I went through another fun box while decluttering…my Barbie and Ken dolls …I have two original dolls from the 1950’s.
I can’t remember when I first got my Barbie and Ken dolls, but I do remember spending time playing with them. It was fun to change out the outfits and set up a house for them with cardboard furniture, back in the late 1950’s.
At that time, if you wanted Barbie to be a nurse you put on her nurse uniform and nurse cap. Back then, you had to change her outfit for a specific activity, these days you just buy a different Barbie!
In July I took out my old Barbie and Ken dolls, in the original black carrying case, with all their paraphernalia, and let our oldest granddaughter play with them. She found a cardboard box and cut out doors to make a house for Barbie and Ken, just like I used to do, and played quietly in the corner.
In decluttering our grandchildren’s play area, I gathered up the box and the carrying case and decided to organize it, to get Barbie and Ken ready to move. I had fun going through the many dresses and outfits I had for Barbie (not so many for Ken, but a few).
The accessories are amazing too…I had three pairs of shoes for Ken, and four pairs for Barbie, plus a pair of slippers! Not bad having matching pairs after all these years.
There were knitted sweaters with matching hats, undies(!), sun glasses, swimsuits, purses, luggage, and cardboard furniture.
I remember having more cardboard furniture, but I’m not surprised there are only a few pieces left.
After thoroughly enjoying examining each outfit, I dressed Barbie and Ken and strapped them into their carrying case. I hung the clothes on the rack in the carrying case, using all the cute, miniature hangers I had. I tucked the rest of the clothes into the case, adding the cardboard furniture, then latched the box.
I enjoyed my playtime with Barbie. She and Ken are all ready to move again, tagging along with me as they have over the past 60-plus years.
How fun to have these old Barbie and Ken dolls🤩 Must be so spesial for your granddaughter to play with😃 Sure are a lot of things to get rid of but also a lot of things to keep🥰 Good memories❤️
You are right…lots to get rid of and lots to keep…
will we have room?
I wonder if you had a Barbie doll?
No, I did not have a Barbie doll. Lisa had a lot, they are up in our attic😅
I can not remember any of my friends having Barbie dolls either. Maybe difficult to get them in Norway at that time??
That is interesting…it must have been hard to send the dolls to Norway…
a lot has changed in 60+ years. 😉
What a fun story. I liked dolls when I was little.
Thanks Barb.
Dolls were a common gift for girls in the 50’s and 60’s.
I love the detail you give of the dolls and their things and the nostalgia the photos evoke. I didn’t get my Barbie/Ken/Skipper until sometime in the early to mid sixties and they disappeared over the years. One primary thought in my mind was that your originals are likely worth a whole lot of money especially since you cared for them so gently. I’m guessing you know this but will continue to hold them dear for the “grands”.
I never did get Skipper.
We’ve considered selling over the years…maybe after the move.
I think this was the formation of your interest in beautiful things for a lifetime! Think red shoes!
My Barbie has a pair of red shoes…maybe I had a long buried desire for red shoes. 😉
Valerie, it’s amazing that you have all of this after 60 years and in such excellent condition. What are your plans for Barbie and Ken? Keep them as you move into your next home? My sister and I shared one Barbie, purchased from a classmate for 50 cents. I haven’t seen our Barbie in years. I bet my sister has.
I’m rather surprised at the good condition too.
They will move with us to the next house, but maybe we can find a buyer after we’re settled.
If you have any ideas, let me know.
The vintage store bought my playbills…didn’t get much but saved them from the landfill. ;-0