10 Best Barbie Dolls & Toys for Kids Reviewed in 2024
Barbie dolls have been around for many generations and are a classic doll toy that people love to play with and also collect. The concept of the doll first appeared around the 1960s and changed the toy industry forever. As the company celebrates their 60th birthday they are just as popular then as they are now. The world totally embraces the world of everything Barbie. Many kids dream of the perfect birthday party when they receive that special doll they have been eyeing up at the store. Others love collecting them and watching their collection grows with unique dolls that have come from makers. The doll is a true trendsetter. She was then and still is today. Everyone’s collection always has space for more and we have found the best Barbie dolls and toys.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 15 hrs of research
Beautiful likeness of Frida Kahlo
Articulated in the arms
Comes in an iconic outfit
Great way to talk about activism and art with your child
10 Best Barbie Dolls & Toys Reviewed
1. Frida Kahlo Inspiring Women
Beautiful likeness of Frida Kahlo
Articulated in the arms
Comes in an iconic outfit
Great way to talk about activism and art with your child
Several customers received damaged packages (though the doll was unharmed)
Even well over a century later, Frida Kahlo remains a household name. She is respected and remembered for her contributions to the world of fine art, as well as her passionate activism. This beautiful doll captures her likeness and celebrates her legacy.
Read moreDesign
Painted in the likeness of Frida Kahlo, this gorgeous doll is detailed down to Kahlo’s famous and distinguished browline. She comes in a beautiful dress (one iconically pictured in many paintings and photographs of the artist) and her box design includes several photographs and pictures to be reminiscent of Kahlo’s studio.
Entertainment Value
Kahlo is famous for lifting the voices of women and young girls and fighting systems that oppressed individuals based on race, gender, and class. If you have a young artist or activist, she’s sure to love this doll.
Ease of Use
The Frida Kahlo Inspiring Women Barbie is articulated at the elbow but does not have flexible knee joints. While other dolls in this series have received some negative press for not living up to the advertisements, this doll is by all accounts just as stunning in person.
2. Made to Move Pink
Available in two options
Bendable body
Can wear barbie shoes
Sold in a variety of ethnicities
Joints may not look pleasing.
Pirouette through Swan Lake, score the team’s winning goal, or shake your hips to some jazzercise! Made to Move Barbie is designed with ultimate flexibility thanks to 22 “joints”.
Read moreDesign
She is equipped with 22 joints in her arms, elbows, neck, legs, wrists, torso, and hips. She wears black leggings to increase her flexibility and either a pink or blue top. This Barbie is sold is a variety of ethnicities which makes it a great barbie for everyone. She can wear clothes and shoes from other barbies. Both the doll and her clothes are made of durable materials so your child will be able to enjoy her for years to come.
Entertainment Value
She can basically move into any position imagined, which is great because she can mimic whatever your child’s passion is. Pose her in a ballerina pose when it’s time for your child to go to ballet. Sit her criss-cross applesauce when your child hosts a tea party.
Ease of Use
Her hair is long and manageable so styling her is fun and easy.
3. Walk & Potty Pup Brunette
Cute Barbie and pup set
Wind-up puppy and she really walks
Load plastic waste pellets into the pouch on puppy’s side, then press her tail to dispense
Scooper and broom included
Different doll faces and skin tones available
Poop pellets are very small and easily lost
Having a pet is a big responsibility. Now Barbie can help teach your little one all about the joys and challenges of animal care! This silly little puppy even leaves presents so Barbie and friends will have to potty train him between their walks.
Read moreDesign
This perfect little pooch really does walk and go potty. Simply wind up the knob on puppy’s side and pull backward on the leash gently; the pup will walk all on her own! Pushing on puppy’s tail signals her that it’s time for a potty break. Barbie comes equipped with a broom and scooper so she can clean up after her pooch. The included bone fits in the dog’s mouth, and a feeding bowl finishes this picture-perfect set. Barbie comes dressed in a cute, casual outfit to take her pal for a stroll, but will fit into any standard-sized Barbie clothes. This particular doll has Caucasian and African-American options to choose from. Kids will love this gorgeous doll and her cute, furry friend! Perfect for the animal lover in all of us.
Entertainment Value
Kids with pets may know that there are some added responsibilities when caring for an animal, but this Barbie dog-walker instills the necessity of nurturing and cleaning up after your cute fluffy friends. We love that this doll can be purchased in multiple ethnicities as well; representation is important. When children see themselves being reflected back at them, they tend to feel more understood and capable.
