15 Best Barbie Dolls
Updated 27 March 2021
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
She may be over 60 years old, but Barbie is still at the top of any guest list. Back in the day, Barbie was all about glamour and fashion. In 2021, there’s so much more to her than cars, handbags and trendy styles.
These toys are all about inspiring kids to aim for the stars, so amongst our recommended Barbie toys for this year are tributes to creative icons like David Bowie and Frida Kahlo, as well as interesting STEM professions, including an astrophysicist and a marine biologist.
Of course, we cannot leave out mermaids and fashionistas, as Barbie will always be fabulous. Each of these toys is guaranteed to bring the fun to any party. We’ve filtered out any fake reviews to make sure we’re only recommending Barbie toys that kids will love to play with, so they won’t let you down.
If you fancy having a great place to play with your Barbie dolls, then be sure to check out 6 of the best dollhouses that are available as of 2021.
1Barbie Bride Doll in White and Pink Dress with Veil and Bouquet
Barbie has always been looking forward to her wedding day with Ken, and with this Bride model, these dreams can finally be realized. This Barbie doll comes with a beautiful pink and white wedding dress and a gorgeous bouquet to complete the overall look. She will provide kids with the opportunity to live out their favorite wedding scenarios and dreams of walking down the aisle. This Barbie doll also comes with a stunning necklace that will be the talk of any wedding. At 13 inches tall, this is a medium size Barbie doll, perfect for transport and not prone to easily being lost. With her fantastic outfit and cute accessories, there are endless stories that you can create!
What we love
- This is a classic version of Barbie Bride
- She has beautiful clothing to make her the perfect bride
What We Don't Like That Much
- The top of her dress is not made of fabric, so it cannot be changed easily
2Barbie Pet Vet Doll with Puppy Patient, Brunette
Many kids have the dream of becoming a vet when they are older. With this doll, they can act out creative role-play scenarios where they can bring this dream to life. This Barbie doll comes with her own modern, black stethoscope that she uses to monitor, diagnose, and care for her puppy companion. She has the traditional Vet white lab coat and shoes, with a professional skirt and shirt outfit, designed to allow kids to have more fun and feel like a real vet when playing with this Barbie doll model. She has long brunette hair, but it is important to note that not all of her joints are poseable. However, that does not keep her from being a realistic toy to play and create unique stories with. Finally, this Barbie doll was designed as part of the Barbie Career Doll Series, of which other dolls from the series can be purchased separately to complete the entire collection.
What we love
- This Barbie was designed for kids that love animals
- This model is designed to look like the traditional Brunette Barbie doll
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the included accessories are very small, making them more difficult to play with
3Barbie Teacher Doll with Flipping Blackboard Playset and School-Themed Toys [Amazon Exclusive]
![B06X6MZ2BC-Barbie Teacher Doll with Flipping Blackboard Playset and School-Themed Toys [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WryT5eDEL._SL500_.jpg)
Unlike other Barbie dolls that come with just one or two accessories, this model comes with an entire setup, including everything a teacher would need. This includes a child doll to act as her student, a flipping blackboard with a clock at the top, and various school-themed toys. The set even includes a small class pet in the form of a hamster, that will only increase the amount of various play scenarios that kids can act out with this Barbie doll model. She also comes dressed in a cute polka dot blouse with dandelion-yellow leggings. With a pair of fashionable glasses that every teacher would be envious of, she is ready to take on any scenario that you could think up.
What we love
- The blackboard flips, adding to role-play immersion
- The class pet is super cute
What We Don't Like That Much
- The accessories are small, so unsuitable for very small children
4Barbie Inspiring Women Series Frida Kahlo Doll
This Barbie Doll was inspired by the beautiful Frida Kahlo, a feminist icon from the early 1900s. She was known for her unwavering passion, as well as being the symbol of hope, strength, and originality for an entire generation of women during a time when women were socially suppressed. This doll is a part of the Barbie Inspiring Women Series and she can be kept as a beautiful conversation and collector's piece, or played with to inspire new creative play scenarios for the modern generation of Barbie fans. Frida Kahlo was chosen as the inspiration for this Barbie because of her unique perspective and style. With this Barbie doll, kids can reenact different eras in Kahlo’s life, providing an extensive creative play experience that other Barbie dolls are not able to provide. Finally, this doll comes with a doll stand and a Certificate of Authenticity, meaning that the lucky owner can display this doll wherever they like, with certainty of its authenticity.
