Barbie

She's been a fashion model, astronaut, doctor, athlete and more. With Barbie, you can be just about anything!

Barbie isn't just one doll. She's a fashion model. An astronaut. A doctor. A teacher. An athlete. And that's just getting started. Add in all of the clothes, cars, houses, friends and accessories, and Barbie can be just about anything you want her to be.

Barbie was introduced by Mattel in 1959. Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler got the idea after watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls. Most dolls at the time were babies or children, but Handler had a different idea - why not make a doll that let kids imagine being a grown-up? The original Barbie was a “teenage fashion model,” complete with a black-and-white striped swimsuit and ponytail.

And there are more Barbies and Barbie accessories than you can imagine - Malibu Barbie. Holiday Barbie. Collector Barbies. Celebrity Barbies. Movie Barbies. Plus Ken, Skipper, the Barbie Dreamhouse, cars, campers, closets full of clothes and more.

That's also what makes Barbie a pretty easy Christmas gift. You don't necessarily have to buy another Barbie - there is always another outfit, accessory, vehicle or playset to add to the collection.

Barbie has changed a lot since 1959, but the basic idea really hasn't. Pick a Barbie. Pick an outfit. Decide what she's going to be today, and have fun!