Ease of Use
Children can play independently as they will have no trouble winding up the pup on their own.
4. Student Flippin Fun Gymnastics
Barbie and toddler student included
Barbie articulates to be able to move naturally as she coaches
Balance beam and landing pad
Magnetic technology lets Barbie’s student flip and land perfectly
Easy to operate
Barbie’s student-only articulates at her arms, which move up and down
It’s a ten across the board! Barbie and her student are ready to head to nationals. This adorable set includes Coach Barbie, her student, a balance beam, and a landing mat.
Read moreDesign
Barbie is a gymnastics coach training her student to win first prize! Barbie herself is fully posable, with articulation points throughout her body allowing her to stand, lunge, sit, and kneel. Her toddler pal is weighted and magnetized so that when you put her on the end of the pink balance beam and launch her, she flips and sticks her landing almost every time!
Entertainment Value
It’s no wonder the set comes with a golden 1st place trophy when Barbie and her pupil work so hard and so well together. You’ll receive Barbie, her student, a balance beam, and a landing mat. Creative play is an essential part of child development, and this Barbie set allows lots of imaginative adventures to play out as Barbie and her student practice and compete for the gold.
Ease of Use
The trick operates simply, with a lever to pull back on the balance beam, and a silver button to push, to send Barbie’s student flipping straight to the top of her division. Practice makes perfect!
5. Doll & Horse
Knees bend
Encourages Imagination
The horse has a brushable mane.
Horse’s saddle, reins, and bridle can be removed.
Can not remove pants
Pony up to all the fun with Barbie and her horse. Barbie comes dressed in trendy riding clothes and she can sit on her horse while they execute perfect prances and daring jumps together. Don’t forget to brush your horse’s hair to keep her looking her best for the show!
Read moreDesign
Barbie and Horse will have your child smiling as soon as they open the box. Barbie is dressed in a stylish riding out complete with a plaid shirt, riding boots, and a pink helmet. Her horse is dressed to match with a removable pink saddle, bridle, and reins
Entertainment Value
Your child’s imagination will run wild as they come up with adventures for Barbie and her trusty steed. Barbie’s knees bend, which allow her to actually sit and ride on her horse. Equipped with a helmet, Barbie is promoting safety to little riders.
Ease of Use
Both Barbie and her horse have long silky hair, so your child can style them both for their afternoon adventures.
6. Dreamtopia Fairytale Dress Up
Barbie’s hair is brushable
Comes with several different outfits
Comes with accessories
Encourages imaginative play
Some of Barbie’s outfit pieces may break easily
Most children love playing dress up and Barbie does too. This Fairytale Dress Up Amazon Exclusive Set comes with a fairy, mermaid, and princess outfit for Barbie to enjoy. These costumes are extravagant and provide a wonderful base from which children can indulge their imaginations and create.
Read moreDesign
Most Barbies will come with realistic clothing or some kind of theme, and this one is slightly different. Now your child can live out Barbie’s Fairytale with a little help from her wardrobe as well. Featured in her special list of outfits is a perfect pretty mermaid tale, purple fairy wings, and a pair of gorgeous lace-up shoes along with the most perfect fairy skirt.
Entertainment Value
Any girl would be thrilled to have this Barbie as part of her collection and it’ll inspire so much creativity and imaginative play. As with most other Barbies, kids will have fun brushing Barbie’s hair as well and dressing her up to match whatever fairytale character they decide on that day.
Ease of Use
Imaginative play is so important in a child’s life and Barbies can encourage the best of it. With a few simple accessories and outfit changes, your child will be busy for hours creating magical tales with her new favorite doll.
7. Inspiring Women Katherine Johnson
Realistic outfit
Barbie is able to be put in poses
Will be motivational to dancers
Great for collectors
Hair is not as pictured; check the reviews for a more accurate representation
Some dolls had askew glasses and weren’t secured well to their boxes
In this beautiful part of the Inspiring Women series, Mattel has created a Katherin Johnson doll to commemorate a great scientific mind. This incredible Mathematician and Physicist overcame gender and racial discrimination in order to calculate the trajectory of NASA’s first American-manned flight into space. We think she’s a brilliant role model and this gorgeous tribute to her will excite children all over.
Read moreDesign
Mattel has created a facial sculpture to match Katherine Johnson, as evidenced by her picture right on the front of the box. She comes in a classy 1950’s dress with pearl jewelry, cat-eye glasses, vintage heels, and her NASA badge.
