The idea of this doll came from Barbara's mother

There are many years of history about this doll. In fact, she has been around for fifty one years. She celebrated her fifth birthday last year. The name Barbie originated from a little girl named Barbara. There are several collectible Barbie doll made each year.

The idea of this doll came from Barbara's mother. This was not only an American but also a business woman. The husband was co-founder of Mattel Toys.

She observed her daughter playing with dolls made of paper. Then she came up with this idea. In those days the dolls were more infant type dolls and paper dolls.

Barbara would give the dolls different rolls such as an adult figure. That is when the mother thought of making a doll more like an adult. There would be other clothes to play dress up with the fashion Barbie. The idea was taken to the directors of Mattel's toys. They liked the thought of this type of doll.

While in Europe on a trip with her children she saw a doll that had an adult figure. Purchasing several of the dolls, one for Barbara and the others were taken home. Then they were taken to the toy company to review. They changed the model of that doll to introduce Barbie.

She was first shown in New York in 1959 at a toy fair on March 9. This is considered her birthday. Barbie's first outfit was a swimsuit that was white and black striped. Her hair was placed up in a ponytail. Also there was the choice of brunette or blonde hair. Later the Mattel Company purchased the other doll that was from Europe. Soon after the purchase they stopped manufacturing that doll.

Barbie is made as a teenager but the breast is very noticeable. Because of the breast parents were displeased. So her outward aspect was changed several times throughout the years. One major change is the doll's eyes were sloping to the side. The eyes are now turned ahead.

There have been almost a billion Barbie's sold throughout the world. This is credited to her being of the first toys advertised on television. There also is a Boulevard in Time Square called Barbie Boulevard.