For folks that prefer the simple, less-eccentric doll: the very first Barbie.
Barbie first appeared in March 1959, produced by Mattel toy company. American businesswoman Ruth Handler gets credit for the idea. Ms. Handler was inspired by watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls. During a trip to Europe she found a German toy named Bild Lilli, an adult-figured doll.
The first Barbie featured a black and white zebra-striped bathing suit, a ponytail, and hoop earrings. She sold for just $3.00 at the American Toy Fair in New York City in 1959. These "first edition" Barbies are now worth $8,000.
Watch the video below of the first Barbie television commercial.
