Barbie’s Birthday Bash: Mattel Has Big Plans to Celebrate 65 Years of an Icon

Mattel is celebrating Barbie’s 65th birthday in a big way.  Following last year’s record-breaking movie rollout, Barbie is already having her moment, so why not make it bigger?

Barbie’s official birthday is March 9, and Mattel is kicking off the celebrations by debuting one-of-a-kind dolls featuring role models from around the world, including EGOT-winning actress, producer, and author Viola Davis; Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain; iconic actress and narrator of Barbie: The Movie Dame Helen Mirren; Australian pop star Kylie Minogue; Brazilian content creator Maira Gomez; Mexican director, producer, and screenwriter Lila Avilés; Japanese model and TV personality Nicole Fujita; and German comedian and activist Enissa Amani.

While you can’t buy the role model dolls, Mattel is launching a full collection of anniversary dolls, toys, and other merchandise to celebrate. The crowning jewel of this collection is the Signature 65th Anniversary doll, whose black-and-white striped gown and horn-rimmed sunglasses are themed after Barbie’s first appearance in an iconic black-and-white bathing suit.

Of course, Barbie is best known for her various jobs and careers she has taken on to prove that women can do anything. Mattel is spotlighting some of the most iconic careers Barbie has taken on with three more anniversary dolls, including Vet Barbie, Pop Star Barbie, and Astronaut Barbie.

The 2024 Fashionistas dolls take classic Barbie looks through the years and revamp them to create a modern touch. The upcoming dolls in this collection include the original Barbie from 1959, the 1977 Superstar Barbie, the 1985 Peaches ‘n’ Cream Barbie, and more.

Mattel is launching more than just dolls in their 65th anniversary Barbie toy collection. The Barbie Cuutopia Plush collection features a series of Barbie dolls reimagined as adorable, round plush. If games are more kids’ speed, you can grab the UNO Canvas Barbie set, which features a collectible deck that spotlights iconic Barbie dolls and artwork. The Hot Wheels brand is also getting in on the action, launching a 65th-anniversary Corvette C8.R.

“Barbie’s story has never been just about her. It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way,” says Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “For the past 65 years, Barbie has used her global platform to empower girls to dream big, explore their limitless potential, and direct their own narrative to shape their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize over six decades of stories Barbie has helped write and the doll that continues to give everyone the opportunity to dream – and dream big.”

The Barbie anniversary celebrations will have lots of fun products for adults too, including collaborations with 1-800-Flowers.com, A Leading Role, Impressions Vanity, DefineMe Creative Studio, Unique Vintage, SmartSweets, and much more. There are also two new books that celebrate Barbie. Barbie: The World Tour hits bookshelves on March 19 and features photos and art of Margot Robbie’s outfits styled by Andrew Mukamal from her Barbie: The Movie press tour. Barbie by Assouline is a 340-page coffee table book that explores the brand’s evolution over the years. Amazon, Target, and Walmart will also have exclusive activations including apparel, toys, and other products.

Kids and adults alike can also experience special Barbie events around the world, including Barbie: A Cultural Icon, World of Barbie, and Malibu Barbie Café in the U.S.; Barbie Dream Lounge in Mexico; Barbie: The Exhibition in the U.K.; and Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation at Atlantis.

Mattel is also continuing its ongoing efforts with the Barbie Dream Gap Project, including a year-long program geared towards girls ages 12-14 across seven countries through workshops that will encourage girls to explore diverse career interests, develop leadership skills, and more. 

With so much accomplished in 65 years, Mattel has cemented the Barbie brand as one of the most expansive toy brands of all time.