Fun Ways to Play with Barbie (Plus Giveaway)

Sponsored by Barbie & Digital Parents

I was eleven. On a visit to the toy section (in Myer by memory), I spotted a doll and immediately fell in love with her. It’s the only time I remember really (really!) wanting a toy as a child. I hadn’t seen a Barbie like her before. She had crimped light brown hair, freckles and green eyes. Freckles! I especially loved the freckles. For whatever reason, I didn’t end up receiving the doll for my birthday, but the image of that doll never left me. I’ve never quite got over it I guess – haha. It’s funny the things you remember!

I researched to see if I could find this doll in my head…and I found her!! I’m pretty sure it’s the All Stars Midge Barbie from 1990 that I wanted so much. I hunted down a list of Barbies made from 1980 to 2004 so if anyone is interested in finding the names of Barbies made each year between the retro time period (helps you to Google the correct thing) you can find the list here. 

1990 All Stars Midge Barbie 

Below is one of the images I used in my research. Shown are a variety of Midge Barbie dolls over the years, and not many of them have freckles. 

Images by PattyPatty85 on Flickr 

I didn’t get my freckled Barbie, however over the years of my childhood, I played with and collected a variety of Barbie dolls. Now I’m a parent, and my kids enjoy playing with the dolls in many different ways, from imaginative and social play to craft and outdoor play. I’ve shared many of these ideas in a list below.

This brings back fond memories for me, I find myself engaged in the children’s games, eager to facilitate and extend their play using craft or changing the play environment. Recently I made a Barbie bedroom in one of the low shelves in my 9-year-old daughter’s bedroom. Most of the items you can find around the house and it doubles as a gorgeous bedroom decoration. You can find the full tutorial on how to make the bed out of a shoebox and all the different elements I used in the project here.

The only problem is my other two younger kids loved it so much, and they all want an “apartment” in the shelves too. Fortunately there are three low shelves in a row so I’ll be making more beds this week. It’s simple too (and I find it fun to create these play environments for the kids).

This is the sort of thing I love to share because it’s engaging for both me and my daughter, and that’s special. Now there’s an easy way to share Barbie play ideas and inspiration by using the #motherdaughtertime hashtag on Facebook. It’s a great way to search for inspiration and to connect with mums around the world.

To start off with, below are some of the ways I’ve enjoyed Barbie dolls over the years with my kids.

1. Create a gorgeous Barbie bed from a shoebox.
2. A medicine box is a perfect size for a mini Barbie bed.
3. Make milk bottle lid plates.
4. Do a hair salon and untangle Barbie’s hair with this simple trick.
5. Colour water in an underbed storage container for sensory fun.
6. Craft your own Barbie clothes using organza gift bags. No sewing required!
7. Tie ribbon to a hairband to make a tutu.
8. Weave a pipe cleaner crown, a child-sized one and one for the doll.
9. Repurpose a small shampoo bottle into a cute tote for Barbie.
10. Film your own Barbie movie with a smart phone.
11. Play in a backyard sheet tent.

Through all this researching, creating and playing, I had the idea to track down the doll from my childhood I wanted so much and buy her, because why not! I’m going to do it! And my daughter loves her too so she’s excited if I can track one down. 

Giveaway

I’m giving away 3 Barbie prize packs over the next 3 weeks (one prize pack each week). Each pack contains the following products:

• 1 x Barbie Rainbow Hair $39.99
• 1 x Barbie Colour Me Cute $39.99
• 1 x Barbie Fashionista $18.99 (please note that the item may differ from image)
• 1 x Barbie I Can Be doll $18.99 (please note that the item may differ from image)

To enter, leave a comment below with a childhood memory you have of Barbie.

Giveaway now ended. Winners have been notified. Congratulations: Ann-Marie, Sarah and Ashleigh.

Competition Terms and Conditions

1. To enter, comment on this post with a childhood memory you have of Barbie.
2. You must be an Australian resident older than 18 years of age to enter.
3. You must provide a valid email address and entries are limited to one per household.
4. Entries close Sunday, June 21 at 11:59pm Australian EST.
5. Entries will be judged on merit and creativity.
6. Three winners will each receive a Barbie prize pack – 1 x Barbie Rainbow Hair $39.99, 1 x Barbie Colour Me Cute $39.99, 1 x Barbie Fashionista $18.99 (please note that the item may differ from image), 1 x Barbie I Can Be doll $18.99 (please note that the item may differ from image).
7. Winners will be contacted by email and announced on this post by Tuesday, June 23 2015.
8. The winners must claim the prize within 4 days or the prize will be re-drawn.
9. The winners agree to have their contact details passed on to the appropriate PR company or brand representative who will send out/organise the prizes directly.