Barbie dolls have been on the market for more than six decades as a popular choice among young girls who enjoy playing with dolls. However, picking the best Barbie dolls for girls can be tricky since the dolls have evolved. Now, the brand offers figurines representing several ethnic backgrounds and professions while remaining as gorgeous as ever. If you’ve been thinking about getting your daughter a Barbie doll, we have compiled a list of the finest Barbie dolls for girls. But first, you might want to learn why some people are opposed to these dolls.
Criticism For Barbie Dolls
Before you buy a Barbie for your child, you need to know that this popular toy is often criticized for being sexist and unrealistic. Critics have called out Mattel for manufacturing dolls that are mostly white blondes with an unnaturally thin figure and large breasts. This creates a wrong impression on the minds of girls who believe that only women who look like this are beautiful. Addressing these concerns, Mattel has started producing Barbies belonging to different races, following various career paths, and are of different body types. Barbie dolls are now regular chefs, doctors, veterinarians, and so on. When buying a Barbie doll for your daughter, consider the kind of impression you want your child to have and accordingly purchase a doll that will inspire her. Have a look at some of the most popular Barbie dolls that girls love to play with.
21 Best Barbie Dolls For Girls In 2022
Here is our list of the best Barbie dolls available in 2022.
1. Best With Light: Barbie Rainbow Lights Mermaid Doll
This Mermaid Barbie is like no other doll because its tail lights up with rainbow colors, and it can be dipped into the water. Just one touch of the button on its necklace and the lighting pattern changes. Its colorful rainbow costume makes it all the more attractive for little girls. Check out this video to learn more. Pros
Magical mermaid look from head to toe Super-easy to activate the tail Automatically goes into sleep mode after ten minutes Great doll for pretend-play
Cons
Tail light might be too bright for some children Might not stay lit up for very long
2. Best With Flexible Limbs: Barbie Made to Move Doll
Ever seen a Barbie click selfies? This one does. This Barbie has 22 joints that make her limbs flexible enough to hold any position. Unlike many other Barbies, this one can fold its legs and arms and mimic other human body movements. This enables it to easily hold a guitar, do yoga or gymnastics, and so on. It is available in different body types and races. This review video helps you know more about the product. Pros
Realistic action and unique poses Each model comes in a different style and look Trendy and versatile clothes Durable and easy to carry around
Cons
Hair might be slightly stiff to brush Feet may not be durable
3. Best For Gifting: Barbie Happy Birthday Doll
If you are looking to gift someone a Barbie, then have a look at this pretty birthday doll. It comes in a sparkly pink party dress with a gift in hand. It wears matching shoes, a headband, and a necklace, looking perfect for a birthday party. Pros
Cinched waist with beautiful shiny bow Sparkling details make her more attractive Easy to carry anywhere Safe materials for children to play with
Cons
Hair might be slightly tangled and frizzy Dress might look ill-fitting
4. Best Inspirational: Barbie Inspiring Women Frida Kahlo Doll
If you are looking for an inspirational figure for your daughter, do not look further than this doll. Frida Kahlo was known to have overcome multiple disabilities and supported various causes related to women. Inspired by this artist, activist, and global icon, the Barbie wears the traditional Mexican Tehuana dress and headgear. Pros
Vibrant outfit Real-life element makes pretend-play more fun Durable and easy to carry around Makes a cool collector’s item
Cons
Fabric might not be as durable Necklace and earrings might not look realistic
5. Best For Dress-Up: Barbie 3 Fairytale Characters Doll
If your daughter loves fairies and princesses, then this 3-in-1 doll can become her most favorite. It comes with a tiara, a snap-on bodice, and a sparkly skirt to make it look like a princess. You can change it into a mermaid by putting on its snap-on swimsuit top, ombre tail, and colorful fins. When it wears its shiny fairy wings, snap-on bodice, pretty skirt, and shoes, it becomes a cute little fairy.
