Soon as they hit the market, Holiday Barbie dolls sold out, and Mattel realized it appealed to adult collectors as a collectible. It was also a perfect “Happy Holidays” gift for doll lovers since the box had those words inscribed on them until 1998. Even though Holiday Barbies came only once a year, they’re not all rare since they were mass-produced. Of all the exclusive Holiday Barbies, the 1988 – 1995 models are ultra-rare because they’re the original models, and it’s been a while since they first hit the market. Final Note Blonde), 1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Barbie dolls originated from a mother’s interest in bringing joy to her daughter. Ruth decided playing with paper dolls wasn’t enough after observing her daughter Barbara’s love for them. In 1999, Mattel Christened its Barbie Doll, the Millennium Princess, in honor of the new Millennium. Then it changed to Celebration Series between 2000 and 2002. The 2003 model’s name is Winter Fantasy.

The 1995 Happy Holidays Barbie Doll has a bright smile as big as her hair. Her dress has Holly prints and motifs all over, and it couldn’t be more obvious that she’s a festive doll. So, in 1959, she designed a 3D model and named the doll “Barbie” – the short form of Barbara – in honor of her child. The very first belle of the ball is a fair blonde-hair beauty in a tulle red ballgown. The dress has a firm bodice with short puffy sleeves and a white ribbon attached at the waist. Her hair is also full with bouncy curls on the tip in typical 80s style. While the Celebration Barbie welcomed the new Millennium, it couldn’t beat the anticipation of the Millennium Princess. The royal blue and silver-dressed doll wears a silver tiara and comes bearing an ornament.

In line with the growing consciousness on representation, Mattel designs three skin tones and hair colors for each Holiday Barbie though the physique takes on the original statuesque style. Naturally, you’d expect the older Holiday Barbies to carry higher values, and you’re right. Considering the age, the chances of finding an NRFB or MIB are slim, and if you do find them, you should be ready to pay a pretty penny in exchange. As exciting as a new year is for everyone, it doesn’t compare to the joy at the turn of the century, or better, Millennium. You know how people make New Year resolutions and promise to make significant changes, well Mattel did so with its Celebration Barbie. Each Holiday Barbie has a unique accessory featuring festive symbols like Ornaments, Snowflakes, Stars, Holly, Fig Leaves, and more. Their jewelry is attached permanently, so there’s no extra for playing dress-up or replacement. Mint In Box (MIB)= The plastic is clear, there are no tears to the box. It is essentially in the perfect condition.

Removed from Box= This Barbie is removed from her box but doesn’t have all her accessories and may need some TLC. This is usually the case if the barbie was ever used as a toy. Never Removed From Box (NRFB)= The Barbie is still inside the box, but the box isn’t perfect. You have never taken the barbie out of the box. If there is yellowing to the plastic or some fraying, it’s probably in the NRFB condition.Damaged Box= There is significant damage to the box but the Barbie has still never been removed and attached inside. The damage might be anything from a slight tear to a completely crushed box. There are 33 Holiday Barbies in total, with the last release being 2021. Mattel started the tradition in 1988 and hasn’t defaulted a year since then. However, in 2004 – 2005, the company included rare limited editions to the regular Holiday Barbies. Are there other Valuable Barbie Dolls? In 1945, Ruth and Elliot Handler started a small toymaking business in their garage without knowing it would become an empire. Within three years of establishment, they expanded their company to Los Angeles, California.