The Life and Times of Barbie: Celebrating 50 Years in 2009

Girls go crazy for Barbie games, toys, makeup, clothing, and just about anything else with Barbie's likeness or logo. Toy reviews, movies, music, nothing is void of this iconic toy. This isn't a new arrival to the market by any means. The doll started in 1959 and has continued to evolve with young girls ever since. In fact, that's what many people love about this toy; it is constantly changing to keep up with recent changes in thoughts and views.

The History Of Barbie
Elliot Handler, co-founder of the Mattel toy company, was not the inventor or the inspiration for the famous doll. In fact, it was his wife Barbara, who came up for the concept, and his daughter who was the doll's inspiration. Barbara observed that her daughter playing with paper dolls and playing out scenarios with grown up storylines. At the time, all of the dolls available resembled infants. Since girls could not use the existing dolls for teen and adult stories, Barbara decided the world needed a new doll.

She found doll maker Bild Lilli in Europe. He had a doll for adults called Lilli, but was surprisingly popular with children. When she returned to the US, she immediately got started creating this famous toy with help from the engineer Jack Ryan. After a few years of work, Barbara debuted this collection at New York's American International Toy Fair in 1959.

Building Their Success
The biggest question on everyone's mind was if Mattel could make this a profitable product. However, all it took was a single television ad campaign and little girls everywhere were waiting excitedly for a Barbie of their very own. Toy reviews soon reflected the same excitement. The toy originally came with a zebra striped swimsuit and has been the essence of style and fashion ever since. As time passed, Barbie underwent several redesigns and became more and more poseable.

Most people don't know that the original Barbie had short hair! Late in the 1960s, she was given long, straight, synthetic hair. This let little girls become talented stylists as well as fashion divas. Hair play became one of the more important parts of Barbie play in the 1970s, and Totally Hair Barbie was the best-selling Barbie ever--and still is to this day. Barbie also starred in the world of sports beginning in the 1970s. She took on worldly fashion and culture, the superstar look, and even fairytales.

Barbie Expands
Barbie games and accessories were just as popular in toy reviews and with consumers as the doll itself. Tea sets, dress up clothing, and makeup, -- even tents, beds, and curtains let little girls step into the glamorous life of the doll where all of her dreams could come true. In the 1990s, the arrival of personal computers offered a whole new platform for this American icon. Barbie games and fan sights exploded and are visited by thousands of little girls and adult 'girls' who still have fond memories of their favorite toy. Adult collectors also have Barbie games and sites where they can mingle and discuss the latest editions.

Barbie games, the doll, and anything branded with the logo are just as popular today as they were the day they were released. Barbie is now in her 50th anniversary. We are all waiting to see what she'll do in the next fifty!

Girls go crazy for Barbie games, toys, makeup, clothing, and just about anything else with Barbie's likeness or logo. Toy reviews, movies, music, nothing is void of this iconic toy. The doll started in 1959 and has continued to evolve with young girls ever since. In fact, that's what many people love about this toy; it is constantly changing to keep up with recent changes in thoughts and views.

Information about the Author:

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on toy reviews and Barbie games, visit http://www.TimeToPlayMag.com/.

Kids Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

Print This Article
Add To Favorites
Email to Friends
Get Re-print Code