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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Barbie Board Games: A Discussion and List

Here's a collection and a list of new, used and vintage Barbie board games complete with a list.

Anyone who loves Barbie and board games might find themselves wondering, as I did, what Barbie-themed board games are available. A simple search revealed the short list of Barbie-themed games that I review here on this page. However, the more I looked the more games I found and so you will also find on this page a longer list of games at the bottom of this page. This list may help you if you are seeking a particular game from a specific time period. Most of the games on this page (including on the list) are vintage but there are a couple of new games that were released along with the hit Barbie movie in 2023.

THE BARBIE GAME QUEEN OF THE PROM (1961 and 1994)

First up is the game with a blue cover shown above called simply, The Barbie Game. It was released by Mattel in 1960 and could well be the first game ever made. Beware that there are two versions of Queen of the Prom as it was re-released in 1994. Both are vintage games but have a decidedly different appearance.

The description of the game on the box of the newer version reads, “You are Barbie. Win if you are the first crowned Queen of the Prom. To win you must have a steady boyfriend, a prom dress and be elected president of a school club. Midge, Skipper and Ken share the fun.”

What fun it is to see the original game in this 1960s television commercial:

TAKE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE TOUR WITH BARBIE GAME (1980)

This vintage 1980 game was released by Whitman. The description on the back of the box reads, “Travel with Barbie by car and plane on her tour and visit movie studios, grand openings, charity telethons and more. If you are first to appear three times and then reach the awards presentation, you win.” It evokes all of the excitement of a glamorous life in the 1980s.

DREAM DATE (1992)

The Barbie Dream Date game was released by Golden in 1992. In this game, “…girls play the Dream Date Game with Barbie and Ken! Ken picks out beautiful gifts for Barbie and might take her horseback riding, snow skiing or maybe even to a ball! Players collect gifts for Barbie, moving around the board and taking photos of their dates. At midnight, the individual with the most gift and date cards wins!” The cover definitely reminds me of the 1990s.

BARBIE DRESS UP GAME (1993)

Another Golden release, this game was created in 1993. In this one you “play with a Barbie doll trying to be the first player to collect all of Barbie’s fashion accessories without getting a broken heart.” This game would be especially fun for anyone who loves fashion.

MONOPOLY BOUTIQUE AND MONOPOLY MOVIE (2007 AND 2003)

Monopoly has released hundreds or more likely thousands of board games on every theme you can possibly think of. Monopolyland says estimates range between 300 and 7,000 games and that the largest known collection of Monopoly games claims to have 3,500 games. Anyway, when I looked, I could find two Barbie versions.

This is the official Barbie Monopoly board game that was released in conjunction with the 2023 movie, Barbie.

The first version was the Barbie Boutique Edition from 2007, which was packed in a pretty pink box. Finding a description of it proved difficult though pictures show that it was beautifully presented in a jewelry-style box.

The second version was official movie merchandise that was released in tandem with the movie Barbie. It is widely available and the box reads, “You can be anything with Barbie…Follow your dreams around the board. Buy famous streets, build DreamHouses and draw Dream Closet and Dream Career cards for extra twists. Flex your unique skills, dream a bit, own it all and be anything!” I expect a lot of people received this version of the game for Christmas in 2023. If you are interested, you can find Barbie Monopoly on Amazon by clicking here.

A LIST OF BARBIE BOARD GAMES

As I was reading about the games mentioned above, I kept discovering more new, used and vintage Barbie-themed games. I guess that is not really surprising given the length of time that Barbie has been around. The gaps in years tells me that this list is not likely complete but here’s my list, not definitive, but definitely long, arranged in chronological order:

Queen of the Prom Game (1960)
Keys to Fame Game (1963)
Skipper: Barbie's Little Sister (1964)
The Barbie World of Fashion game (1967)
Miss Lively Livin’ (1970)
Take a Personal Appearance Tour with Barbie. (1980)

