Mommy, in the olden days, did you have a Barbie Doll? (1965)
Mommy, how do you make a pin curl?
Mommy, do blue shoes go with a green dress?
She’ll really learn from you. But Barbie will help.
Watch your little girl put together Barbie’s Sew-Free costume. Dress Barbie. Style Barbie’s Color ‘n Curl Fashion Wig.
Dream of tomorrow. It’s rewarding for her — and you. No wonder millions of mommies and little girls all over American and in 30 foreign countries share the delight of Barbie.
Vintage Barbie dolls from 1963
Barbie and her friends – Barbie, Ken, Midge & Fashion Queen Barbie
Barbie and Ken – the most popular twosome in doll town – now have coordinated outfits
Vintage Barbie friends: Twist N Turn Francie and Casey (1967)
Twist N Turn Francie is Barbie’s “Mod” cousin. Her friend Casey is new, and so is Negro Francie. Each doll has a twistable waist, legs band, real eyelashes, lots of beautiful new costumes to choose from.
The Barbie Family House and the Cape Cod Doll House Classic are ready-to-play — they need no assembly. Made of sturdy, washable vinyl, each new house contains fully decorated rooms and movable furniture.
Now Barbie talks! (1968-1969)
For the first time ever, the world’s prettiest, most popular fashion doll has delightful things to say to your little girl! And her English friend, Stacey, talks too.
See Barbie and all her friends on Get Smart, The Ugliest Girl.
Because wishing you were older is part of growing up, Mattel makes The World of Barbie (1969)
Here’s the best scene around. Barbie and her friends doing the “in” things girls should do.
And Barbie and her crowd talk about it, too! Talk about new places to visit, new clothes to wear, and new friends to meet — like Julia and perky new PJ.
The Barbie Family House is actually big enough for a fashion show… (1968)
… with fresh, swingy styles for both Francie and Casey.
Head for the beach with Sun Set Malibu Barbie and her vacationing friends (1972)
Vintage Barbie play sets: Let’s have a hand for Malibu Barbie and her friends (1973)
ALSO SEE: The Sunshine Family dolls & vintage playsets from the ’70s
Holy smoke!!! Barbie’s going’ camping (1973)
Like to meet new friends? Meet new Twist ‘N Turn Barbie (1967)
Barbie’s so new, it’s just as though you’d never met her before! With a twist and turn waist, she can pose hundreds of different ways.
And Barbie has a new hairdo, a fresh, young complexion, and real eyelashes! And she has so many wonderful new fashions! Dressy clothes. Kooky clothes. All designed especially for Barbie.
You and Barbie will have such fun play| together — and with other girls and their Barbie dolls. If you’d like your own autograp picture of Barbie, send your name and add on a. postcard to Mattel, P.O. Box #1 Hawthorne, California 90250.
For the most fun of all, go out and the real Barbie — wherever toys are sold.
Barbie is the number 1 doll. There is no number 2. (1970)
The Sun Set: Vintage Malibu Barbie & Friends spend the day at the beach
ALSO SEE: Growing Up Skipper doll: See how Barbie’s sister changed from a girl to a teen in seconds (1975)
Vintage Barbie Western playset: Swing your partner!
Doesn’t SKIPPER look like an adorable country lass in Little Miss Midi? Scatter-flowers shower over her midi skirt. With it, she wears a bright green blouse and blue boots. Her skirt swirls when she swings to the beat of country music.
BRAD takes the lead wearing The V.I.P. Scene. He joins the square dance in a great-looking plaid suit with bright red shirt and just-right tie. BRAD says the outfit is terrific. Isn‘t he handsome?
You can bet your guitar that BARBIE will be a smash hit in Groovin’ Gauchos. It’s a really flashin’ fashion as partners step along to the country sound. The now look in gaucho pants, matching jacket and “suede” boots is tuned to today. (With Groovin’ Gauchos, you get a rock record with two hit sides.)
Looking great — that’s KEN in the Suede Scene. A groovy new outfit, it has “suede” pants and sleeveless jacket with nifty print shirt. KEN is out-of-sight when he swings his partner at the square dance.
FRANCIE does a country hoedown in Buckeroo Blues. The outfit is a clicky combo of “feather” vest, button-on skirt, and knee-high boots. Doesn’t FRANCIE look like a pretty Buffalo Jill? For her secret treasures, she carries a pouchy, fringed bag.
Vintage Barbie Dollhouse: The Barbie Glamour Home
The Barbie Glamour Home will be the gift that brings your little girl hours of fun 365 days a year. One look at this glamorous dollhouse and she’ll know why Barbie calls it home.
Beautifully made and furnished, this two-story house is a fantasy come true.
There are many special features, like a secret wall that changes the lovely bedroom into a stylish bath. A wonderful canopied swing. Even a rooftop garden patio.
So Barbie can sit by the fire and read her favorite mystery. Make a barbecue. Or make a grand entrance down the elegant spiral staircase as she greets guests for an “open house.”