What we love
- The clothes are designed to look authentic to Frida Kahlo’s era
- She does have some poseable body parts for realistic play
What We Don't Like That Much
- Her joints are visible, which reduces their realistic design
5Barbie Made to Move Dolls with 22 Joints and Yoga Clothes, Floral, Pleach
In the past, all Barbie dolls were single-piece figures, which would limit their play scenarios. However, this Barbie doll is designed to make that a concept of the past. This model has a total of 22 different joints that move independently, providing her with incredible flexibility and allowing the user to create countless different poses. With this Barbie doll, kids can create new play scenarios while positioning her realistically, inspiring a type of active play that many other models are not capable of doing. You can purchase different accessory packs to go with this doll, but she comes equipped with a beautiful floral pair of yoga pants and a gray t-shirt that is fashionably accented with different colors. Finally, the Made to Move Barbie Doll is made from high-quality material, making it durable and long-lasting for countless hours of playtime.
What we love
- She comes in a cute and trendy yoga work-out outfit
- Kids can make her strike realistic poses
What We Don't Like That Much
- Due to the joints, a little more care is required when playing with her than with other Barbie dolls
6Barbie Dreamtopia Mermaid Doll, Approx. 12-Inch, Rainbow Tail, Purple Hair, for 3 to 7 Year Olds
For many years, Barbie dolls have been an excellent outlet for kids to create remarkable role-play scenarios, capable of transporting them out of their world and into other fascinating places. This particular model is designed to look like a beautiful mermaid emerging from the depths of the sea. She has a mermaid tail that is designed with memorizing shades of colors, that contrast brilliantly with her beautiful skin tone and long, flowing hair. The rainbow color scheme used on this Barbie doll was inspired by beautiful fairy tales, of which kids can play and act out on their own. Unlike other Barbie dolls, this doll was also created to be played with in water. Her arms are also poseable, which means that they can be moved in realistic motions, bringing creative play to life with ease.
What we love
- This Barbie’s mermaid tail can move at the hips
- She has a unique outfit, making her a beautiful addition to any collection
What We Don't Like That Much
- Due to her tail, the mermaid doll doesn't have any wardrobe changing possibilities
7Sally Ride BARBIE Inspiring Women Doll
The Inspiring Women Barbie series was created as a way to show tribute to inspiring women of the past, who paved the way for the women of today to be whatever they want to be. This particular Barbie doll model was designed to look like Sally Ride, one of the world's first female astronauts to head into space on the Challenger spacecraft. She has an authentic style space uniform that bears the logos of NASA, her name, and the exclusive Challenger mission. Finally, this doll also comes with a removable helmet and headset that makes her look official and can help to assist in various types of role-playing scenarios.
What we love
- This Barbie doll has fully articulated limbs for easy poseability
- The doll was designed to help inspire young boys and girls to strive to be what they want in life
What We Don't Like That Much
- This Barbie doll does have a few smaller accessories not suitable for little children
8Toy Story 4 Barbie Doll
For kids that love Toy Story 4 and Barbie dolls, this will make the perfect addition to their toy collection. This doll model was designed and inspired by the Barbie doll character from Toy Story 4. She looks just like her and even her outfit is designed to look exactly like the one from the movie. She has a tight teal bodysuit with different colored neon leggings and pink sneakers, making her ready for a workout anytime! With this doll model, kids can happily re-create their favorite scenes from the movie, or they can create their own special storylines to take them on all-new adventures. Finally, this Barbie comes with her own stand that will also allow kids to display her alongside other figures from the movie if they desire, when not playing with her. They can also use the stand as a prop for different scenarios, as well.