Charms the World (1985)
Barbie Meets Ken in the Game of Their Dreams! (1987)
Just Us Girls (1989)
Shopping Spree Card Game (1991)
We Girls Can Do Anything (1991)
Dream Date (1992)
Fun Fashions Memory Game (1992)
Butterfly Princess (1995)
Dress Up Game (1995)
Sparkle Kingdom Game (1996)
Go Shopping! (1999)
Enchanted 3-D Game (2001)
Barbie Says (2002)
UNO: Barbie (2002)
Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
Rapunzel (2003)
The Nutcracker Playset Game (2003)
UNO: Barbie California Girl (2004)
The Princess and the Pauper Game (2004)
Guess the Look! (2004)
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)
World of Models (2008)
Race to the Party Game (2010)
Shopping Day (2011)
Charmed Travels (2011)
Fashion City (2011)
Gems! (2012)
Bring The Bling Game (2012)
Shop with Barbie (2013)
UNO: Barbie The Movie (2023)
Monopoly: Barbie Movie (2023)

WHERE TO BUY VINTAGE BARBIE GAMES?

If you are searching for any of these games, new, used or vintage, I suggest following this link to eBay's collection of new, used and vintage Barbie board games. There you will find many of these games in assorted condition. New games that are out of production will likely cost more. However, if you shop carefully, you can likely find a used game that is in good condition.

Have I missed a Barbie game that you used to play?

See you
At the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Mega Bloks Barbie Building Sets Reviewed

Mega Bloks and Mega has been building Barbie-themed sets since 2012. Discover a few of the originals here as well as the replica of the Barbie DreamHouse as seen in the 2023 movie!

Barbie fans who enjoy building sets will enjoy constructing Barbie-themed Mega Bloks sets. They were released long before the 2023 Barbie movie on March 29, 2012. At that time, Mattel announced that it would work with Mega Bloks on the creation of a series of building toys themed around Barbie. Fans would now be able to build their own Barbie worlds.

Mega Bloks said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Mega Bloks to create the first Mega Bloks building sets based on Barbie" and I am sure they were. Who wouldn't want to work with Barbie, one of Mattel's most recognized brands?

Mega Bloks is also a very well-known manufacturer, known for a line of building toys that are thought to be "innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products." As a team, these two companies created some wonderful building sets that are reviewed here on this page.

Click here to see all of the Mega Bloks Barbie building sets on Amazon.

MEGA BLOKS BARBIE VIDEO

Watch this three-minute video to see how you can build, design and decorate with Mega Bloks Barbie sets.

WHAT AGE ARE THESE SETS APPROPRIATE FOR?

Mega Bloks says that the Barbie Sets are appropriate for children aged 4 years old and up. Small parts make them inappropriate for younger children but there is no limit to how old you can be to play with them. Adult fans will have fun building, designing and decorating with Barbie Mega Bloks, too! Some more recent sets have an older recommended age of 10 and are even designed for adult collectors.

BUILD 'N STYLE LUXURY MANSION, SET 80229

Your builder will love this fantastic house, a mansion with eight different rooms that can be organized as she likes. There's no doubt that this set will make a little girl's eyes light up. It includes two of the Mega Blocks Barbie dolls or micro-dolls as they are called, Fab Girl Barbie and Teresa.

BUILD N'STYLE BEACH HOUSE, SET 80226

Yes, Barbie also has her very own beach house. This set includes two micro-dolls, Beach Fun Barbie and Beach Fun Nikki and the that is comprised of two rooms and a patio that can be arranged however the builder likes.

BUILD 'N STYLE POOL PARTY, SET 80228

The Build 'n Style Pool Party is cool or at least Barbie and Ken will be when they take plunge! It comes with two micro-dolls called Pool Party Barbie and Pool Party Ken and a multi-level pool that actually holds water. The pool area is built and decorated by the builder using the umbrellas, trees, flowers and other accessories that are provided.

BUILD 'N STYLE CONVERTIBLE CAR, SET 80223

Where would a beach-themed Barbie set be without a car? The Build 'N Style Convertible Car allows Barbie to get around with the top down! We love it. Although it is nothing like the Barbie convertible from the 1970s, it still seems very like Barbie to me. The pink car features wheels that turn, a working trunk and a doll called Go Barbie.

ORIGINAL MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS

A few more of the very early releases:

The Pet Shop
The Fashion Boutique
The Fashion Stand
The Ice Cream Cart
Party Time
Movie Star
Puppy Pals

2023 MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS

Mega Barbie the Movie DreamHouse Replica building toy for adults.

