Barbie

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There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different Barbies  in the world. Don't forget, Barbie has an impressive résumé; she's been an astronaut,  a ballerina,  a doctor,  a flight attendant,  a Disney princess,  a cheerleader,  an Olympic gymnast,  a bride,  a Versace model,  a mermaid. ... the list goes on.

What is truly amazing about Barbie, besides her impressive résumé, is her ability to take on any form in the imaginative eyes of a child. However, while there are millions who adore her multi-tasking capabilities, there are those who dislike the image that she portrays to a young child. Always be certain to check with the parents when buying for another person's child to make sure that they allow it.

Barbie's Many Faces

As mentioned above, Barbie has gone through quite a few makeovers through the years. Here are some of her most memorable moments. Regardless of the persona she takes on, she is typically 11 1/2 inches tall and made of a hard plastic body and soft plastic face. Often, the specialty dolls, including holiday and limited editions, have rooted eyelashes.

Vintage Dolls

Original Barbie #1 1959 

The original Barbie, clad in her black and white bathing suit once sold for only $3. Now you can expect to see these collector's dolls sold for anywhere up to $500.

Barbie Bubble Cut 

Known for the notorious "bubble" hair cut, this Barbie debuted in 1961 in her striped swimsuit. In the years to come she wore a red swimsuit instead.

American Girl Barbie 

She's none other than the classic American girl at the time -- the hair did it. She was also the second of all Barbies to have bendable legs.

Twist and Turn Barbie 

In celebration of the mod era, this new Barbies, released in 1967, was able to literally twist and turn its body a -- another first for Barbie.

1970 Malibu Barbie 

Lounging was her style in her blue tricot bathing suit. She also has pink shades and a yellow beach towel to lay on. Très chic!

Modern Dolls

Astronaut Barbie  (1985)

Perfume Pretty Barbie  (1982)

Country Western Star Barbie  (1994)

Lingerie Barbie #1  (2000)

Christian Dior Barbie  (1996)

Miss America Barbie  (1972)

Elvis Barbie  (1996)

Barbie King Kong  (2002)

Barbie Spring in Tokyo  (1999)

Dolls to Buy Now for Children

Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses 

Fairytopia Barbie 

Barbie Doll with Guitar 

Dolls of the World Barbie 

My Scene Barbie 

Dolls to Buy Now for Collectors

Monte Carlo Barbie 

Barbie as Sandy in Grease 

Bob Mackie 2006 Barbie 

Suite Retreat Barbie Doll 

Dooney and Bourke Barbie 

Picnic Set Barbie 

Stacey Nite Lightning 

Also look for Barbie's friend, Smashin' Satin Francie. 

Highland Fling Barbie 

Badgley Mischka Barbie 

Anna Sui Boho Barbie 

High Tea and Savories Barbie 

From the Fashion collection, also see Pretty Pleats Barbie. 

Carnaval Barbie 

French Maid Barbie 

Citrus Obsession Barbie 

(Peppermint,  White Chocolate  and Chocolate  also available. Look for Platinum Edition coming soon!)

Wind Rider Barbie 

From the Cultures of the World collection. Maiko  and Inuit Barbie  also available.

Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie 

Ethereal Princess 

Lady Luck Barbie 

From the Pinup Collection. Also check out Hula Honey  and Way Out West Barbie. 

Lucy Gets in Pictures 

Sugar Barbie Doll Bryan Lars 

Recommendations for Young Girls

For the youngest of the bunch, Happy Birthday Barbie  is a great choice for the first Barbie in a girl's collection. She costs around $20, has a beautiful pink dress that is easy to put on and take off, the trademark brush, and even a life size tiara. Other fun options are:

Always make sure that you take the child's ability and development into account before buying any toy with potentially hazardous accessories, hard to use clothes, or overly large items.

Recommendations for Grade Schoolers & Preteen Girls

Once a girl is playing on her own and developing her own sense of identity she will want to have the most popular Barbies of the bunch. They will have the most "adult-like" outfits and lifestyles instead of a princess motif. They will also have more intricate outfits and more accessories, including shoes, bags, hair pieces, and more. Here are a few suggestions:

For the holiday season, keep your eyes out for the Tooth Fairy Barbie,  Irish Dance Barbie  and Cinco de Mayo Barbie  (from Festivals of the World Collection), and the Hard Rock Barbie. 

Recommendations for Collectors

The upcoming holiday season is one to be excited for if only in anticipation of the new line of Barbies that Mattel has lined up. Dolls to look forward to include:

Barbie Accessories

Remember that Barbie needs other things to function properly, including a house,  a car,  friends, family, and maybe a boyfriend. 

Barbie Dreamhouse 

Barbie Convertible 

Kelly 

Ken 

Clothes  & Accessories 

External Links

About.com has a great selection of articles about collecting dolls, Barbies, and lots of great advice for collectors. It's a must see. Here are some selected articles that might be of use (or just plain fun).

There are many other sites dedicated to Barbie that you might want to check out as well.