What we love
- This Barbie doll has 11 points of articulation
- She can be put into an infinite amount of poses as desired
What We Don't Like That Much
- The included stand could be sturdier
9Barbie David Bowie Doll
David Bowie was an iconic figure who has been cemented in musical history, and this Barbie doll was designed to pay tribute to him and his fascinating career. She is dressed up as Bowie's most popular sci-fi character, Ziggy Stardust. The spacesuit is made from a metallic-colored material to match Bowie’s suit and, unlike some other Barbie dolls, this doll is designed to be poseable, which helps to provide a unique role-play experience. This Barbie comes in an exclusive and special packaging that makes her an excellent collector's item, as well as being a usable toy that kids want to play with. It is important to note that this doll is not supposed to actually be David Bowie, rather Barbie’s own take on the iconic musician’s style. She comes with interesting facial details, like the painted eyelashes and makeup that are meant to complete the overall look.
What we love
- She has poseable joints that make her unique and easy to play with
- Great collectors item for David Bowie fans
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some models have minor details that are slightly different from the original David Bowie costume
10Barbie Photojournalist Doll, Brunette, Inspired by National Geographic for Kids 3 Years to 7 Years Old
With this model, Barbie and National Geographic partnered together to create a new doll that would inspire creative and imaginative storylines for kids that want to pursue a career in photojournalism. She is dressed in a brown camouflage outfit that will allow her to get up close and personal with her target, a friendly baby lion cub that comes as part of the set. Is the lion cub abandoned or will its mother show up and pose a danger? That is up to you to decide! These accessories, along with her camera and National Geographic guide, really help to increase the variety of storylines that can be created. Finally, this beautiful Barbie doll is made from high-quality material, but she does not have a lot of poseable joints that would make her easier to break. This helps to improve the longevity of this doll, compared to many other Barbie doll models.
What we love
- She is holding her own copy of National Geographic.
- This model helps kids act out their dreams of exploring the safari
What We Don't Like That Much
- Make sure to look after the accessories, as they can be easily lost
11Barbie Astrophysicist Doll, Blonde with Telescope and Star Map, Inspired by National Geographic
Barbie dolls have always been an inspirational toy for boys and girls, and this one was inspired by their Career Series. She is dressed in an outfit that resembles the night sky, full of brilliant stars, planets, and other galactical bodies that Astrophysicists study and explore daily. This Barbie was designed to help inspire creative role-play options that, prior to this series, were not as easily accomplished. This doll helps encourage a child's imagination and can potentially inspire them to fulfill their dreams of either becoming an Astrophysicist, or of exploring the stars. This Barbie doll also comes with a few different accessories that make her a true Astrophysicist, including a swiveling telescope and star map of the galaxy that she studies.
What we love
- This Barbie doll was inspired by National Geographic
- Adds an interesting career opportunity for Barbie
What We Don't Like That Much
- This Barbie doll does not have flexible joints
12Barbie Polar Marine Biologist Doll, Brunette, Inspired by National Geographic for Kids 3 Years to 7 Years Old
For kids that have always wanted to be a Polar Marine Biologist, this Barbie doll is the perfect choice for them. Allowing them to create and play through various types of creative scenarios, kids can truly immerse themselves in what they want to be when they grow up. She comes with a variety of accessories that make her ready to get to work in the coldest polar regions of the world. She even comes with her friendly companion, a penguin that she found and bonded with on her research. The penguin will also help to inspire different stories that kids can role-play, and Barbie is designed to look like a professional with her jet-black snow boots and dark sunglasses, which help to keep her body safe and warm.
