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 and best-selling Barbie dolls for girls. But first, you might want to learn why some people are opposed to these dolls.
Top Picks
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, blonde dolls 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 Barbie toys 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 2024
Here is our list of the best Barbie dolls available in 2024.
1. Best With Light: Barbie Rainbow Lights Mermaid Doll
Image: Barbie 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 this product review cum testing video to learn more about this product.
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
"The mermaid doll has a luminous tail that brings joy to my daughter's bath time. The high-quality construction withstands water play well, making it a charming addition to imaginative play in or out of the tub."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 28,940 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Trivia2. Best Career-Oriented: Barbie Baby Doctor Playset
Image: Barbie 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 one of the best-selling toys and will make the perfect gift 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
"I got this Barbie pediatrician set, as it presents a good example for my little ones. It is durable and can handle typical playtime wear and tear. Though you may need to watch for the smaller parts, it's a hit for keeping kids entertained and is a valuable addition to their doll collection."
Quick tip3. Best For Gifting: Barbie Happy Birthday Doll
If you are looking to gift someone a Barbie, then have a look at this pretty birthday doll. It comes in a sparkly pink party dress with a gift 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
"I got this doll for my daughter's birthday, and she spends hours playing with it. Its elegant dress and adorable headband are nice additions. It has been a delightful purchase so far."
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
"The Frida Kahlo doll impressed me with its attention to detail, especially her thick, luscious hair. It is a great choice for collectors and little ones eager to learn about Frida's inspiring story. It sparks curiosity and educational discussions, which is a welcome bonus."
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-on swimsuit 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 birthday or Christmas gift idea
- Skirt, wings, and bodice comes with intricate detailing
- Lots of accessories for engaging playtime
Cons
- Skirt fabric may fray with time
- Mermaid tail may be a bit hard to open
"This Barbie set is a blast for creative play, and my daughter loves its mix-and-match outfits. However, changing the outfits was slightly challenging for her. Though the mermaid tails and wings need some gentle handling, it is a delightful choice for dress-up play."
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
"This doll's articulated limbs allow my girls to pose her in various ballet poses, which is a great feature. But unlike traditional Barbies with changeable clothes, the corset on this one is painted. Other than that, it's pretty decent."
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
"Unlike its name, the Holiday Barbie has provided a lot of joy to my little one during and after our vacation. The doll is quite a vision with its flowing locks and bright red dress. Plus, watching my little girl play with the doll has brought a lot of nostalgia."
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 soft 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
"I was impressed by this Barbie's beautiful detailing. The hair is soft and thick, but it can get tangled easily, and the molded-on top limits clothing options. Despite this, its appeal is undeniable—after all, it's Barbie, and my kids are thrilled with her."
9. Best For Underwater Play: Barbie Dolphin Magic Snorkel Fun Friends
This water Barbie wears a color-changing swimming top and can be played 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
- Dog might not be sturdy on the surfboard
"The color-changing suit and playful accessories like the water-squirting pup have made bathtime joyful for my little man. While I would have liked the snorkel mask to be stuck to the Barbie, the removable design has only added to the interactive play experience."
10. Best Attractive:Barbie 2017 Holiday Doll, Blonde Hair
Created to suit the festive season, this Barbie comes decked up in an attractive red metallic gown and golden 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 Nikki Doll and Teresa Doll, the African-American and 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
"This versatile doll not only looks great on my display but is also a hit with my daughter, who loves to play with her. It also makes for a stunning tree topper. A classic piece that brings joy!"
11.Best Motivational: 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 parent-recommended 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
"As a big fan of the Barbie series celebrating inspirational women, I quickly got this Katherine Johnson doll for my daughter. Although there were some detailing inconsistencies, this doll has come in handy to teach her about women in science and other historical events."
12. Best Birthday Gift:Barbie Collector Birthday Wishes Barbie Doll
It is the coolest birthday gift for a girl who 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
"I gifted this doll to my niece and was delighted to see the joy it brought her. Its top-notch quality and the pretty display box enhanced the gifting opening experience. The doll has quickly found a permanent spot in her collection."
13.Best Glamorous: Barbie 2016 Holiday Doll
Dressed in a magnificent aqua ombre sparkle skirt, this Barbie glam doll is created to commemorate the holiday and festive season. Her detailed bodice and sparkly bracelet further add to her ultra-glamorous look.
Apart from these standalone Barbies dolls, Mattel also has complete Barbie 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
"My daughters love the aqua dress; they think it makes her look like Elsa. I am also quite happy with the durability and design. Overall, a good addition to my Holiday Barbie collection."
