Buying guide for Best Barbie dolls
Written by Erica van Blommestein
Updated November 2023
Globally recognized as the most prominent fashion icon of the toy industry, Barbie has undergone countless makeovers since her “birth” in 1959. Barbie dolls have endured as a firm favorite among little girls from all walks of life, and it isn't hard to see why.
Whether filling the shoes of a career woman, farmer, fairy, mermaid, or fashionista, Barbie dolls manage to fuel imagination, unleash creativity, and ignite inspiration – all through free play.
Choosing a Barbie doll for a special child can be oodles of fun, but with hundreds of models out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. If you're in search of the perfect Barbie doll and could use a little help, we’ve got you covered.
Short on time and eager to shop? Check out our five favorite Barbie dolls. Or continue reading to learn more about all things Barbie.
To date, Barbie has pursued over 150 incredibly diverse career paths, from following her dream of becoming a rock star to running for president.
Suitability: finding the perfect Barbie
Selecting a Barbie doll that matches your child’s unique personality and individual interests is a must.
While this may seem like a glaringly obvious point, we know that it can be incredibly tempting to choose a model with qualities that we admire in the hopes of fostering similar values and goals in our beloved little ones.
Unfortunately, however noble your intentions may be, a little girl who’s enthralled by the magical world of fairies, mermaids, and princesses is less likely to be impressed by a doll that doesn’t exude some or all of these characteristics.
You might be surprised to learn that you can comb and wash a Barbie doll’s hair. This is not only appealing to children, but it’s also helpful to freshen up the doll’s hair. We identify details like these in our research.
One of Barbie’s most notable characteristics is the many career paths and hobbies the dolls have pursued. Helping you find the best match for your child in a Barbie doll is one of our research goals.
Depending on the doll, Barbies are sold with all manner of accessories. Some come with the doll, while others are sold separately. We note whether each doll we research includes accessories.
The standard height of the average Barbie doll is 11.5 inches. Other common features include arms that move at the shoulders and legs that move at the hips. Our research encompasses standard and specialty features.
Playing with Barbie dolls can help spark your child’s imagination as they act out different scenarios. Through our research, we aim to help you find a Barbie doll they’ll thoroughly enjoy.
Designer Barbie dolls are often outfitted in finery like a glamorous ball gown. We research a variety of Barbie dolls, from basic to specialty items.
Versatility is a major part of Barbie’s charm, and the dolls have myriad hair colors, eye colors, and skin tones. Finding a versatile mix of Barbie dolls through research is one of our priorities.
You might pay as little as $10 for a basic Barbie doll and $15 to $30 for a set that includes accessories. We leave no stone unturned when researching your options.
Unless the doll was made specifically for use in the bathtub or pool, your child should avoid submerging it in water. Waterproof Barbie dolls are among the products we research.
Accessories for Barbie dolls include everything from hair brushes and clips to items like baby strollers and skateboards. These accessories are a point of consideration in our research.
Enhancing enjoyment through versatility
Versatility is an especially important consideration if you're purchasing a Barbie doll for a child you don't know very well or haven't seen in a while.
Although all Barbie dolls offer versatility in terms of customizable clothing and accessories, certain models have an edge over others straight out of the box. Dolls that transform by adding, removing, or adjusting included clothing and accessories give children the opportunity to choose the version they like best.
If one of these isn't an option, look for a basic Barbie doll with neutral hair, makeup, and a pretty dress, then purchase a few outfits and accessories separately.
Barbie doll features
Collectibles and designer dolls aside, the average children's Barbie doll stands 11.5 inches tall. The head moves from side to side, the arms move at the shoulders, and the legs are individually joined at the hips, allowing Barbie to “walk” and sit. Certain models have fully articulated limbs that feature moving elbows, wrists, knees, and sometimes even ankles.
With so many unique Barbie dolls models on offer, it may be impossible to create a comprehensive list of Barbie doll features, but one thing’s for certain: there's a Barbie doll for everyone.
If you’ve dreamed it, chances are there's a Barbie out there living it!
Barbie doll prices
A good Barbie doll certainly doesn't need to break the bank.
A basic Barbie doll can cost as little as $10, while Barbie doll sets, complete with extras and accessories, generally range between $15 and $30.
Not surprisingly, collectible Barbie dolls cost a bit more, with prices starting at around $40 and reaching upwards of $100 for rarer items.
Despite many setbacks, Barbie dolls are so popular that a whopping three dolls are sold every second!
FAQ
Q. Can I wash a Barbie doll’s hair?
A. Yes. There's no need to replace or discard a Barbie doll simply because her hair is a little lackluster. Start by combing it out. Next, add a dab of conditioner. After a couple of minutes, rinse the conditioner under lukewarm running water. Next, work a mild shampoo into the hair and rinse. Condition once more before rinsing, and gently remove excess water with a towel. Lastly, spray on a leave-in conditioner, comb, and allow the hair to air dry. Your Barbie’s hair is as good as new!
Q. Can Barbie dolls be submerged in water?
A. While Babies specifically designed for water play can come along for bath time, we recommend keeping the average Barbie doll out of water to prevent mold growth where you won't be able to see or reach it.
Q. Are there any interactive Barbie dolls on the market?
A. Although a WiFi-enabled interactive Barbie was released in 2015, we highly recommend thoroughly researching this option before purchasing, as there are some claims that it may pose a security risk.
