With All This Barbie Talk, We Ranked Our Favorite Barbies To Date
When Barbie burst onto the scene at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959, one could have only begun to imagine the cultural phenomena that she would become for better, and for worse (hello unrealistic body expectations and proportions). They say that everyone has a Barbie story, and one can only wonder if an old toy in your basement is worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars today. If you’re like us, your childhood obsession was never fully extinguished and has only been reignited by the recent “Barbiecore” trends and BTS pics of the Barbie film to come. With all this Barbie talk, we thought it would be important to highlight our favorite Barbies to date.
15. 1959 - The OG Barbie
The original Barbie burst onto the scene in 1959, featuring a very chic black and white swimsuit, blue lens glasses with a white frame, red lips, and gold hoops - how chic! This original doll looks a little more sassier than today’s version with a side eye and some arched brows (hello, Resting B* Face). If you are interested in collecting an original barbie, the last one that went to auction sold for $27,450.
14. Francie Barbie - 1966
Francie made history in 1966 as being the first black Barbie to be made, and if you are lucky to find one that is for sale, be prepared to cough up some serious cash! (Think around four figures)
13. Tennis Stars: Barbie & Ken - 1988
Ken entered the Barbie universe in 1961 and since we love doing a recreational sport with our partner and friends, this Barbie set is instantly in our carts. Take a close look at Barbies contrast collar polo and matching mini - so cute! The original box, unopened is currently going for $645 on eBay.
12. Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie - 1991
Bob Mackie began his collaboration with Barbie in 1991 to rave success and lots of admiration for her embellished dress that features over 5,000 hand-sewn sequins and beads. We love an over-the-top moment, especially if its in a miniature size. Currently a used version is being sold for $200 on eBay.
11. Michelle Kwan Olympic Barbie - 2002
Michelle Kwan absolutely tugs at our nostalgia; I mean isn’t she the reason we all fell in love with figure skating and watching the Olympics as a child? While this particular Barbie is not a high-ticket item, it is definitely on our wish list.
10. Barbie by Stefano Centuri - 2007
Barbie by Stefano Centuri was created in 2007 and in 2010 she was valued at around $302,500! Her jewelry contains rare Australian pink diamonds and 3 carats of white diamonds. We also love a philanthropic Barbie, and the proceeds from her auction were donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
9. Alex Morgan Barbie - 2020
Alex Morgan was the co-captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, a winning FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, was named ESPY female athlete of the year, and is an all-around leader and inspiration, so it is no surprise that Barbie honored her with a doll! You can now buy the Alex Morgan Barbie for $30.
8. Jane Goodall Barbie - 2022
Barbie released a Jane Goodall Barbie this year made from recycled plastic! As part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series, nodding to Goodall's groundbreaking studies of chimpanzees and conservation efforts, we remain in awe of this trailblazing role model. Naturally, her Barbie also comes with a chimpanzee. This Barbie is currently being sold for $90.
7. Zendaya Barbie - 2015
Who isn’t a Zendaya stan?! So, when Barbie made a Zendaya Barbie featuring the Vivienne Westwood gown she wore to the 2015 Oscars, we instantly fell in love. When speaking on her Barbie, Zendaya said, "I'm excited to be a part of the new direction the Barbie brand is headed, specifically how they are celebrating diversity in the line and encouraging kids to raise their voices!"
6. Laurie Hernandez Gymnastics Barbie - 2018
The 2016 Summer Olympics featured the dominating Final Five women’s gymnastics team - and the results were unforgettable. Laurie Hernandez from the group was immortalized for her accomplishments as she became her own Barbie. “She has my curls! She has my eyes! She has my nose!” Hernandez gushed to PEOPLE. “It’s incredible to look at because when I was a little girl, I would play with Barbie dolls that had my hair color and my eye color. But this one really does look like me and I think it’s gonna resemble a lot of little girls out there.”
5. Misty Copeland Barbie - 2016
Misty Copeland was the first African American woman to be named principal dancer at the world-renowned American Ballet Theatre and has continued to inspire us and young people around the world. We love how her doll has the perfect pointe and fund dramatic tutu. Today, you can find her Barbie at auction on eBay for $200.
4. Ibtihaj Muhammad - 2016
Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first ever Olympic athlete to compete wearing a hijab when she competed at the 2016 Rio Olympic games, and her Barbie because the first to wear a hijab in the brand's 60-year history! We are OBSESSED with this fencing fit, and the miniature mask and sword. You can purchase her Barbie on eBay for roughly $80 today.
3. Lorena Ochoa Barbie - 2018
Golfing barbies are still considered rare as the sport has not hit a mainstream level of popularity within female culture. Thankfully, one golfing Barbie exists - Lorena Ochoa, a Mexican former pro golfer. This 27-time LPGA winner is also a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame! She was also the first Mexican golfer of either gender to be ranked number one in the world.
2. Kimora Lee Barbie - 2007
This Barbie made waves when Kimora argued with the Mattel team “Why cant she have a dog AND the floor length coat?!” The model and mogul would go on to getting her way with her Barbie dressed in a faux chinchilla coat with her dog Zoe as an added accessory. Note the coat has a KLS logo leopard-print lining. This limited-edition Barbie is now being sold of eBay for roughly $250.
1. Horseback Riding Barbie
Surprisingly, this Equestrian Barbie is not a high-ticket item (*adds to cart*), but we just love how many recreational habits Barbie enjoys including horseback riding! From her riding boots, to the breeches and her fabulous gold embellished show jacket - its all too chic!