The sets discussed above were the original releases but Mega Bloks has released more Barbie sets since 2012. The most exciting set released in 2023 must surely be the Barbie DreamHouse, which is shown above. It is a replica of Barbie's home in the hit movie of the same name and is intended for adult collectors and rated for players aged 10 and up. With 1795 pieces, it comes with micro-dolls representing Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken.

Find the Mega's Replica Barbie DreamHouse here, on Amazon.

Other recent sets include:

Color Reveal Train 'N Wash Pets

Horse Stables

Horse Jumping

Dream Camper

Malibu Dream Boat

Movie Replica Dream House

WHERE TO FIND THESE SETS?

Some of these sets can still be found on Amazon. Click here to see all of the Mega Bloks Barbie sets available there today. Amazon has some of the original sets as well as all of the latest sets.

The earliest sets discussed here on this page were sold under the name Mega Bloks, and have been discontinued. If you are looking for a specific one of them you may have to turn to eBay. Click here to see what Mega Barbie sets are available on eBay today.

The more recent sets are sold under the shortened name, Mega.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

The Perfect Barbie Movie Gift Idea

If you, like so many others, are looking for the perfect Barbie Movie gift idea, you’ll enjoy the four options I am reviewing here on this page. There is a lot of merchandise available because of the movie but I believe these are the basic choices that collectors should consider adding to their collections now or even gifting to someone who is actually going to play with them.

THE BARBIE & KEN DOLLS

The Barbie Movie Margot Robbie Doll: Pink Gingham Dress

First up is the most important doll from the movie and the one you need to own. That is, the version of Barbie or Margot Robbie in pretty pink gingham. It’s just such an important part of the 2023 movie.

This Barbie is ready to have a great day in Barbie Land. Her hair is pulled back and tied with a pink ribbon that coordinates with the gingham dress. Her accessories complete the look and she looks like she’s stepped from the movie big screen and into the box. Find your Margot Robbie Barbie doll on Amazon by clicking here.

Then you will need the Ken doll. He is dressed for the beach as seen in the movie in a pastel-colored, striped short set with blond hair, unbuttoned shirt and white sneakers that make him look like he also stepped from the movie into the box. Find your Ryan Gosling Ken doll on Amazon by clicking right here.

THE CONVERTIBLE

From the Barbie movie, Barbie's Convertible: A Pink 1956 Corvette Stingray

Next, you will need Barbie’s convertible. She put her 1956 Corvette Stingray to good use in the movie and for simple, imaginative play value, I think it is a great choice. You have two choices.

I prefer the first Barbie Corvette, which is powered by the person playing Barbie. It looks just like the convertible on the big screen and will allow whichever four fashion dolls you put in the car to take off on an adventure.

The other option is the Hot Wheels Remote Control Barbie Corvette, which once again looks just like the one that you saw in the movie. It will hold two fashion dolls and is controlled by a remote control. Find them both of these Barbie corvettes here on Amazon.

THE DREAM HOUSE

Finally and only after you have added these other choices to your collection, you might want to consider Barbie’s newest dream house, the 2023 version. This, the biggest gift idea shown here, will deliver hours and hours of creative play but be aware that it will take up some serious space and it does come with a somewhat expensive price point.

This version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse is modern with an open floorplan design and 75 accessories. The play areas include a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, closet, bonus room, balcony, pool and a huge slide. It even has a working elevator that is wheelchair accessible. Find your Barbie Movie Dream House here on Amazon.

I love all of these Barbie Movie gift ideas and yes, they all come boxed in movie-themed packaging! True collectors might want to hang onto a sealed set but true fans will probably need to play with them.

See you
at the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE BARBIE

My Barbie Doll Memories

Wear a Barbie Movie apron!

Barbie is in my eBay store. See what's in store!

The Andy Warhol Barbie Doll

Alfred Hitchcock The Birds Barbie Doll

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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Wear a Barbie Apron Over Your Outfit!

A trio of three Barbie aprons for women that will remind you of the Barbie Movie and Margot Robbie's version of Barbie!