6. Best Ballerina: Barbie Fairytale Ballerina Doll
For a girl who loves dancing, this doll can be great to play with. This ballerina Barbie comes in its dancing costume, which is a beautiful pink bodice coupled with a sheer tutu and a pink tiara to complete the look. Pros
Sculpted toe shoes look on point Pretty poses and polished ponytail Bodice comes with rich detailing Can be used for cake decoration
Cons
Dress top might not be removable Might not have detailed features
7. Best Stylish: Barbie 2018 Holiday Doll
This holiday Barbie is inspired by the first of its kind that was launched 30 years ago. The doll wears a stunning red off-shoulder gown with multi-tiered layers. Its accessories include a pearl-studded headband, necklace, and bracelet. Pros
Has sophisticated details and polished finish Ideal for gifting on Christmas or birthdays Accented with a delicate bow at the waist Stunning hair
Cons
Dress might begin to fray slightly after extended play Quality of the accessories could have been better
8. Best With Long, Flowy Hair: Barbie Endless Hair Kingdom Princess Doll
Its shiny pink-streaked purple hair that stretches beyond her waist makes her look different from the rest of the Barbies. Along with a tiara, the doll comes with a brush so your little girl can experiment with different hairstyles for the Barbie. Pros
Super-stylish and edgy design Teaches girls to stand out and express themselves Comes with decorated bodice and matching shoes Best for boosting creativity
Cons
May not stand alone Might not have fully articulated features
9. Best For Underwater Play: Barbie Dolphin Magic Snorkel Fun Friends
It is a water Barbie that wears a color-changing swimming top and can be played with underwater too. It comes with flippers and a snorkel mask to look like a real snorkeler. It also includes a squirting dog and a pink dolphin for the Barbie to play with while happily diving in the water. Pros
Wears board shorts with fun graphic print Dolphin makes realistic sounds Puppy has an adorable pink bow Encourages storytelling and creative thinking in children
Cons
Hair might be slightly frizzy and clumpy Dog might not be sturdy on the surfboard
10. Barbie 2017 Holiday Doll, Blonde Hair
Created to suit the festive season, this Barbie comes decked up in an attractive red metallic gown and golden earrings. The star attached to it is a reminder to always shine brightly like a star. It comes in an attractive package meant to be a good option for gifting. The holiday edition also has a Nikki Doll and Teresa Doll, the African-American, and the Latina versions of the Barbie. Pros
Part of Barbie’s longest-running collection Suitable for children and adults who love Barbie Beautiful and durable dress and accessories Star on the back makes it good for home decor
Cons
Might have slightly sharp edges May not be as realistic as expected
11. Barbie Inspiring Women Series Katherine Johnson Doll
Who said geeky Barbies could not be beautiful? Katherine Johnson is famous for her impeccable calculation skills and was duly credited for several NASA space expeditions. This inspirational Barbie comes with short curly black hair and black glasses to look like the famous mathematician. Pros
Encourages curiosity and critical thinking Comes with a certificate of authenticity Classic addition to children’s Barbie collection Educates children about a great role model
Cons
Hair might be hard to brush Articulation might not be convincing enough
12. Barbie Collector Birthday Wishes Barbie Doll
It is the coolest birthday gift for a girl who loves to play with dolls. Her dazzling pink bodice is printed with petal and pearl artwork. Her beautiful skirt is a pink pleated tulle over a silky blue taffeta. The doll has a pretty satin bow at the waist, which completes its outfit for the evening. Pros
Ready-to-gift option for Barbie lovers Comes with different color options Removable skirt can be used on other dolls Hair and dress look flawless
Cons
Plastic clips might poke out of hair No date on the box
13. Barbie 2016 Holiday Doll
Dressed in a magnificent aqua ombre sparkle skirt, this doll is created to commemorate the holiday and festive season. Her detailed bodice and sparkly bracelet further add to her ultra-glamorous look. Apart from these standalone Barbies dolls, Mattel also has complete Barbie playsets on specific themes. Pros
Ideal for children aged six years and up Must-have for Barbie collectors Beautiful and vibrant colors Stunning detailing
Cons
Glitter might come off during play Plastic packaging could have been better
Career Oriented Barbie Dolls With Extra Accessories or Playsets
Here is a list of Barbie dolls that represent regular working women. These Barbies come with extra accessories and playsets to follow their respective professions to perfection.
