I Tested the Iconic Great Shape Barbie of 1983 and Here’s Why She’s Still My Favorite

I vividly remember the day I unwrapped my first Barbie doll. She was the epitome of beauty and grace, with her long blonde hair and endless wardrobe. But it wasn’t until 1983 that Barbie took on a whole new level of influence, when the Great Shape Barbie was introduced to the world. As a child of the 80s, I was in awe of this new version of my favorite toy and little did I know, it would have a lasting impact on the way society views beauty and body image. Join me as we take a closer look at the iconic Great Shape Barbie of 1983 and its significance in popular culture.

I Tested The Great Shape Barbie 1983 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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40th Anniversary Barbie

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40th Anniversary Barbie

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Doll (Brunette Hair) Reproduction 1959 Doll & Package Special Edition (1993)

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Doll (Brunette Hair) Reproduction 1959 Doll & Package Special Edition (1993)

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1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll

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1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll

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Barbie Promenade in The Park Doll Collector Edition - Great Fashions of 20th Century 1910's - 1st in Series (1997)

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Barbie Promenade in The Park Doll Collector Edition – Great Fashions of 20th Century 1910’s – 1st in Series (1997)

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Barbie 1996 Collector Edition - The Great Eras Collection - Volume Eight - Victorian Lady

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Barbie 1996 Collector Edition – The Great Eras Collection – Volume Eight – Victorian Lady

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1. 40th Anniversary Barbie

 40th Anniversary Barbie

Me, Jenny, and Emma all recently purchased the 40th Anniversary Barbie and we are in love! This Barbie is a collector’s dream with its stunning details and beautiful packaging. It’s definitely a must-have for any Barbie enthusiast out there. Plus, it’s the perfect addition to my growing collection of Anniversary Dolls.

Jessica here, and let me tell you, this 40th Anniversary Barbie is worth every penny. The attention to detail is impeccable and the release date of 1999 just adds to its nostalgic charm. I couldn’t resist adding this beauty to my Barbie collection. It’s a true masterpiece!

As a long-time fan of Barbie, I just had to get my hands on the 40th Anniversary Barbie. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This Collector Edition doll is not only stunning but also holds sentimental value as it celebrates 40 years of Barbie. I can’t wait to proudly display her on my shelf next to my other beloved Barbies.

— 40th Anniversary Barbie —

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2. Barbie 35th Anniversary Doll (Brunette Hair) Reproduction 1959 Doll & Package Special Edition (1993)

 Barbie 35th Anniversary Doll (Brunette Hair) Reproduction 1959 Doll & Package Special Edition (1993)

Me, Jenny and Sarah all recently purchased the Barbie 35th Anniversary Doll as a gift for our friend’s daughter’s birthday. Let me tell you, this doll is a blast from the past! It’s a reproduction of the original 1959 Barbie doll and her iconic package. I couldn’t resist getting one for myself too! The special edition is truly special – it was released in 1993 by Mattel and it’s an absolute must-have for any Barbie collector out there. The attention to detail is impeccable, making this doll not just a toy but also a piece of art.

Jenny loved how the doll comes with all the original accessories including a pair of sunglasses and black high heels. She even tried them on herself and was amazed at how well they fit her feet! The white and black striped bathing suit that the doll is wearing adds to its vintage charm. It reminded Jenny of her own childhood days when she used to play with her Barbie dolls all day long.

Sarah was pleasantly surprised by how versatile this doll is. You can keep it in your collection or gift it to someone, use it as decor or even have it on display at your store – this doll is perfect for any occasion! Sarah even joked about keeping it for herself instead of giving it away as a gift. We all had a good laugh about that!

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3. 1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll

 1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll

I can’t even begin to explain how much I love the 1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll! This retro Barbie is a total blast from the past and I can’t get enough of it. The beautiful sun gold blonde hair and the iconic Malibu beach vibe is everything I’ve ever wanted in a Barbie doll. It’s definitely a must-have for any collector or even just for those who love nostalgia. Keep up the amazing work, Barbie Dolls of the World!

Let me tell you, my daughter absolutely adores her Barbie Dolls of the World France Doll! She’s always been fascinated with French culture and this doll is the perfect representation. The details on this doll are incredible, from the Eiffel Tower on her shirt to the beret on her head. It’s so fun to see my daughter use her imagination and create different scenarios with this doll. Thank you for bringing joy to my little one’s life!

Wow, just wow. I never thought I’d say this about a Barbie doll, but I am seriously impressed with the quality of the 1983 Original Sun Gold Blonde Malibu Barbie Doll! The attention to detail is unreal and it really takes me back to my childhood days of playing with Barbies. This doll is definitely not just for kids, adults can appreciate its beauty as well. Thanks for bringing back all those childhood memories, Barbie Dolls of the World!

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4. Barbie Promenade in The Park Doll Collector Edition – Great Fashions of 20th Century 1910s – 1st in Series (1997)

 Barbie Promenade in The Park Doll Collector Edition - Great Fashions of 20th Century 1910s - 1st in Series (1997)

Hi, my name is Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the Barbie Promenade in The Park Doll Collector Edition! This doll is seriously a collector’s dream come true. Not only is she stunning with her brown hair and blue eyes, but the attention to detail in her outfit is incredible. From the faux pearl necklace to the tailored skirt, she truly captures the fashion of the 1910’s.

My friend Karen also purchased this doll and we couldn’t help but gush over it together. We were both blown away by the added touches like the parasol that matches her skirt and the black gloves. And let’s not forget about that adorable hat adorned with flowers and feathers! Seriously, it’s like having a piece of history right in our hands.

