Despite this, Barbie continues to be a toy that many children play with. The longevity and iconic status of the doll is a tribute to Mattel's astute marketing and reinvention efforts. These have helped the brand remain relevant even now, 64 years after it was launched.
2021 marked the highest net sales value since 2013, with Barbie brand revenue hitting $1.7 billion worldwide. According to our Statista Market Insights, dolls and stuffed toys will generate an estimated $55.7 billion worldwide in 2023.
Mattel's Barbie brand dolls posted 33% lower worldwide gross billings than in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Original Barbie - The original first edition Barbie from 1959 is very rare. Money, Inc. reports that even in played-with condition, she is worth $8,000. In pristine condition, she could be worth more than $27,000.
The doll, called “My First Barbie,” is specifically created for kids three years old and older, said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls for Mattel. The age range for the original Barbie fashion dolls is for kids 3 and up. “We talk to parents and kids almost every day.
As experts would tell you, there is no age limit for dolls. It may seem unusual in this day and age, but several 12-year-olds still play with dolls. And in a world where the internet is widespread, this may be a good thing.
It's a Barbie world for the whole family. Greta Gerwig's Barbie secured an official PG-13 rating, confirming Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling will take us on a family-friendly journey through a world painted pink.
The Totally Hair doll is the best selling Barbie doll in Mattel history, with over 10 million dolls sold worldwide.
The best-selling Barbie doll is Totally Hair Barbie, released in 1992. Totally Hair Barbie has sold more than 10 million dolls worldwide.
Originals from 1992 sell for upwards of $100 on Amazon and eBay. If you happen to have one that you didn't play with (as much as most of us did), then you could make a little money from it.
Even in demanding positions, though, Barbie retained her fashion sense. Factoyd: Ninety percent of American girls own at least one Barbie doll, and the average girl owns 10!
Made for entertainment for young girls, today, Barbies are also often sought by collectors as highly prized collectible items around the world. Collectors are looking especially for well-preserved, vintage Barbie dolls with original packaging, outfits, and accessories.
Sindy was believed to be created as a competitor of the Barbie doll. She was meant to be a younger, simpler version of the glamourous Barbie. Barbie was, and still is known for her more mature and beautiful looks.
And there are three main things that you can tell that she's a number one Barbie. One is she has very arched, triangular-shaped eyebrows. They're very distinctive compared to later Barbies. She also has a white iris that's very distinctive.
Demand for Barbie Dolls and Accessories
As you'd expect, the dolls still drive by far the most demand—a full 64% more than the next most popular item, the Barbie Dream House. Barbie clothes weren't far behind the Dream House, putting those two items in a tier of their own.
"The retro trend is centred around the distinct 'Barbie pink' hue; think bubblegum pink, '80s-twinged, angular yet hyper feminine clothing," according to Babbel.
The Barbie doll is, unsurprisingly, the best-selling toy of all time with over a billion dolls sold since she made her debut in 1959.
Barbie. Barbie has not only stood the test of time but also evolved with time to be one of the largest-selling toys of all time.
The 1992 Totally Hair Barbie (shown), the best-selling Barbie doll to date, celebrated the “big hair” craze and loud fashions of the early 90s. The doll featured the longest locks ever for Barbie, measuring 10½ inches.
Barbie Debuts
On March 9, 1959, Barbie debuted at the New York Toy Fair. The first Barbie wore a black and white striped swimsuit and her signature ponytail. Toy buyers were skeptical because Barbie was unlike the baby and toddler dolls that were popular at the time.
The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, and was available as either a blonde or brunette. The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model", with her clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson.
Some kids may lose interest in dolls around the age of 5 or 6, while others may continue to play with them into their pre-teen years. There really isn't a "magic age" at which all children suddenly stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child.
Trailers for the movie have already revealed that, while there will be a lot of laughs to be had, the film will also explore some deeper, more existential themes. Now, ahead of the Barbie release date next month, FilmRatings.com has revealed the film to be rated PG-13.
However, the BEST age to give Barbies would probably be to a kid between 3–8. For three year olds, it might just be a babydoll, but as they get older they could get some Barbies! This is typically the prime age to play with them, and their friends will most likely have em too!