20 Surprising Facts About The Barbie Doll
Published -
- March 28, 2017
- 5:00 pm
20 Things you didn’t know about the Barbie doll.
You may have played with Barbie dolls when you were a child, but how much do you really know about this iconic toy? Here are a few things you didn’t know about the Barbie doll.
Barbie was first released in the United States, and the original doll was inspired by a German comic book character named Lilli who was a call girl. Over time, the doll has ventured out all over the world. She’s now sold in 150 different countries. It took a bit longer for other countries to catch on to the Barbie craze. She wasn’t introduced into Europe until 1961, and India didn’t start selling the doll until 1987.
What are some of the lesser-known facts about Barbie, and how have they contributed to her status as a beloved plaything for generations of individuals worldwide?
The Barbie Doll is considered by many as an iconic figure in the toy industry. She has been a beloved plaything for more than six decades, and her influence has touched millions of people across the world. From her inception, Barbie has been more than just a toy – she has become a cultural phenomenon. However, despite her widespread popularity, there are several surprising facts about the doll that many people may not know. Here are 20 surprising facts about the Barbie Doll.
1. Barbie was first introduced in 1959 by the toy manufacturer Mattel Inc.
2. The creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, named her after her daughter, Barbara.
3. The original Barbie had blonde hair and was available in either a black-and-white striped swimsuit or a red helenca swimsuit.
4. Barbie was designed to resemble the German doll, “Bild Lilli,” which was popular during the 1950s.
5. Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
6. The first Barbie sold for $3.00.
7. There are over one billion Barbie dolls in circulation.
8. Barbie’s first career was as a teenage fashion model.
9. In 1963, Barbie ran for president, 11 years before any woman had ever run.
10. Barbie has had over 200 careers, including astronaut, doctor, and politician.
11. The biggest selling Barbie doll was the Totally Hair Barbie, which had hair that reached her feet.
12. In 2009, Barbie celebrated her 50th birthday.
13. Barbie has gone through more than 45 transformations or facelifts.
14. Mattel produces over 100 million Barbie dolls each year.
15. The first African American Barbie was introduced in 1968.
16. The first Hispanic Barbie was introduced in 1980.
17. Barbie has over 40 pets, including dogs, horses, cats, and even a koala.
18. In 2004, a limited edition “Weird Al” Yankovic action figure was created that had a Barbie-sized accordian.
19. Barbie has a middle-aged sister named Skipper who was introduced in 1964.
20. Barbie has sold over one billion pairs of shoes in her lifetime.
In conclusion, the Barbie Doll has become a cultural icon, loved by children and adults worldwide. With more than six decades of production under her belt, Barbie has continued to adapt and change to reflect the times, taking on more than 200 careers and inspiring generations. However, the 20 surprising facts listed here show that there is still much more to learn about this iconic toy. From her surprising number of pets to her links to the German doll, Bild Lilli, Barbie’s journey through the decades has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. The doll has stood the test of time, and her influence will undoubtedly continue for years to come.
