There are so many Barbie dolls released to collectors each year! If you are a collector, how do you wade through them all to find the gems for your holiday gift list? And, if you aren't a collector, how do you figure out which Barbie doll will have the doll collector on your list doing the happy dance on Christmas morning or a Chanukah eve? This list of my top ten hot Barbie dolls for the 2005 holiday season is just what you need! With no further adieu, here are my top 10 Barbie picks.
1. Holiday Barbie Doll by Bob Mackie
It is a long-standing tradition to release a holiday Barbie doll of some sort each holiday season. This holiday season is no exception, and I think that the holiday doll this year, the Holiday Barbie Doll by Bob Mackie, is especially beautiful. This is the first holiday Barbie doll ever designed by Bob Mackie! The doll's outfit is a lovely combination of burgundy and silver with emerald accents and jewelry. Available in Caucasian or African American, the doll has a suggested retail of $39.99.
2. Ferrari Barbie Doll
The Ferrari Barbie doll was originally supposed to be released only overseas, so it was a lovely surprise when this doll was made available to the U.S. market. The doll is pricey for a Barbie that isn't in an elaborate gown (she has a suggested retail of $139.99) but she makes up for that with lovely details and accessories, including a Ferrari-lined jacket, boots that lace up in the back, and a Ferrari-inspired skirt. Ferrari Barbie is a Gold Label doll, and intended for adult collectors.3. Lilly Pulitzer Barbie and Stacie Dolls
Oh so cute! The Lilly Pulitzer gift set gives you two fantastic dolls for the price of one. Only $49.99 suggested retail, the Lilly Pulitzer set has a Barbie and Stacie (smaller sister) dressed in matching and adorable Lilly Pulitzer designed outfits featuring a yellow and pink Pulitzer print. This is the perfect gift for a Barbie collector who is a mom or sister, and it is suitable for either older girls or adults. This set is a wonderful value and nicely packaged; the perfect holiday gift.4. Stolen Magic Silkstone Barbie Doll
Some Barbie collectors today focus exclusively on the Fashion Model Collection, also known as the Silkstone collection of Barbie dolls. Just in time for the holidays, Mattel has released the Stolen Magic Barbie. This elaborately dressed Barbie wears a charcoal gray gown of satin, embellished with silver embroidery and sequins. Faux chinchilla fur trims the hem and the outfit includes a pale blue satin stole. This doll, also available only from Gold Label dealers, retails for $149.99.5. Princess of the Pacific Islands Barbie Doll
The Princesses of the World series of Barbie dolls is quite popular, and with good reason--the dolls are beautifully costumed and at a good price. Several dolls in this series were released this year, but my pick is the Princess of the Pacific Islands Barbie Doll. She wears a traditional island muu muu featuring plumerias from the islands. In a sea-inspired blue, she has been a big hit with collectors. And, at $19.99 suggested retail, the doll is perfect for collectors of all ages!6. Byron Lars Treasures of Africa Tano Barbie Doll
I've always been impressed with the Byron Lars African themed dolls. This year, he has completed his Treasures of Africa collection with the elaborate Tano Barbie doll. She is promoted as "equal parts ethnic princess and couture queen" and she has the most elaborate, braided coiffure you can imagine! At a suggested retail of $79.99, Tano Barbie doll also is bedecked in feathers and beading, with an elaborate neckpiece. Oh--did I mention the birdcage with a red bird inside the coiffure?7. Lucy: The Operetta
If you (or your favorite collector) idolizes Lucille Ball, then you need to know about the long-running and still popular series of "I Love Lucy" dolls by Mattel. Based on a Barbie-sized doll, The Operetta "I Love Lucy" doll is the ninth in the series! Not the most attractive doll ever (with her blacked-out teeth," the doll is dressed to commemorate The Operetta episode from the series, and all lovers of Lucy find her endearing. Her suggested retail price is $34.99.8. Juicy Couture Barbie Dolls
The Juicy Couture Barbie doll has been available for most of 2005, but if you missed the set, or if your collector does not have it yet, it should not be overlooked. The set has two adorable Barbies dressed in Juicy Couture fashion, in lime green and hot pink. The two outfits co-ordinate, and there are tons of accessories included. At $99.99, the set is a reasonably priced Gold Label set that will thrill any collector, especially those who love modern fashion.