There’s no end to what we girls can do. So it’s no wonder Barbie loves her home for the holidays, every day of the year. And here’s a little stocking stuffer for you.
We girls can do anything. Right, Barbie!
A kitchen for Barbie and her friends (1969)
“I love being a fashion model!”
Kitchen for Barbie’s crowd, a Ward exclusive
Here’s the favorite hangout for the young set, brightly decorated in today’s colors with lots of fun accessories.
Treat the crowd to “turkey” from the oven or pretend you’re making hamburgers on the stove complete with pots and pans. Refrigerator with ‘freezer’ is stocked with make-believe cola, milk and ice cream. Sink actually holds water and drains. Knobs turn, doors slide, cabinets open. Metal play kitchen has wood-grain enamel finish, plastic knobs and handles, Play dishes and fruit included.
Barbie, Ken, Christie and Stacey can talk to each other
Talking Barbie and her friends can carry on a conversation! They all have distinctive voices, each says 6 different things. They talk about fashions, dances, more teen-talk.
Just pull their talking rings; need no batteries. About 11-1/4 in. tall, have bendable legs and posin’ stands. Girls have real eyelashes, rooted hair. Handsome Ken has molded hair, husky baritone voice.
Buy the fabulous fashion outfits sold below … they’re the “in” styles.
Vintage Barbie: (1976)
Sail on the surf… then relax in your romantic Hawaiian villa
Beautiful Barbie Dream House with furniture (1980)
Join Barbie and her friends for hours of fun with this large 3-foot-high by 4-foot-long house. So big and beautiful… and so much to do!
Vintage Barbie Dream House with furniture
DREAM HOUSE: Six large rooms of exciting fun. You’ll have hours of enjoyment with your dolls, pretending that they’re preparing food in the microwave/oven range, lounging in the living room or watching TV.
Doors and windows really open and close. Window box planters are complete with “plants.” Realistic details on the floors and walls. House opens up to 3 sections for complete and easy access to rooms. Heavy, durable and washable plastic in bright, cheerful colors. 4 ft. long by 3 ft high.
FURNITURE: Fully detailed plastic furniture for all six rooms: refrigerator, microwave/oven range: living room sofa, chair, and end table; vanity and seat; bed, nightstand and rug; dining room table, 2 chairs and accessories; chair, end table and television.
Vintage Barbie friends, cars & pets: Beauty Secrets Fashion Dolls by Mattel (1980)
Mechanically-activated dolls can hold virtually any pose. Press the panel in doll’s back and you can make her raise right or left arm, or at once. Poseable wrists, bendable elbows.
Vinyl with painted eyes, hip-length rooted hair can be combed into a variety of styles. Complete with a beautiful bodysuit with long skirt and jacket, carrying case for play accessories, with includes comb, brush, hairdryer, lipstick, powder puff, mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste and other beauty items.
Hispanic Barbie. Vinyl with painted eyes. Poseable doll has bent elbows, twist waist, bendable legs. Rooted hair can be combed into variety of styles. Dressed in skirt, blouse, shawl, rose choker around neck, black shoes.
Sport & Shave Ken. Magic marker type pen lets you give Ken a beard, to remove simply wet one of the foam edge “razors” and shave. Plastic body. painted eyes. Rooted black hair. Poseable wrists, right hand is molded to hold a variety of accessories. Complete with beard marker, two “razors,” shaving mug, “aftershave/cologne”, tennis racket, slacks, comb and brush. Dressed in reversible T-shirt, running shorts and shoes.
Corvette Sports Car. Red. Decal, front and rear windshields, steering wheel, “chrome” wheel discs. Seats large enough to fit 114%-in. dolls. T-top styling. Plastic, 18 inches long.
Beauty Barbie’s Dog. Poseable afghan of plush covered polyethylene, mouth can hold a leash. Includes leash, straw hat, cape, first place medal with ribbon, dish, crown, collar, bed, grooming brush.
Play set: Sun lovin’ Malibu Barbie and her friends (1980)
Golden tanned Barbie and Ken, along with Super Teen Skipper, will have loads of fun with this large 3-1/2 foot backyard swimming pool and cabana
Puff ‘N Play Living Room and Bedroom Sets. (1) couch, 2 chairs, coffee table. (2) play waterbed, pillow, dressing table, stool. Both sets are vinyl. Inflatable (except pillow). For dolls up to 12 inches tall.
(3) My Pal Horse. Made of plastic. Legs, neck, tail are poseable. Vinyl western saddle, bridle, reins and bit.
(4) Barbie Baby-sits Set. One 3-inch tall, soft plastic baby with rooted blonde hair. Rose printed flannel and lace blanket; tub, soap, botties, dish, plastic bear and duck, towel, bib, sunbonnet, baby’s christening dress, rose print flannel nightie on baby, cradle, high chair. Emergency phone list and apron with pockets for babysitter.
(5) Pool and Cabana. Vinyl-coated cardboard backyard set. “Grass yard” is 41×27 inches wide. Kidney-shaped swimming pool is plastic… holds up to 2 inches of water. Cabana, table with umbrella, 4 stools, ice chest, pitcher and 6 cups, barbecue grill, utensils, hand net, filter and vacuum, swimming ring, floating swim guard rail, 2 rafts, chaise lounge. 2 chipboard flowerpots with plastic plants.