What we love
- The uniqueness of this doll will help create quality and creative play scenarios
- She is dressed for the part of living and working in colder regions
What We Don't Like That Much
- The clothes could be made of sturdier material
13Barbie Ken 60th Anniversary Doll 2 in Throwback Workout Look with T-Shirt, Athleisure Pants, Sneakers & Hand Weight Kids 3 to 8 Years Old
This Ken doll was designed and created as a special edition for Barbie's 60th Anniversary of creating Ken dolls. The set includes different versions of Ken dolls, however this one was designed to look like the Great Shape Ken doll that was released back in 1984. He was created to promote physical fitness and health. In this outfit, Ken can be reunited with Barbie in their efforts to remain thin and physically fit. Each of these dolls are manufactured from high-quality plastic material that provides them with a unique and iconic appearance. This doll will provide kids with an excellent creative play opportunity that has not been viable for almost 40 years, bringing this Barbie Ken doll to a whole new generation to cherish and enjoy.
What we love
- He is one of the traditional iconic Ken models
- This doll is suitable for kids 3-years-old and up
What We Don't Like That Much
- This Ken Doll doesn't have any poseable joints
14Barbie Fashionistas Doll #150 with No-Hair Look Wearing Pink Floral Dress, White Booties & Earrings, Toy for Kids 3 to 8 Years Old
Barbie dolls are a classic and time-honored toy that kids from different generations have enjoyed. This particular model is a part of the Fashionistas Doll series that helps to bring Barbie dolls and different fashion trends together for an excellent play experience. With this doll, you can add various accessories to her figure to create the perfect look. This one comes equipped with a fashionable flower print dress. Each of the Barbie dolls is made from a non-toxic plastic material, which can help to create different role-play scenarios. This doll is designed to help promote creative play ideas that were not possible in the past. Finally, her ensemble is completed with stylish white booties that give her a clean, modern look.
What we love
- This Barbie has a unique, hairless appearance that sets her apart from other models
- She comes equipped with a few fashion accessories, including large hoop earrings
What We Don't Like That Much
- She is not a poseable Barbie doll figure
15Barbie Color Reveal Doll with 7 Surprises [Styles May Vary]: 4 Mystery Bags; Water Reveals Doll’s Look & Color Change on Bodice & Hair; Shimmer Series; Gift for Kids 3 Years Old & Up
![B08J5XH416-Barbie Color Reveal Doll with 7 Surprises [Styles May Vary]: 4 Mystery Bags; Water Reveals Doll’s Look & Color Change on Bodice & Hair; Shimmer Series; Gift for Kids 3 Years Old & Up](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gXZDL28lL._SL500_.jpg)
When it comes to Barbie dolls, this one was designed to provide kids with a complete surprise, as each doll is a little different. The owner will not know exactly which of the 7 styles they will get before opening the package and placing the Barbie doll in warm water. With each of these Barbies, kids will receive four different mystery bags that hold surprise accessories to go along with their doll. Each set can have different types of accessories, which means that none of these Barbie dolls are ever the same. These dolls make for very creative role-playing sessions, and kids can easily pick and choose which accessory they plan on using to make their Barbie doll unique. Finally, this Barbie comes with her own reveal tube that kids can pull their Barbie out of, heightening the suspense as to which style they will uncover.
What we love
- The reveal tube provides a unique and mysterious Barbie experience
- This Barbie’s countless variations means that no two dolls are the same
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the accessories appear to be of cheaper quality material
Wrapping Up
Barbie has stayed on top for six decades by evolving to meet the needs and habits of kids from every era and these 15 dolls are very on trend for 2021. Frida Kahlo may not have expected to be turned into a Barbie doll, but it’s an amazing way to spread her art to a new generation. Which was your favorite Barbie? If reading this has made you nostalgic for your Barbie days, why not treat yourself to a classic Barbie Fashionistas 8-Inch Styling Head? You must have spent many hours styling up this toy’s hair back in the day and, with lots of cool accessories, why should today’s children get all the fun? Barbie dolls aren’t for everyone of course, if you're more about firepower than fashion, check out our articles on the high octane world of Nerf Guns.