Entertainment Value
Mattel has faced criticism for Barbie’s emphasis on beauty and fashion above all else. We’re glad to see that they’re trying to adjust for a more progressive and diverse audience. This doll is a great way to open a discussion with your children about women in science and their many contributions to STEM fields.
Ease of Use
This doll is a more modern and posable model, thanks to additional joints at her knees and elbows. She comes beautifully groomed but kids can easily swap out her outfits and brush her hair if they want to help her get ready for work or a night out with her gal pals.
8. Ultimate Kitchen
Barbie with ultimate kitchen set
Doll comes fully dressed in a blue dress with apron and shoes
Features lights, sounds, and soft dough food molds through kitchen areas
Includes 20 piece kitchen accessory kit
Fully interactive playset boosts creative playtime
Kitchen areas are broken down into 3 pieces, hard to keep connected
No on and off switch to control the lights and sounds
It’s time to cook up some delicious creations with Kitchen Time Barbie! The set includes one doll, her at-home chef’s outfit, three counter spaces, and a whole barrage of fancy kitchenware, including several molds you can fill with play-doh to create pies, fries, veggies, and sandwiches!
Read moreDesign
It is the ultimate kitchen playset featuring lights, sounds, and even dough molds for creating their own food. The kitchen set up for the dolls includes multiple play areas that have food molds. Each area has a featured food that you would prepare in that area of the kitchen and has included the mold for that food. In the oven area, there is a pizza pie mold, on the counter, there is a sandwich mold maker, and on the sink area, there is a veggie mold. Along in the set, there are five cans of colored dough, but the fun doesn’t end there. To make the kitchen set complete included is a 20 piece set of kitchen tools. From the pans to the forks everything to complete a role playing meal has been included. The Barbie is incorporated with the set, too. She is a doll that is wearing a very fashionable blue dress with a polka-dotted apron. She even has on white shoes to complete the whole outfit. From the trendy Barbie to the working and interactive kitchen this Barbie set is great fun putting some role playing fun into the Barbie world.
Entertainment Value
The set includes all the fun of playing kitchen but incorporates the pretend doll role playing as well. Lights, sounds, and moving parts are featured in the set with this Barbie doll. Playing with Barbie can be a great time, but when fully interactive scenes come along with her it makes it even more amazing. From the food mold to the dinning of the oven this fully interactive Barbie set is a huge hit.
Ease of Use
All of the molds are easy to operate, thus making this a great set for children of all ages.
9. Careers Baby Doctor Playset
Comes with two babies
Serves as a good role model
Includes plenty of doctor accessories
Durable doctor stand
Clothes can not be removed
Barbie’s gone to medical school and here she is with one of her favorite patients! This Barbie specializes in Pediatrics and she’s treating two cuties to a check-up. The set includes Barbie, her scrubs, two babies, an exam table, tubs, and medical supplies.
Read moreDesign
The playset includes an exam table, doctor accessories, and two babies to care for. She also comes with a care station that includes a tub for each baby and storage space to hold her accessories. Teal scrubs, white shoes, and a stethoscope have her looking professional.
Entertainment Value
When your child plays with this barbie they will be helping care for patients.
Ease of Use
This Barbie will develop your child’s compassionate side as she helps barbie care for patients. The realistic details on the barbie and her accessories take pretend play to the next level. Barbie’s doctor station is durable, thus your child can enjoy the fun for years to come.
10. Birthday Wishes Collector Doll
Barbie doll created for a special birthday wish
Features party dress with printed bodice with pearly neckline
Skirt constructed from pink tulle with blue accented over
Included with the doll are high heels and pearly earrings
Perfect gift to help cherish the day for many years to come
Doll does not bend to full seating positioned at hips
Packaging is not well constructed, does not stand up well through the mailing system
In Dreamtopia, anything is possible! This beautiful mermaid’s tail sparkles when you submerge her in water. Press down her necklace and then dip her into the tub to activate a beautiful lights show!
Read moreDesign
This is a birthday wish Barbie doll that is there to join the celebration on your child’s special day. The doll is dressed in a very special party dress. On the dress, there are featured trim with a pearly ascent around the neckline with pearl and petal artwork on the body of the dress. The dress part is made from fluffy pink tulle that has a blue accented to match the top half of the dress. Around the waistline, the dress has a white satin bow that just brings the whole outfit together. The Barbie is also wearing beautiful high heels with sculpted bows. To complete the accessories she has pearly earrings. Along with the doll comes a doll stand that allows her to be put on display. It is perfect for a birthday celebration gift that they will be able to cherish for many years to come.