(6 thru 8) Fashion dolls by Mattel. featuring Sun Lovin’ Malibu Barbie and Ken and Super Teen Skipper. Vinyl. Bent elbows. twist waist and straight legs. Painted eyes. Barbie and Skipper have rooted hair; Ken has molded hair. Barbie and Ken have mirrored sunglasses; beach bag: Skipper has skateboard, safety equipment. long skirt, extra shoes, comb and mirror.
(8) 11-1/4 in. Sun Lovin’ Malibu Barbie. Dressed in aqua bikini.
AGES AND ORDERING INFORMATION 4 to 10 years. Not recommended for ages under 3 due to small parts.
Play sets: Arco Barbie House Party, My First Barbie, Hot tub/patio set & Doll sports car (1987)
Barbie, Color Magic Barbie & Tutti
If you’ve ever watched Barbie help a little girl grow up, you know why she’s our most famous doll.
With Barbie a little girl can experiment with fashions, to see what color shoes go with a red and white gown. She can make a dress for Barbie, without sewing. She can even create hairstyles for new Color Magic Barbie.
With Barbie, there’s an endless opportunity for a little girl to learn, and have fun. That’s how Barbie and her friends have helped more than 20 million little girls grow and be happy.
Because little girls asked, we gave Barbie a tiny sister. Her name is Tutti.
Tutti is only six inches tall. She has hair that girls can comb, and she can pose like a real little girl. She even comes in special playsets, with costumes and her own tiny toys. (And she has a twin brother, Todd. They come together in a twin playset.)
Girls flip over the new “mod” London look. So does our new Francie.
Francie is Barbie’s fifteen-year-old cousin. Like most girls her age, she loves to wear stripes, paisley prints, London lace, and granny gowns. (And our bending leg Francie even has real eyelashes.) Francie is very real to girls who’ll be fifteen someday, too. That’s why she’s so much fun.
Twist ‘N Turn Barbie is all new!
Her beautiful new face, new costumes, and the way she turns at the waist make her more natural, more fun than ever before!
Twist ‘N Turn Francie & Negro Francie
Twist ‘N Turn Francie is Barbie’s “Mod” cousin. Her friend Casey is new, and so is Negro Francie. Each doll has a twistable waist, legs that bend, real eyelashes, lots of beautiful new costumes to choose from.
The Barbie Family House and the Cape Cod Doll House Classic are ready-to-play — they need no assembly. Make of sturdy, washable vinyl, each new house contains fully-decorated rooms and moveable furniture.
Barbie’s sister, Tutti
Tutti, Barbie and Skipper’s tiny sister, has a new friend, Chris. They’re bendable. Tutti comes alone or with accessories in playsets like Cookin’ Goodies and Swing-A-Ling.
Cases for Barbie & Francie
Barbie Doll Case and Francie Doll Case are portable storage areas for dolls, costumes, accessories. Cases are washable, and made of sturdy vinyl.
Barbie Hair Fair lets a girl give her Barbie new hairstyles. Comes with four different hair pieces, and an extra wig head. Fits Francie and Casey, too.
6 Responses
That Barbie babysitting set was a playset that nobody else ever seems to remember, but I had it. The baby had sparkly blue rhinestone eyes. And for years after the rest of the set had gone missing, I still had that scalloped edged baby bathtub.
Thank you thank you! I’ve been trying to find my childhood ken doll and you described him perfectly!
I LOVE this article (thank you!). I spent hours upon hours playing with my Barbie, Ken and Skipper dolls. I had the orange dune buggy pictured above and totally forgot about that until I saw the photo.
My first Barbie only had movable arms and head and probably would have been worth some money had I not chopped off her hair.
My mother made Barbie clothes so I rarely bought those.
Oh what fun!!! Not sure I ever outgrew Barbie & Barbie stuff & I’ll be 60 in July! ;-) I also had lots of fun creating clothes & home accessories via recycling/upcycling. Thanks for the GREAT article!
It was disappointing to see that the original (and most collectible) Barbie things from 1959-1967 were glossed over and left out. They had the most interesting clothes, cars and cases and structures. Barbie’s convertible and Ken’s hot rod. A dream house, fashion shop, a kitchen, Skipper school, Skipper house, theatre with play scripts and tickets and sets, college dorm and campus – beautifully designed and thought out. They were made of cardboard with wonderful graphics (instead of the ubiquitous pink plastic of later designs). Not to mention the clothes, of which only a few are shown here. They were haute couture designs straight from the Paris runways, carefully made by hand, with real wools and satins and wonderful accessories. Not like the mass-produced plastic stuff made later.
Hi, Cynthia – Thank you so much for the comment! I would love to add more, but this is everything I have that’s been scanned into digital form. I will definitely keep an eye out for other vintage Barbie items, though, especially now I have a better idea of what to look for. :-)