The world first met Barbie in 1959 and here we are, sixty-four years later, having been reintroduced to her in a big way. I reckon only those who are totally oblivious to the movie world could have missed Barbie this year. She had her very own movie which was the highest grossing film in Warner Brothers’ 100-year history. Such success in the year 2023 brings fans a lot of merchandise choices with which to declare our love of the iconic fashion doll and of the movie.

Join us today as we review a couple of fun Barbie aprons. Every fan of Barbie needs an apron on in the kitchen to protect the outfit she wears! I also think a Barbie apron would make the basis of a great Barbie costume for Halloween because over the years Barbie has, of course, spent a lot of time in the kitchen. She has had multiple kitchens in varying styles and she has been both a chef and a waitress. In the 1960s there was even a Barbie Learns to Cook doll, which has since been reproduced. (Look for both the vintage and reproduction Barbie Learns to Cook dolls and accessories here on eBay.)

Anyway, in celebration of Barbie and her movie, here are a couple of my favorite Barbie-themed aprons from Etsy. Aprons, that is for the individual who wants to wear a Barbie-themed apron as opposed to someone who is looking for an apron for a Barbie doll! (Yes, they made those, too.) You could use any of these aprons to recreate the Barbie apron outfit that you saw on Margot Robbie in the movie.

CURSIVE LETTER B APRON

This fun Barbie apron features the large pink cursive letter B that comes along with Barbie's new (2023) movie!

This first apron features the characteristic big pink cursive letter B that represents Barbie. It is a poly twill apron that is lightweight, stylish and durable and will have you looking great in the kitchen and in the backyard. Find it in Inspire Studio Me's store here on Etsy.

BARBIE-Q GRILLING APRON

Next up is another fun apron, this one for the backyard. It features Barbie’s iconic pigtailed profile with Barbie wearing her chef’s hat. I love the image and the gingham fabric, too! Find it in Abigail Road Design's store here on Etsy.

PINK GINGHAM APRON

Finally, I share this simple pink gingham apron, which reminds me of the pink gingham apron dress that Margot Robbie wore in the movie. It is a one-sided polyester print, definitely reminiscent of the movie. Find it in Retro and Whimsical's store here on Etsy.

Are you a Barbie fan? Will you be strapping on a Barbie apron?

See you
in the kitchen!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE BARBIE & APRONS

Aprons for Cooking and Entertaining, A Resource Page

My Barbie Doll Memories

Cooking for the Holidays? Tie on a Christmas Apron!

Barbie is in my eBay store. See what's in store here!

The Andy Warhol Barbie Doll

FOLLOW US ON:

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

MY BARBIE DOLL MEMORIES

The new Barbie movie has caused lots of us to stop, think and talk about our Barbie doll memories. Discover the memories of this Baby Boomer!

BARBIE MEMORIES OF A BABY BOOMER

Barbie was invented in 1959, a few years before my sister and I were born and it would be a few more years before we were ready to play Barbie. When we were ready in about 1967, a young neighbor who we barely knew gave us her entire Barbie collection. She had had a few years to amass a small collection and to outgrow it. How lucky for us! That gift was the start of our Barbie collections and provided many, many hours of play. Though I have no idea who she was or where she might be today, I have never forgotten her generosity.

Over the years, we accrued, mostly from Santa Claus, but also on birthdays and with birthday money, a few more Barbie dolls and, of course, a few more Barbie-themed items to go with them.

As with most familial memories, my sister and I have slightly differing memories but I know that we shared that collection that was passed to us over the fence. What follows is a review of the main Barbie items that I remember us having. I apologize if this list is not 100 percent accurate.

GOIN' CAMPING BREEZY BUGGY CAR AND TENT TRAILER SET (1973)

I had a Barbie convertible and tent trailer set from 1973 known as The Barbie Goin' Camping set with Breezy Buggy and Tent Trailer. The Breezy Buggy “really rolled” and the tent trailer “closed up to tow neat and tidy.” This set came with everything that Barbie needed to go camping with including a sleeping bag, a campfire and grill, a camp stool, a picnic table and cooking accessories. I turned up a few Goin' Camping sets and items here on eBay. It is interesting to see that people still want this set today.

COUNTRY CAMPER (1970)

We played a lot with Barbie's Country Camper. How about you?