Entertainment Value
Birthdays only happen once a year and when your little one has a big day coming up there is no better way to celebrate than with a special gift. This birthday Barbie is perfect for that day. She is dressed for the party and ready to make the day a special one for them to remember.
Ease of Use
Barbie is lightweight and can be grasped by tiny hands, thus making her easy to enjoy by younger children.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Diversity played a huge role in looking at each barbie's design. When making this list, we wanted Barbies that appealed to children from all different backgrounds. Barbies with different skin tones, hairstyles, eye colors, etc. A few years ago, Mattel received criticism that Barbie gave little girls a negative self-image or at least to the little girls who weren’t thin, blonde, and blue-eyed. Mattel has been making diverse barbies since the beginning but even more so now. For instance, the fashionista collection brought around new skin tones and body shapes. Curvy and tall Barbies were released and appealed to many little girls. Barbies with naturally curly hair and different colored hair flew off the shelves as little girls were ecstatic to see Barbies like them. This list includes many Barbies that venture out from the thin, blonde, blue-eyed stereotypical Barbie, many of which can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. They ignore society’s standards of beauty and promote body positivity, which will increase your child’s confidence. Along with being more relatable, these unique Barbies give your child a sense of real-world diversity.
Entertainment Value
Barbie has the ability to influence children everywhere. They might want to dress like Barbie or wear their hair like her. While she is a fashion icon, she has always been so much more than that. She was created with the goal to inspire little girls to aim high, chase their dreams, and break the glass ceiling. The first career Barbie was an astronaut and since then, more than 150 career Barbies have been released. Barbies in the form of doctors, veterinarians, musicians, etc., all inspiring children that they can be anything they want to be when they grow up. Not only will your child have a blast playing with Barbie, but she will be instilling in them a passion to be successful.
Ease of Use
In order for a child to fully be able to enjoy their barbie and receive the developmental benefits the toy must be easy to use. When compiling this list we made sure that the Barbie's were easy to carry and play with. We wanted all features to be easily accessible. Furthermore, if the barbie has cloth clothing your child will have no trouble changing her outfits or even styling her hair. Any barbie that has posable joints can easily be put into a variety of positions.
Barbie is named after the creator's daughter, Barbara, and Ken is named after their son, Kenneth.
Barbie's first career was a teen model, but has since had a variety of other jobs.
Other Factors to Consider
Physical Development
Barbie not only provides hours of fun for your child, but she also stimulates several areas of development. As your child creates scenarios and immerses into pretend play she will be using her imagination. Creativity and imagination are crucial to a child’s development. As your child changes Barbie’s outfit or even moves her limbs, she will be developing her fine-motor skills and improving her strength and dexterity. Caring for her doll will foster a sense of compassion in your child. Your child’s confidence and independence will grow as she plays more with Barbie. Dressing Barbie will encourage them to dress. Playing with the careers dolls will motivate them to aim high and to chase their dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: At what age should I purchase my child a Barbie?
As some Barbies contain small parts that could be a choking hazard, we recommend purchasing Barbies for children aged 4 and over.
q: Can all Barbies wear the same clothes?
The original Barbie dolls could swap clothes. The new Barbies that were created with different body shapes may not be able to fit the clothes of the original Barbies. However, more clothes can be purchased for those Barbies, so you will never have to worry about her not having enough outfits.
q: This Barbie has too much makeup for my child, what can I do since I like everything else on her?
Many of Barbie’s heads can be taken off and swapped.
q: Can I purchase fashion accessories for a Barbie Doll, like shoes and hair brushes?
Yes, Barbie doll accessories can be purchased in addition to the dolls. They come in sets that can be found anywhere that the dolls and fashion sets are sold.
q: Are there celebrity Barbies?
Mattel has created tons of celebrity Barbies, the first being Twiggy in 1959. Nicki Minaj, Zendaya, and Katy Perry all have Barbies created after them as well.
q: How much does the average doll cost?
If you’re wanting a basic Barbie doll with no frills or accessories you can purchase one for around $7. Celebrity Barbies and Barbies with playsets tend to be more expensive at around $30.
Sources
- Barbie Is Getting A Major Body Positive Makeover For 2016 — PHOTOS, Informative Article ,
- Benefits of Playing with Dolls, Online Article ,
- The Profound, Long-Lasting Benefits of Playing With Barbie, Informative Article ,
- Barbie Through the Ages, Online News Article ,
- 24 Celebrities You Never Knew Had Their Own Barbie, Online News Article ,