Amazon.com ReviewBarbie takes on a whole new look with the adventurous "Princess Liana" -- the character she plays in the movie "Barbie and the Diamond Castle." This singing Barbie comes with a dress that "magically" transforms from "plain" to "fancy" and has the trademark long, blonde hair that little girls love to brush. With her jeweled purple tiara, this Barbie is sure to delight aspiring princesses age 3 and up--whether or not they've seen the movie.
"Princess Liana" Barbie has beautiful blonde hair topped with a tiara. View larger.
Her dress flips from plain to fancy with the turn of a knob.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Sparkly dress, jeweled tiara, and light-up pendant turn this Barbie into a true princess
The Bad: Barbie's dress can't be removed
In a Nutshell: Little princesses everywhere will love playing with her
At a Glance
Ages: 3 and up
Sparkly yet Sturdy Your little girl can play with this Barbie right out of the box. Parents might need to show younger kids how to flip Barbie's dress over with the turn of a knob (the instructions tell you how). You might also need to point out the tiny button that makes Barbie sing a song from "Barbie and the Diamond Castle," but once they know where it is, even little ones will be able to find it quickly.
The stiff material of Barbie's purple, pink, and orange sparkly dress will stand up well to lots of play. Her matching purple, high-heeled shoes, on the other hand, could get easily lost or swallowed. Parents should help with the delicate operation of cutting Barbie's tiara free from the plastic that binds it to Barbie's head. Afterall, every princess likes to take off her crown once in a while!
A Barbie with Bling This Barbie has a lot of bling -- from the dress that makes a "bringg" sound when it flips from "plain" to "fancy," to the pendant that lights up during this same operation. Barbie's fancy dress, with asparkling pink bodice and layers of shimmering orange gauze over pink "silk," will dazzle every girl. Plus, it looks just like the dress that Princess Liana wears in the movie.
Your child will also love being able to remove Barbie's purple tiara with its orange jewel and the purple shoes that perfectly match her dress. If your child has the "Princess Alexa" doll (also based on a character from the movie), the two dolls can sing a special duet together while holding hands. And, of course, how could you forget Barbie's hair? Long, silky, and lustrous, girls will love brushing it withthe heart-shaped gold brush that's included.
A Princess from Head to Toe We appreciated the whole princess-like package -- the tiara, the sparkly dress, the light-up pendant. Everyone child dreams of being royalty and we think think this singing Barbie will hit just the right note with your own would-be princesses. It would be nice if you could remove her princess dress for those days when Barbie wants a more casual look, but that isn't the case here. We like the hairstyle that Princess Liana sports (with two sections of hair knotted together at the napeof her neck), but we worry that younger girls might accidentally muss it with inadvertent brushing and end up with a bad-hair day for Barbie. These minor criticisms aside, we think this Barbie will be a hit with little girls even if they haven't seen the movie "Barbie and the Diamond Castle." If they have seen it, they'll love their Princess Liana Barbie even more!
What's in the Box Singing"Princess Liana" Barbie with two-in-one dress and light-up pendant, shoes, tiara, and hairbrush.
REVIEW
This Barbie may be a Golddigger. I usually let Gold Box Specials and Amazon sales guide me to toys for the grandkids, but in the case of the Mattel Barbie I confess I have second thoughts. The pitch is that the doll has blonde hair that can be combed, twist a knob in its back and it issues a percussive but melodious "briiiing!" sound as the dress swirls and changes, press a button in its palm and the little bimbo sings songs from a movie (actually a few bars of undistinguished romantic Disney schmaltz), and last but not least the talented little toy sings duets if you purchase her brunette "sister" and place the hands of the two dolls together.
Nothing wrong with friendship, sisterhood, harmonizing, talent and beauty, but this is pretty explicit marketing if not pure hustle. By most standards the doll is quite ordinary. My granddaughter got the hang of depressing the hand so that Barbie would issue her melodious babble (the concept of a twin Barbie, thank God, remains elusive to her). And she liked the "spriiiing" sound when we could get it to work. Getting Barbie to swirl and change her dress is the hard part, requiring Barbie's owner to turn a gear button on Barbie's back. Presumably, the slip gear arrangement is to prevent youngsters from twisting the mechanism too hard and breaking it. The problem is that the slip device is set too loosely, preventing Barbie from complying to attempts to make her swish. An adult has to ignore the slip part of the button and grab the button securely by thebase, pinching it between two fingers while turning it. Then Barbie swishes, swirls, and "briiiings!" until you've heard and seen enough.
From now on, I'm going to listen to my grandchild a bit more before ordering gifts, Gold Box special or not. I'll know this one was, after all the fuss, a success if my granddaughter begins clamoring for the DVD, the storybook (there are 3 on Amazon), the coloring book, the twin sister, and the handsome prince. In that case, I will no doubt feel ambivalent about the success of a toy that worked out just as Mattel no doubt is counting on it to do. (My granddaughter is 2, a bit young for the romantic, mechanical, and marketing complexities of this doll, who obviously brings a lot of unsuspected baggage with her.)
