21 Best Barbie Dolls To Buy For Girls In 2023

Image: MomJunction Design Team

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 2023

Here is our list of the best Barbie dolls available in 2023.

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 thisvideoto 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 Career-Oriented:Barbie Baby Doctor Playset

The doctor’s version of Barbie will encourage your little girls to develop an interest in occupations and careers. It includes a blonde Barbie doll with two infant dolls for examination and caretaking. The set consists of an examination table with accessories such as lotion bottles and towels, a stethoscope, a patient’s chart, and an overhead mobile. This Barbie Baby Doctor playset is suitable for children aged three years and up.

Pros

• Made of sturdy, child-safe plastic
• Encourages creativity and role-play
• Realistic accessories
• Great for gifting

Cons

• Doll may not be able to stand alone
• Small parts may pose a choking hazard for young children

3. Best For Gifting:Barbie Happy Birthday Doll

If you are looking to gift someone a Barbie, then have a look at thispretty birthday doll.它有一个闪亮的粉红色礼服的礼物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-onswimsuit 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.

Pros

• Over 18 different outfit combinations
• Suitable for birthday or Christmas gift
• Skirt, wings, and bodice comes with intricate detailing
• Multiple accessories for engaging playtime

Cons

• Skirt fabric may fray with time
• Mermaid tail may be a bit hard to open

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 Barbie doll 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 the Barbie doll styling her hair into different hairstyles.

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 Barbie friends in the form of 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
    • 狗可能不是坚固的冲浪板

10.Barbie 2017 Holiday Doll, Blonde Hair

Created to suit the festive season, this Barbie comes decked up in an attractive red metallic gown andgolden earrings.The star attached to it is a reminder to always shine brightly like a star. This collectible doll comes in an attractive package, making it 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 thecoolest birthday gift for a girlwho 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.

除了来回m these standalone Barbies dolls, Mattel also has complete Barbie doll 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

医生是th最受欢迎的职业之一at 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. Thefarmer playsetcomes with a hen house, a few chickens, eggs, and a basket. With these Barbie 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, Barbie dollhouse furniture such as 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 fashion 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 thebaby dollengaged, 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

• • • 存储在推车托盘可能不够宽
    • May be smaller than you expect

20.Barbie Newborn Pups Doll & Pets

This delightful Barbie pet set 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.

• • 1. Dress-up:Choose Barbie sets comprising removable dresses, accessories, combs, bags, Barbie clothes, and more. These sets allow your child to indulge in imaginative play and keep them engaged for hours.
    2. Theme: You can explore multiple fantasy themes, including fairies, mermaids, princesses, and real-life professions, such as a doctor, nurse, yoga instructor, lifeguard, and more. Some dolls are also modeled on celebrities, inspirational people, and different ethnicities to help your child inculcate necessary values through play.
    3. Automated: Choose between automated and non-automated dolls to suit your child’s interests. Automated dolls feature lights and sounds for engaging and interactive play.
    4. Age: Consider your child’s age and the manufacturer’s recommended age range to find a doll suitable for your child. Avoid dolls with small parts to prevent choking hazards.

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 such as Barbie dreamhouses and Barbie vehicles. 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.

Recommend Links

• • Best Interactive Baby Dolls
  • Best Baby Dolls For Two-Year-Olds