Barbie was one of the biggest films of 2023, and the resurge in popularity has birthed a whole new generation of doll lovers; of course, this is reflected in the toy market, and now the best Barbie toys are on every child's wishlist. Regardless of your child's gender, Barbie toys make the best children's toys because they spark creativity and foster imagination in kids across the globe and have done for decades.
Whether you are looking for a stylish toy to gift to your little one or one to add to your secret collection (no judgement here), we have found the best Barbie toys on the market.
You don't have to look very far to see that Barbie is still one of the biggest crazes, from Barbie Beauty collaborations and clothes to home and décor. Everyone seems to be taking inspiration or collaborating with one of the biggest toys in the business; after all, Barbie has been one of the most iconic toys since it was first launched in 1959.
The movie follows Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) as she ventures out to find 'true happiness' and leaves Barbie Land to enter the Real World. Barbie is, of course, joined by Ken (played by none other than Ryan Gosling). Apart from having extreme aesthetic appeal**,** it is also genuinely funny, unorthodox, and really clever. And whilst we still haven't forgiven the Oscars for the Greta Gerwig and Margot Robie snub, this movie still gets a gold from us.
The Best Barbie Toys At A Glance:
Best Barbie for fans of the Barbie movie: Barbie in Pink Western Outfit, £66.99, Hamleys
Best collectable Barbie: Barbie The Movie Pink Gingham Dress Collectable Doll, £35.99, John Lewis
Best Barbie Dreamhouse: Barbie Dreamhouse Playset from The 2023 Movie, £169.99, The Entertainer
Thankfully, Barbie has come a long way since she was first created. In both the movie and the toys, Barbie now comes in all different ethnicities, shapes and sizes - and we love to see it. While we usually opt for wooden toys or kids' products that are sustainably sourced, we make an exception for the iconic Barbie. So, we've found the best Barbie toys to shop for your little one because life in plastic is fantastic.
SHOP: The Best Barbie Toys 2024:
Best Barbie for fans of the Barbie movie
Credit: AmazonDescription
This collectable Barbie doll is dressed in an all-pink outfit modelled after Barbie's Western outfit from the Barbie movie. She wears a matching denim vest and flare jeans with a cowboy hat and boots.
Pros
- The outfit is just like the one Margot Robbie wears in the film.
- Collectible Barbie
- A true likeness of Margot Robbie as Barbie
- Impeccably detailed design
Cons
- Some collectors found the Barbie was not as pristine as they would have liked.
Best collectable Barbie
John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Description
This Barbie doll looks like she has stepped straight out of Barbie Land. We cannot get enough of this sweet gingham dress and pastel pumps, which is modelled from the movie.
Pros
- A beautiful vintage-style Barbie
- Amazing quality
- Good packaging
Cons
- We would have liked the packaging to have had more detail
Best Barbie Dreamhouse
Credit: The Entertainerwww.thetoyshop.com
Description
Barbie's dream house is what our childhood dreams were made of. Children (and adults alike) can spend hours creating stories and roleplaying. Standing 43 inches tall and 41 inches wide, this dollhouse has three floors and ten indoor and outdoor living areas. There is even a grass area and pool, which can be moved. Our favourite feature is the working elevator!
Pros
- Mega Barbie gift
- Easy to assemble
- Working and movable elements
- Space to sleep four dolls
- Some features make sounds
Cons
- Requires 3 x AA (not included)
- Dolls not included
Best Barbie car
Amazon Description
Every Barbie needs a sparkly pink convertible. The full-function remote-control vehicle boasts movie-accurate details with authentic Corvette stylings. You can put your two favourite Barbies in the front seat while storing all their accessories in the boot, which opens and closes.
Pros
- Full-function remote-control vehicle
- The case boot opens and closes
- Fits two Barbie dolls
Cons
- Barbies and accessories are sold separately.
Best Barbie Ken doll
Hamleys www.hamleys.com
Description
Every Barbie needs her Ken doll. Inspired by Ken's character in Barbie The movie, this Ken doll wears a beachy, striped matching set with a surfboard. Featuring a posable body and displayable packaging, this Ken doll makes a great gift for fans and collectors alike.
Pros
- Posable body
- Displayable packaging
- It even features working pockets
Cons
- Colours and decorations may vary
Best Barbie dolls for accessories
Amazon Description
Everyone knows that Barbie has one of the best wardrobes of any toy. This Barbie Dream Closet comes with a Barbie doll and opens to reveal a play space with storage areas, a second-story pop-up hanging area, a hamper chute, a full-length mirror, desk space, plus 30+ fashions and accessories.
Pros
- It comes with four outfits.
- It has a Barbie styling stand.
- There are so many accessories (including three pairs of shoes, jewellery, a visor, a purse, a laptop and more.)
Cons
- A few customers commented on the quality of the accessories.
Best Barbie for encouraging self-love
Credit: Amazon Description
This Barbie doll has a more petite body than the original platinum blonde Barbie and has a vitiligo skin condition on areas on her face, neck and hands. We love this doll for its ability to promote self-acceptance, self-love, and diversity.
Pros
- Amazing customer reviews on Amazon.
- Stylish
- Part of a larger, diverse Barbie range
Cons
- The Barbie dolls cannot stand by themselves
Best Barbie for encouraging inclusivity
Credit: Amazon Description
This is possibly one of our favourite Barbie as it promotes inclusivity. We think that this Barbie with Wheelchair is a fantastic aid for teaching your child about disabilities, empathy, and understanding others. This stylish Barbie comes with a wheelchair and a ramp.
Pros
- Multiple different styles of Barbies are available
- Movable wheelchair
- Good value for money
Cons
- Some customers found the joints were a little stiff to move
FAQs
What age is Barbie for?
Barbie dolls are typically marketed towards children aged three years and older. And whilst they do make the best toys for three-year-olds, children of all ages can enjoy them. Some Barbies have accessories with small parts, so it is important to always check the manufacturer's guidelines. However, the appropriate age for Barbie play can vary depending on individual developmental milestones and parental discretion.
Are Barbies a good investment?
Yes, Barbies can be a good investment. But like all things, knowledge is key. Certain limited edition or vintage Barbie dolls have appreciated significantly in value over time, making them valuable collectables. However, not all Barbies will increase in value, and the investment potential varies greatly among different releases.
Additionally, investing in Barbies requires knowledge of the market and careful consideration of factors influencing their value from the rarity, condition, and demand for specific Barbie dolls.
For collectors who have a passion for Barbie dolls and enjoy the hobby, investing in Barbies can be financially and personally rewarding.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.