The butterfly fairy Magic Wings Mariposa doll alights in a gorgeous pink outfit and tiara. Girls can transform her pretty purple butterfly wings to sparkling pink wings with the press of a button. Doll measures 12" tall.
REVIEW
Fly Away Barbie! Like many others, I bought this Barbie thinking that it would be a reasonably durable toy for my five year old daughter. Wrong, Wrong Wrong. The wings never stuck on correctly, and fell off almost immediately. After reattaching them a dozen times, Super Glue finally made them stay. Quality is certainly not Job #1!
Amazon.com ReviewThe 2008 Holiday Barbie shimmers in a silvery creation designed to resemble a snowflake. Her chandelier earrings add the perfect elegant yet festive touch to the 20th anniversary Holiday Barbie. Barbie collectors and girls ages 6 and up alike will appreciate the beauty of this doll, with her thick lashes, painted red lips, extravagantly curled blonde hair, and a stand so she can be displayed and admired by all.
Holiday Barbie wears a silvery snowflake gown. View larger.
The Good: Elegant, shimmery, snowflake-themed gown is both festive and stylish
The Bad: Shoes not as elegant as the dress
In a Nutshell: Fans and collectors of Holiday Barbies will be proud to add this Barbie to their collection
At a Glance
Ages: 6 and up
Barbie Shines for the Holiday Season This is essentially the same, sturdy Barbie we all know and love, but she's beautifully decked out for the holidays. The only assembly required is putting her stand together. Though Barbie's gown looks delicate, with it's gauzy, snowflake-embroidered bodice and silver skirt, the material is tough and durable. Her long, dangly earrings, however, could see some damage during over-enthusiastic play with small hands. But they're removable, so you can take them out if you think your girl might lose or break them.
Living in a Winter Wonderland The holiday Barbies are all about wintryelegance and style, and the 2008 doll is no exception. Barbie's sophisticated holiday hairdo cascades down her back in a mass of curls tied slightly to the side. The sheer bodice of her gown--the same one she wears in the "Barbie in a Christmas Carol" DVD-- is embroidered with shimmery snowflakes that match the silver of the tiered, pleated skirt.
A gauzy sash wraps around her waist and floats down the front of the gown. White slingback heels complete Holiday Barbie's breathtaking ensemble. For those who like to keep Barbie in her packaging, the 2008 design doesn't disappoint: a red foil background is decorated with ornaments and 3-D snowflakes suspended in midair.
Little Touches Make Barbie Fabulous We love the little touches on this Holiday Barbie, like the painted red nails that match her lipstick, the ultra-thick lashes, and the drop earrings that dangle down past her shoulders. We also like the snowflakes that shimmer lightly on her dress as if they've just fallen from the sky. Her right arm is cocked permanently at the elbow so it looks like she's waving. You can also turn this arm so her hand is on her hip.
We could imagine however, that little girls might wish to bend the elbow into a normal position from time to time. And while Barbie's holiday gown manages to be both stunning and durable, her shoes are functional white plastic that don't really live up to the rest of the outfit (plus they're hard to put on). Fortunately, the shoes are hidden by the long dress. Overall, we think Barbie collectors and little girls alike will be thrilled to add this cooly fabulous 2008 Holiday Barbie to their collection.
What's in the Box 2008 Holiday Barbie with gown, earrings, shoes, and display stand.
REVIEW
Beautiful Doll I started the "Holiday Barbie" collection for my niece when she was 5, she is now 17! Each year Mattel puts out a beautiful Barbie doll for the holidays that makes you just want to keep on collecting!
The Barbie My House is the perfect place to call home for the girl who knows style! The playset has a contemporary look, real-life accents and rich details. The house featuresmultiple rooms featuring fabulous furniture so that Barbie doll and her friends can hang-out. For the first time ever, the house and furniture sets are modular so girls can expand and personalize their space! Dolls not included. Measures 20" x 12.7" x 5.4".
REVIEW
Cute house. My daughter got this for Christmas. It was pretty simple to assemble. It does not seem to be made well, but you cant complain since we only paid $20 for it. I think it will last a good length of time. We are thinking of buying our other 2 daughtersone so they can visit with eachother. I do think this house is a good choice if you don't want to buy one of this big ones due to space or how well your children take care of things. It is cute and my girls love it. It doesn't come with much. If you buy the furniture sets, the house looks more realistic.
Teresa doll is featured here as Princess Alexa from "Barbie and The Diamond Castle" who sings two songs from the movie and wears a mesmerizing glittery gown that magically transforms with the flip of a switch. Her necklace lights up when she sings. Pair her with the Princess Liana doll, sold separately, to hear beautiful duets. Requires 3 "button-cell" batteries, included. Doll measures 11.5" tall.
