1981 Barbie Dolls
1981 Barbie dolls continued to inspire millions of young girls around the world to dream big and embrace their unique qualities. From their glamorous outfits and accessories to their empowering message of self-confidence and independence, these dolls captivated the hearts and imaginations of girls everywhere.
1981 Barbie Dolls
Join us as we take a closer look at Barbie's impact in 1981, exploring the cultural context, memorable moments, and enduring legacy of this timeless toy. These were the dolls copyrighted in 1981.
Fashion Jeans Barbie
1981 Fashion Jeans Barbie doll reflected the designer fashion trends of the time. And when Barbie doll wears a famous name-it's hers, top to toe (Mattel). She wore a short sleeve fuzzy sweater personalized with her name on the left side. Her designer blue jeans were trimmed in pink and her name was also embroidered on the back pocket. Even the inside of the box boasted Barbie from top to bottom.
See Fashion Jeans Barbie on eBay.
Doll Name:
Fashion Jeans Barbie
Model #:
5315
Box Date:
©1981
Extra Features:
Poseable arms and legs
Twisting waist
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Accessories:
Sparkling clear gemstone earrings and matching ring.
Pink belt with Barbie image on the belt buckle.
Pink western boots completed her outfit.
Barbie & Ken were hailed as the
king and queen of the jeans scene!
Fashion Jeans Ken
#5316
Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, also got in on the designer jeans fashion craze. Fashion Jeans Ken was released in 1981 as well.
See Fashion Jeans Ken on eBay.
Magic Curl Barbie
#3856
Magic Curl Barbie is known for its unique feature of having hair that can be curled or straightened. Future hairdressers practiced tirelessly curling, straightening, and then back to curly, styling Barbie's hair to whatever they wanted it to be.
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See Magic Curl Barbie on eBay.
Magic Curl Barbie comes dressed in a long yellow dress with a square neck and short puffed sleeves. A matching sash goes around her waist and the dress is trimmed in lace. Yellow open toe heels completed her outfit.
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Magic Curl Barbie Towel wrap  |
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It's all about the hair, and here's how...
For a straight, glamourous hair style...spray hair with Magic Mist solution and thoroughly brush through hair.
For fun, curly style...rinse out Magic Mist solution, dry completely and fluff hair.
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Magic Curl Barbie AA
#3989
Black Magic Curl Barbie came with the same hair styling features and accessories as the white version, with the exception of the head mold. The Steffie head mold was used for Magic Curl Barbie AA.
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See Magic Curl Barbie AA on eBay.
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Pink & Pretty Barbie
#3554
Pink & Pretty Barbie looked the epitome of fashion in her glimmery top, pull on pants, and matching skirt that could be styled in many glamorous ways. A faux fur trimmed chiffon overskirt, fur boa, and fabulous furry-trimmed hat/peplum only added to the drama. Her accessories included clear imitation gemstone earrings that could be worn dangling or as a post, along with a matching glittery ring and necklace. Pink open toe heels completed her ensemble.
See Pink & Pretty Barbie on eBay.
Doll Name:
Pink & Pretty Barbie
Model #:
3554
Box Date:
©1981
Extra Features:
Over 20 (some boxes had 10)
dazzling looks were possible with the
clothing and accessories included.
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Face: To help style her beautiful hair, she came with an aqua blue brush, comb, and mirror. A perfume bottle was also inside the box. |
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Pink & Pretty Barbie
Department Store Special
#5239
This extra special modeling set came with everything included with the original doll along with a TV camera, stage light, pink sunglasses, autograph book, and photographs.
See Pink & Pretty Barbie DDS on eBay.
Pink & Pretty Christie
#3555
Pink & Pretty Christie also came with the same clothing and accessories as the original doll.
See Pink & Pretty Christie on eBay.
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Sunsational Malibu Barbie
Sunsational Malibu Barbie, with her year 'round suntan, was presented as a doll with the California look. She's ready for the beach in her one-piece swimsuit, mirrored sunglasses, and beach towel.
See Sunsational Malibu Barbie on eBay.
Doll Name:
Sunsational Malibu Barbie
Model #:
1067
(several Malibu Barbie dolls share this number)
Box Date:
©1981
Extra Features:
Poseable
These dolls were made in Hong Kong and the Philippines. There were some differences in the two, for example the box that came from the Philippines had a flap at the top for hanging in store displays. The face of the doll made in Hong Kong was rounder and the eyes seemed larger than the Philippines version.
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These 1981 Barbie dolls joined the fun in the sun
with Sunsational Malibu Barbie...
Sunsational Malibu Skipper #1069
Sunsational Malibu P.J. #1187
Sunsational Malibu Christie #7745
Sunsational Malibu Ken #1088
Sunsational Malibu Ken AA #3849
Dolls of the World
Eskimo Barbie
1981 Eskimo Barbie was part of the Dolls of the World collection. Dressed in a white parka trimmed in faux fur and matching boots, she was ready for the cold Arctic weather. Other Eskimo dolls were later produced, but 1981 Barbie dolls included the first Eskimo Barbie doll ever made.
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See Eskimo Barbie on eBay.
Doll Name:
Eskimo Barbie
Model #:
3898
Box Date:
©1981
The back of the box was devoted to educational information about the Arctic regions. From how they fish through the ice to what they like to do for entertainment, we learn how Eskimos live as well as how they dress.
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