My sister had the 1970 Barbie Country Camper, which was known as “a home for Barbie wherever she explores…The swinginest camper on wheels!” It, too, came with a a couple of camp stools and sleeping bags to help Barbie on the go. I found a selection of Country Campers and replacement parts and pieces here on eBay. The picture shown here was used with permission of eBay seller Gameday28 who has other Barbie items and a large selection of vintage toys in his eBay store.

THE TOWNHOUSE (1973)

My sister also had the three-foot-high Barbie Townhouse that featured a real ‘working’ elevator and a house full of plastic furniture. For whatever reason, I vividly remember the orange couch.

TALKING BUSY BARBIE (1972)

In terms of dolls, I remember having a Barbie with short curly hair that talked. I think she may have been the Talking Busy Barbie who was released in 1972. This talking doll said things like, "I dig having my own TV," "The new fashions are wild" and "That music is groovy."

MALIBU BARBIE (1971)

I also remember both of us eventually owning the 1971 Malibu Barbie. She turned out to be one of the most popular Barbies ever made and was produced for quite a few years. She was the ultimate surfer girl, suntanned with long straight blonde hair. Interestingly, she was popular enough that she has even been reissued over the years. If you are curious, you can see all of the new, used and vintage versions of Malibu Barbie here on eBay. My search just now turned up more than 2,300 Malibu Barbie items!

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We did not have a lot of toys when we were growing up, which was the way it was in those days for most children. Being gifted with a Barbie collection was definitely pretty special.

How about you? Did you play with Barbie? Do you have any Barbie memories?

See you

in Barbie land!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

Sunday, August 6, 2023

The Pink Revolution: What the Color Pink Often Represents

Pink has always been popular; however, like most colors, it goes through phases of acceptance in clothing and home decor.

With the popularity of the movie 'Barbie,' pink is at the forefront of people's minds.

Whether you love the color pink or not, it holds various meanings; let's check out a few of them.

The Meanings Behind the Color Pink

The Power of Positivity

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Pink is the embodiment of positivity and happiness. Its warm and playful nature can encourage feelings of optimism in our hearts. Surrounding ourselves with a little bit of pink might just brighten our day.

The Essence of Femininity (But That's Changing Too)

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Originally associated with all things feminine, pink generally symbolizes grace, gentleness, and compassion. In a world where gender norms are evolving, pink stands tall as a symbol of strength in femininity and challenges traditional perceptions of what it means to be a woman or man guided by these traits.

A Way to Embrace Your Inner Child

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Pink takes us back to our carefree childhood days. It can remind us of cotton candy, strawberry milkshakes, and fairy tales. When we indulge in a bit of pink, we can trigger those positive memories of our youth.

Pink as a Symbol of Love

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While red often steals the spotlight as the color of love, pink's softer hue represents a gentler form of affection. It symbolizes innocent love, tenderness, and nurturing relationships.

The Fight for Breast Cancer Awareness

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Pink ribbons are a universal symbol of breast cancer awareness and support. This powerful use of the color has sparked the Pink Ribbon Movement, promoting awareness and raising funds for breast cancer research and treatment.

Breaking Stereotypes

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Pink is now breaking free from gender stereotypes. It's no longer confined to just baby girls and frilly dresses. Men worldwide are embracing "millennial pink" as a symbol of modern masculinity, helping to prove that colors have no gender.

From Soft to Sassy:

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Pink is incredibly versatile. It can be soft, pastel, and delicate or bold, vibrant, and energetic. Its various shades make it suitable for any occasion or mood.

Pink Flowers and Their Meaning

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In the world of flowers, pink blooms hold various meanings. Pink carnations signify gratitude, pink roses convey appreciation and admiration, and pink tulips represent care and affection.

The Color of Acceptance

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Pink embraces individuality and promotes acceptance. It encourages us to celebrate our unique traits and quirks, fostering a more inclusive and diverse world.

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So, there you have it! Pink is not just a color but a vibrant expression of joy, femininity, diversity, love, and hope.

Next time you see a splash of pink, take a moment to appreciate its deeper meanings. Embrace the power of pink and let it fill your life with positivity and happiness.

Personally, I love pink: Life is just better in pink.

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And Wednesday Elf even reminds us that there's also a National Pink Day

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