14. Barbie Baby Doctor Playset
A doctor is one of the most popular professions that children choose during pretend-play. Dressed in scrubs, this doctor Barbie comes with a stethoscope, exam table, some medicine bottles, and two baby patients. The babies can be kept in the mobile as the doctor doll examines them. Playing with this doll can be a fun experience. Pros
Outfit looks realistic and professional Real-life accessories Comes with care station, moving mobile, and storage space Inspires children to be nurturing Provides a realistic nursing room experience
Cons
Scrubs might be difficult to remove Stand might be lightweight
15. Barbie Chicken Farmer Doll & Playset
When it comes to career options, a little girl has no limits. And neither does a Barbie. The farmer playset comes with a hen house, a few chickens, eggs, and a basket. With these accessories, your little girl can learn where eggs and chicken come from. Your child may love playing with this toy outside in the open. Pros
Ideal roleplaying game for outdoors Stylish and trendy outfit Teaches children about farm life Inspiring for animal lovers
Cons
Chicken coop might not be accurate Limb articulation could have been better
16. Barbie Flippin Fun Gymnast
If your girl is active in athletics or has a keen interest in gymnastics, this Barbie might inspire her to keep going at it. The doll comes with a beautiful coach Barbie and playset that includes a student doll, a balance beam launch area, and a magnetic mat. The doll performs a flip from the launch area and lands perfectly on the mat. Pros
Comes with a golden trophy Mat works with magnetic technology Dynamic launching mechanism Inspires imagination and active living
Cons
Might be slightly challenging to set up Table might not be durable enough
17. Barbie Careers Farm Vet Doll & Playset
This Barbie is for an animal lover. The vet doll comes with seven animal patients and a barn structure. Its shelves hold accessories such as a stethoscope, medicine bottle, feeding bottle, and other necessary tools for medical examination of the animals. Your child can create as many scenarios as she wants while playing with this set. Pros
Children can open and close the swinging door Stylish and practical outfit choice Comes with four removable casts for engaging play Pieces can be used with other toys
Cons
Might take up a lot of space Placing the tiny pieces on the shelves may not be easy
18. Barbie Fashionistas Doll #105
Add a little diversity to your child’s Barbie collection with the doll #105 that features beautiful Afro hair. Ideal for imaginative play and pretend play, the doll has her own unique personality and is a great addition to your little girl’s Barbie gang. Pros
Cute pink and red tank dress Dress has stylish cut-outs Brunette hair Hoop earrings
Cons
No accessories included Elbows may not bend much
19. Barbie Babysitting Skipper Doll And Stroller Playset
Girls who are fond of babies and love babysitting are likely to enjoy playing with this babysitter Barbie. This doll comes with a stroller and a tiny doll. To keep the baby doll engaged, there are smaller accessories such as a teddy bear, phone, and a bottle. Pros
Ideal for children aged 36 months to seven years Easy and smooth to push around Comes with diaper bag that holds phone and snacks Safe and durable plastic
Cons
Storage in stroller tray might not be wide enough May be smaller than you expect
20. Barbie Newborn Pups Doll & Pets
This delightful doll comes with a dog and her three adorable puppies. Press the head of the mommy dog, and one-by-one, the puppies will pop out of her in the delivery tub. The Barbie can then wipe the newborn pups clean and cover them in their blanket. Pros
Inspires love and caring for animals Doll has flexible knees and good articulation Wears stylish and trendy outfit Great way to introduce concepts of pregnancy and childbirth
Cons
Puppies are small and might get misplaced Color changing mechanism might not be flawless
21. Barbie Pizza Chef Doll And Playset
Your girl can make up new stories of pizza making with this talented pizza-maker Barbie. The playset contains colorful dough that is first put inside the pizza press to flatten it. Then it is sprinkled with some white dough for cheese and finally put in the oven. It also comes with a pizza cutter so your daughter can have a pizza party with her doll. Pros
Children can take orders and payments at the register Easy-to-use mechanisms to inspire creativity Comes with a mini-fridge and storage shelf Super-easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Shredder might be slightly flimsy Dough might leave stains behind
How To Choose The Right Barbie Dolls For Girls?
Keep these factors in mind when choosing the best Barbie doll for your child.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in writing about children’s products, toys, and gifts. She understands how important a Barbie doll can be in a young girl’s life and has taken special care in compiling a list of dolls that are inclusive and have various new features. If you are looking for a doll as unique as your baby girl, Priti recommends the Barbie Inspiring Women Series Frida Kahlo Doll. Frida Kahlo is a role model for many across the globe and her inspiring message can offer a good learning opportunity for your child.
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