REVIEW
non matching dolls i love the movie and the dolls, but this drives me nuts that i cannot find matching dolls anywhere. even here they are sold differently. one uses a strap to change dresses, the other a knob. it's not that big of a deal, but since they aren't the same model number, when they sing their duet, it's off. liana sings faster than alexaand the brochure tells you to buy matching dolls, but they're aren't any!
This fun fashion doll wears trendy clothes with hip accessories and includes lots of play pieces for her Baby Doctor assignment. The tools girls need to play out these "real life" careers are included. Dolls cannot stand alone. Doll measures 12".
REVIEW
Cute Barbie Set I bought this set for my 2.5 year old and she loved it...mostly because of the barbie babies. One of the babies has "chicken pox" that show up when you get her face wet. The little medicine bottle has a small sponge on it that you are suppose to use to make the chikenpox appear. I like this set because Barbie is wearing a decent outfit for once and doesn't look like a streetwalker. I do need to warn abou the "accesories". Most of them are just cardboard peices that are taped onto the box that you have to remove to use them. I almost threw them away not realizing that they are suppose to be saved. The fabric (actually some kind of nylon) on the doctor table is very well secured and there is a knob that you turn to "change" the paper on the table. Overall, very cute and I reccomend it!
Amazon.com For more than a decade, Barbie has celebrated each holiday season with a special edition doll commemorating the year. Joining this tradition is the lovely 2007 Holiday Barbie. Barbie’s elegant gown features a fitted, strapless bodice with black lace trim along the décolletage, and a full skirt of deep, ruby red. The bodice and skirt overlay are made from soft, rich velvet that is accented with white faux fur and more black lace. Around Barbie’s trim waist is a black belt with a crystal-accented buckle--reminiscent of something Mr. Claus might wear. The gown is removable--thanks to a Velcro back panel--so Barbie can wear something else after the holiday parties have turned into New Year resolutions.
Barbie’s hair is in a half upsweep, with fat curls caressing her slender shoulders. Adorning her long blond locks is a complementary white fur headband. For accessories, Barbie wears a gold necklace with a snowflake pendant that has a small crystal twinkling in its center, matching snowflake earrings, long white gloves, and red shoes. Formal colors coat her lips and eyes, accentuating her perfect smile and flawlessly arched eyebrows.
Whether the 2007 Holiday Barbie is your collection’s first or latest, it’s sure to be treasured for many years to come. Happy holidays!
The special edition Barbie features an elegant gown made of soft velvet. View larger.
Barbie is wearing a gold necklace with matching earrings. View larger.
REVIEW
Evidently, Worth It I got this for an adult friend collector, and she hasn't stopped talking about it since I gave it her. As a non-collector, I have to admit it is pretty and seems well made, though I haven't seen this doll out of the box. (That's evidently a no-no.) This gave my friend so much pleasure, and she is a "Barbie expert", so I believe it is a good buy.
Play fetch, feed and groom fuzzy Taffy dog and help her take care of her litter of three adorable pups! Includes treats for each, a play ball, feeding dish and a baby bottle so Barbie can help feed them too. Doll measures 12" tall.
REVIEW
Surprise doesn't work These puppies are adorable and barbie is as cute as ever. My 7 year old daughter chose this as a special and earned treat. The puppy that is supposed to drink water from a bottle and then wet (go potty) doesn't work. I have tried and tried and can't make it happen, even following instructions and trying to clear out to puppy (tube that presumably holds water). So that is too bad.
Great Idea!! Awesome accessory to orginize my granddaughter's barbie dolls. It is easy for her to choose which dolls to play with, without rummaging through her collection. Mom likes it too!
Barbie doll can cruise, party and play on this luxurious getaway. Fold open the water slide and make a splash in the poolcuzzi. Fold the slide over, and a disco ball comes out, plus music and lights for a dance party. Set up the rotating buffet with aquarium and luxurious suite for Barbie doll to relax in. Sounds include 2 disco songs with lights activation, 1 cruise ship horn and water and dolphin play. Folds up for on the go and easy storage. Barbie doll not included. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, not included.
REVIEW
Cruise ship too loud. I just purchased this toy (not through amazon) for my 5 year old daughter because she saw it on tv and it looked like fun with barbie sliding down into the water. It comes with a lot of pieces that look like fun, but the sound on the ship is extremely loud. So loud i think it exceeds toy saftey standards. There is no volume control and the sounds are seagulls, kids laughing and music. The ship is very unstable and wobbles when you try to attach the pieces to it. There is also a pack of toy drinks that look like beer cans, though i hope they are suppose to be soda cans. This toy is geared for an older girl maybe teenagers. The dolls on the box look like they are going to a club with very short dresses. Not the image i want to give my 5 year old so i am returning it.
