Movie Effect

The 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, brought a massive cultural resurgence for the brand. The film proved that Barbie’s appeal crosses generational boundaries and that the doll remains a powerful cultural icon decades after her debut.

Why Barbie Endures

Barbie’s longevity stems from Mattel’s ability to evolve the brand while maintaining its core identity. Modern Barbie dolls come in a wide range of skin tones, body types, and abilities, reflecting a more inclusive vision of beauty and aspiration. Whether you see Barbie as a feminist icon or a controversial figure, there is no denying her place among the greatest toys of all time.