Every year, everyone wants to know: what are the best, the top, the hottest dolls for the holiday season. This year, as always, I present my hot holiday Barbie dolls for 2009. There is a wide varitey of Barbie dolls on this list, with a definite concentration of some of the fantastic dolls releassed this year to commemorate Barbie's 50th Anniversary. And, what would a hot holiday Barbie list be like without this year's Holiday Barbie? Without further adieu, here are my top 10 Barbie picks for 2009.
Mattel, Inc.This year's 2009 Holiday Barbie doll is extremely beautiful, and very appropriately done in pink, as a nod to Barbie's 50th Anniversary. Nothing says Happy Holidays to a Barbie doll collector like the Holiday Barbie doll, a tradition since 1988. This year's doll is available as a Caucasian or an African American and has a suggested retail of $44.95.
Denise Van PattenGeneration of Dreams is actually my favorite Barbie of 2009. Well..actually, she may be my favorite modern Barbie doll released in over 10 years! She just perfectly sums up the 50th Anniversary of Barbie, as well as Barbie's history with an amazing patchwork fabric on the gown that embroiders iconic images and graphics from Barbie's rich history.
3. Jonathan Adler
I'll admit it--I'm already a Jonathan Adler fan. I love the lines of his designs. And, I love that this Barbie not only has a Jonathan Adler vibe, but she also comes with Jonathan Adler designed accessories--a side table, lamp, three funky patterned vases, a lacquered tray, and a Barbie silhouette "mirror", all done in pink, black and white! Suggested retail for the Jonathan Adler Barbie is $49.95. And, if you want to continue the Jonathan Adler look for your Barbie dolls, there are other Jonathan Adler pieces available separately, including a pink Barbie-sized couch!I'v always been a sucker for the Byron Lars multiculturally-inspired dolls. And, the Barbie Direct Exclusive (only available directly from Mattel) Ayako Jones is no exception. Her couture costume is incredible--you probably won't see it or anything similar on a human being walkind down the main street of your home town, but isn't that the point of fashion dolls? Ayako Jones wearsa kimono-insppired top with fur trim, skinny jeans and big heels. Her face paint and hair are cutting-edge and fun. Ayako Jones has a suggested retail of 124.99.
5. 50th Anniversary Glamour
This Barbie is actually the "official" 50th Anniversary doll. We are calling her "glamour" here to distingish her from the rest of the 50th Anniversary line-up. Done in gold, the caucasian version of the doll is sold out on the official Barbie web site, and nearly everyplace else. On eBay, the price of the doll is starting to climb , so if you want this doll in your collection, the time to get her is now! In glittery gold, this doll epitomizes glamour, which is why she was chosen for the flagship doll for this year. Original suggested retail for the doll is $49.99, and the African American version which is also stunning is still available at many retailers.6. Barbie Then and Now - Bathing Suit Doll
This is the least expensive Barbie on the 2009 list. Mostly sold as a promotional doll at several big box stores on the day of Barbie's 50th Anniversary in March for the original price of the first 1959 Barbie Doll--$1.99--the doll is still available from some retailers for anywhere between approximately $10 and $20. The doll showcases a modern Barbie in a modern 2-piece interpretation of the original 1-piece black and white swimsuit that the first Barbie wore. The doll also includes a cell phone (definitely NOT included with the original Barbie!) and sunglasses.7. Debut Barbie Silkstone, Caucasian and African American
Another one of the 50th Annniversary dolls, the Debut Barbie in Silkstone brings together the best of the original Barbie with Silkstone, a modern material that mimics the look of porcelain without the cold feel or breakability. The Silkstone line of Barbie dolls has been a hit with collectors throughout this decade, and this Robert Best designed ode to the original Barbie will be a must-have for any Silkstone collector. Suggested retail for the Debut Barbie in Silkstone is $44.95, and the doll is available as a Caucasian or an African-American.8. My Favorite Barbie...
Well, I'm cheating here, and actually stuffing in several Barbie dolls in this listing. For the 30th Anniversary, Mattel has presented collectors with a series of "My Favorite Barbie" time capsule dolls. These dolls are actually reproduction gift sets, with a doll and an outfit. Dolls included in this series include the original 1959 doll, the Twist and Turn from 1967, the Malibu Barbie from 1971, the Superstar Barbie from 1977, and several others. The quality of these reproductions is very good and the included outfits tend to be iconic and recognizable. Prices vary, but retail generally seems to be between $39.99 and $49.99 for these sets.9. Twilight Edward
Ok, Ok...Twilight dolls aren't part of the Barbie line, but they ARE part of Mattel's fashion doll line and the same size as Barbie and of a long-line of Mattel celebrity dolls that are collected by Barbie collectors. And, since they are, and since Edward and Bella are so popular, and since these are very nice likenesses, they are included here. Suggested retail is also an attractive $25.99.10. Twilight Bella
Yes, Bella is on the list, too. See Edward above for details; she also has a suggested retail of $25.99.