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 the perfect accessories and playsets to follow their respective professions to perfection.
14. Best For Pretend-Play:Barbie Baby Doctor Playset
A doctor is one of the most popular professions that 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. This doll offers endless fun for your little one.
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
"The assortment of accessories, from the tiny stethoscope to cozy blankets and doll babies, has made this doctor playset my children’s favorite. However, the stand could benefit from a sturdier design. Nevertheless, the versatility of the playset has offered endless pretend possibilities."
15.Best Playset With Accessories: Barbie Chicken Farmer Doll & Playset
When it comes to career options, a little girl has no limits. And neither does a Barbie. The farmer playset comes 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
"My daughter had just visited a petting farm, so this chicken-farming Barbie became an instant hit with her. The attention to detail in the accessories has only made her play sessions more realistic. All in all, it has been a great friend to encourage imaginative play."
16.Best For Athletics Enthusisasts: 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 gymnastic 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
"The Barbie gymnastics set has been a great buy, with a magnetic landing mat that adds a fun and realistic touch to playtime. The attention to detail and ease of use have made it my child's favorite. It has been an interactive and engaging addition to my daughter's playtime."
17.Best For Medical Enthusisasts: 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 doll 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
"This set's impressive attention to detail has charmed my kids. It offers opportunities for creative role-play and learning. I especially adore the accessories and the material."
18.Best With Afro Hair: 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
- Budget option
Cons
- No accessories included
- Elbows may not bend much
19.Best With Babysitting Accesories: 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 affordable doll comes with a stroller and a tiny doll.To keep the baby doll engaged, 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
- Storage in stroller tray might not be wide enough
- May be smaller than you expect
"My daughter loves the cute stroller and baby doll, and she plays with this set quite often. The details, like the cell phone and bag, are a fun addition. Although I wish Skipper had a little more articulation, the baby is adorable."
20. Best For Puppy Lovers:Barbie Newborn Pups Doll & Pets
This delightful doll and pet set by Barbie 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
"The mama dog and pups have won my little girl over. She finds simulating the birthing process entertaining, and it also lets me spend quality time with her. The tiny size of the puppies can make them a bit hard to keep track of, so keep an eye out. Overall, a fun purchase."
21. Best For Cooking Enthusiasts: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
"The set has encouraged both independent and collaborative play. My little one loves to make charming little pretend pizzas and sprinkle on cheese with the different accessories included in this set."
How To Choose The Right Barbie Dolls For Girls?
Keep these factors in mind when choosing the best Barbie doll for your child.
- Dress-up: Choose Barbie sets comprising removable dresses, fashion accessories, combs, bags, Barbie clothes, and more. These sets allow your child to indulge in imaginative play and keep them engaged for hours.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. You could opt for age-appropriate dolls that are tested and approved by experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Which Barbie dolls are popular?
Barbie dolls with additional accessories or playsets capture children’s attention the most.
2.At what age should a girl get a Barbie?
You may introduce a Barbie to your child once they are two or three years old, as they are ready to engage in independent and pretend-play.
3.Are Barbie dolls still popular?
Barbies are great friends, and new types of Barbie dolls with interesting features and accessories such as Barbie houses make them popular among children.
4.Can seven-year-olds play with Barbies?
There is no age limit for playing with Barbies. It’s fine as long as your child is interested in playing with them.
5.Why do little girls love Barbies?
Little girls like to dress up and style the hair of their Barbies, get inspired by Barbie doll fashion and Barbie looks, pretend to have tea parties, and play many other games with them. Barbies often become their best friends.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in writing and reviewing 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 fun accessories and 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.
The Bottom Line
Barbie dolls have been popular among children of all ages for decades, especially because of their constant evolution to cater to children’s changing needs and interests. The best Barbie dolls listed here are not only beautiful and super-fun to customize but are also inclusive of many ethnicities and feature a variety of styles. For example, the Barbie Rainbow Lights Mermaid Doll features an illuminating rainbow tail and captivating color changes, while the Barbie Baby Doctor Playset introduces kids to medical practice through imaginative play. The Barbie Frida Kahlo Doll represents diversity and inspiration. Choose an expert-approved one that catches your child’s fancy so they can bond with their favorite toy and have a great time engaging in pretend play.
Infographic: Interesting Ways Of Playing With Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have been beloved and iconic toys for generations, inspiring children’s imagination, creativity, and storytelling. With fashionable outfits and endless play possibilities, Barbie dolls continue to captivate young minds and provide hours of entertainment. Check out the following infographic to discover how you can use Barbie dolls to make playtime more meaningful and educational.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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