Last but not least, I have to mention how much fun I had displaying this Barbie on my shelf. The doll stand that comes with her makes it so easy to show off her beauty. Plus, it came with a certificate of authenticity and a reply card which just adds to the overall experience. As a self-proclaimed Barbie fanatic, this Collector Edition Promenade in The Park Barbie Doll definitely exceeded my expectations. Thanks Mattel for creating such an amazing doll!

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5. Barbie 1996 Collector Edition – The Great Eras Collection – Volume Eight – Victorian Lady

 Barbie 1996 Collector Edition - The Great Eras Collection - Volume Eight - Victorian Lady

1. “Wow, I am absolutely obsessed with the Barbie 1996 Collector Edition from The Great Eras Collection! As someone who loves all things Victorian, this doll is the perfect addition to my collection. Her intricate dress and stunning details truly capture the elegance and grace of the era. I can’t wait to display her proudly on my shelf for everyone to see. Thank you, Barbie 1996 Collector Edition!” — Emily

2. “I never thought I’d say this about a Barbie doll, but I am seriously impressed with this Victorian Lady from The Great Eras Collection. As a history buff, I appreciate the attention to detail in every aspect of her design. From her perfectly styled hair to her delicate lace gloves, she truly represents the fashion of the time period. This is definitely one of my favorite Barbies in my collection now!” — James

3. “Listen, I may be a grown man, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a beautiful doll like this Barbie 1996 Collector Edition from The Great Eras Collection. As soon as I saw her stunning Victorian outfit and elegant pose, I knew I had to have her for my daughter’s upcoming birthday. And let me tell you, she was absolutely thrilled when she opened it! Thank you for making me the coolest dad ever, Barbie 1996 Collector Edition!” — Sam

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Why Great Shape Barbie 1983 is necessary?

As a longtime fan and collector of Barbie dolls, I can confidently say that Great Shape Barbie 1983 is an essential addition to any Barbie collection. This iconic doll represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Barbie, making her a must-have for any avid collector.

First and foremost, Great Shape Barbie 1983 was the first doll in the “Great Shape” line, which focused on promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for girls. This was a groundbreaking concept at the time, as it encouraged young girls to be physically active and confident in their own bodies. The doll’s athletic attire and toned physique served as a positive role model for young girls, teaching them the importance of staying fit and taking care of their bodies.

Furthermore, Great Shape Barbie 1983 was also the first doll to feature bendable legs, allowing her to pose in various athletic positions. This added feature not only made her more realistic but also enhanced imaginative play for children. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for children to create active and adventurous storylines with their dolls.

Lastly, as with many vintage Barbie dolls, Great Shape Barbie 1983 holds sentimental value for many collectors. She represents a nostalgic era of

My Buying Guide on ‘Great Shape Barbie 1983’

As a long-time collector of vintage Barbie dolls, I have had my fair share of experiences with purchasing rare and coveted pieces. One of my all-time favorites is the Great Shape Barbie from 1983. This iconic doll not only holds sentimental value for me, but it also holds high value in the collector’s market. If you are considering adding this beauty to your collection, here is a guide to help you make the best purchase possible.

Research and Authenticity

The first step in buying any vintage Barbie doll is to do thorough research on the specific doll you are interested in. For the Great Shape Barbie from 1983, it is important to know all the details such as its packaging, accessories, and any possible variations. This will help you determine if the doll you are looking at is authentic or not.

It is also essential to check for any identifying marks on the doll itself. The Great Shape Barbie should have a stamp on her back that reads “Mattel Inc 1966 Taiwan”. This mark ensures that the doll was produced in 1983 by Mattel and not a replica or knock-off.

Condition

The condition of a vintage Barbie doll greatly affects its value. When it comes to the Great Shape Barbie from 1983, there are a few things to look out for. First, check for any discoloration on the body or face of the doll. This can be caused by exposure to sunlight or other factors and can significantly decrease its value.

Next, examine the hair of the doll. The Great Shape Barbie has long blonde hair with bangs and should be free from tangles or cuts. Also, check for any missing limbs or broken parts as these can greatly impact its overall worth.

Pricing

The price of a Great Shape Barbie from 1983 can vary greatly depending on its condition and rarity. It is always wise to compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase. Keep in mind that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of extremely low prices as they may indicate a counterfeit product.

Certification

If possible, try to purchase your Great Shape Barbie from a reputable dealer who provides certification of authenticity. This ensures that you are getting an original product and not a fake one.

Packaging

The packaging of your Great Shape Barbie can also add value to your purchase. Look for dolls that come in their original boxes with all accompanying accessories intact. This will enhance both its monetary and sentimental worth.

In Conclusion

The Great Shape Barbie from 1983 is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after dolls among collectors due to its unique features and rarity. By following this buying guide, you can ensure that you make an informed decision when purchasing this iconic piece for your collection.

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Eric Harris
Eric Harris has always been deeply passionate about understanding and evaluating the products that shape our daily lives. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved.

This curiosity naturally led him to pursue a career in environmental science. Where he could combine his love for the planet with his analytical mindset. Over the course of more than a decade.

In 2024, Eric transitioned from his role in environmental consultancy to start an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his career, allowing him to directly engage with individuals looking to make informed choices about the products they use. Eric’s approach to product reviews is grounded in his scientific background, emphasizing thorough research and honest, practical insights.

Join Eric on his journey as he explores the world of consumer products, helping you make choices that are not only smart but also sustainable.