The drip-feeding of candy pink images, trailers and teasers from the new Barbie film over the last few months means Barbiemania has already taken hold.
Starring Margot Robbie as the eponymous fashion doll and Ryan Gosling as her lovestruck boyfriend Ken, it promises to be exactly the rose-tinted tonic we need right now.
Since the first Barbie doll was released for sale in 1959, Barbie and Ken have been a constant in the toy market, representing different careers, body shapes and races along the way. Designs have shifted and adapted to chime with the times, but it’s safe to say that it’s been positive Kenergy building for the film’s release, and we’re here for it.
Barbie-creator Mattel is, of course, releasing a range of merchandise to coincide with the £85m blockbuster hitting the UK’s big screens on July 21.
This means fans can get their hands on the dolls and replicas of the outfits seen on the big screen, and plenty more.
ES Best has taken a look at the best Barbie toys on the market right now, for all budgets and ages.
Here are our top picks
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Barbie™ The Movie MEGA DreamHouse
There have been reports that creating Barbie’s Dreamhouse for Greta Gerwig’s movie led to a worldwide shortage of pink paint. As a result, the film’s version looks incredible, with the slide into the pool specifically requested by Robbie herself, according to reports.
This, slightly smaller but still very pink, buildable DreamHouse has no walls or doors but does include a spiral staircase, pool with a slide, kitchen, bar and bedroom. It comes at a high price but is guaranteed to bring pure joy to all Barbie fans.
This set comes with 1795 bricks and other pieces so is recommended for children aged 10 plus and younger children may need help assembling it. It’s also worth noting that this set may take up quite a bit of space in your home (dimensions are 55.88 x 48.26 x 26.42 cm).
Buy now £129.99, Amazon
Barbie™ The Movie Doll in pink gingham dress
Barbie is ready for her best day ever in Barbieland in this iconic look straight out of the film. Fans will have seen Robbie wearing the sweet pink strappy gingham dress in the trailers for the film and now they can get their hands on a mini version for themselves. Completing the look is a daisy necklace and pastel pumps which all look perfect next to her pink Corvette.
Many Barbie dolls have become collectors’ items over time and we suspect this one will be no different.
Find more dolls in the film’s outfits over at Hamleys.
Buy now £44.99, John Lewis
Barbie™ The Movie Ken Doll Pastel Stripe Matching Set
Barbie and Ken are like all other famous couplings; salt and pepper, fish and chips - you can’t have one without the other. This Ken doll replicates one of the key looks worn by Gosling in Barbie: The Movie.
If there’s one thing Ken loves, it’s a day at the beach and this doll is wearing the perfect co-ord for some fun on the sand with Barbie. With a surfboard in tow, he’s the cool and casual Ken that fans have come to love.
Buy now £44.99, Very
Barbie™ Gloria Doll in Pink Pantsuit
This is another collectible piece of film merch and boy, is it pink! Gloria, played by actress America Ferrera, is a Mattel employee who finds Barbie in the real world. This doll, which is suitable for 5-8 year olds, is dressed in a tailored power suit in the signature Barbie colour and accessorised with multi-coloured platform heels.
Like all Barbies, the doll cannot stand on her own so comes with a stand but we’re sure children will be too busy playing with Gloria to have her standing in one place for long. After all, she has places to be and people to see.
Buy now £66.99, Very
Barbie The Movie Doll, President Barbie Collectible
Naturally a film about a doll would inspire fresh opportunities for merch. Mattel has launched a line of brand new dolls inspired by on-screen characters including President Barbie, played by Issa Rae.
President Barbie presides over Barbie Land in a fabulous pink and gold ballgown, ensuring the perfect town remains idyllic to the centimetre. She comes with a necklace accessory and a pink and gold sash that denotes her status.
You can also find a POTUS Barbie in Mattel’s enormous range of dolls, shop her here.
Buy now £66.99, Amazon
Barbie Fashionistas Ken Doll Assortment
Barbie is not the only one that’s embracing inclusivity. Ken is at it too with a gaggle of Ken-a-likes, as shown in the film. Feel the Kenergy at home with this assortment of Ken dolls who come with a variety of skin and hair tones, eye colours and body types, helping to better reflect society and beauty standard as they are today.
This price is for the one doll, but it’s affordable enough to start a collection and get them all.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
Barbie Collector Swimsuit Doll (Black and White)
Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka Barbie, launched wearing nothing but this monochrome striped swimsuit in 1959, and changed the world of play forevermore. Naturally, Original Barbie costs far more than her initial $3 price tag today with this one available for a cool £251.76.
Buy now £251.76, Amazon
Barbie Fashionista Doll: Retro Florals
The Barbie Fashionista dolls are part of the brand’s more diverse range which offers children lots of options for fashion styling. There are 12 assorted characters to collect, including this beautiful doll wearing a modern take on an iconic 1970s look. Children will love collecting dolls that look like them and their friends - and parents will love the fact that these dolls are cheaper than others on the market.
The dolls are 29-31cm tall and suitable for children from age three upwards. There is also a range of Ken Fashionista dolls which come in a variety of skin tones, eye colours and body types.
Buy now £13.99, John Lewis
Barbie Fashionista with wheelchair doll 15.7cm
While stereotypical Barbie is the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Californian beauty we know and love, over the years Mattel has done lots to make her relevant to different audiences. Barbies are now available in most body shapes, races and careers, ready to inspire their owners. This inclusive line includes posable Barbie, a seated doll that comes with a functional ramp and wheelchair.
Buy now £21.00, Selfridges
My First Barbie: Malibu Soft Body Doll and Accessory
While pre-schoolers might be too young to see Barbie on the big screen there are still toys available to involve them in Barbiemania. The My First Barbie range features larger dolls (35cm) which are easier to dress and have poseable, soft touch bodies. Each set includes the doll, an outfit with accessory, a large brush, pet and a pair of shoes.
This Malibu My First Barbie wears a pink dress featuring a heart-shaped image and ruffle skirt. The clothes are easy to fasten and the brush helps small hands practise dexterity. This doll includes a plush kitten which can be looped around the doll’s hand to keep Barbie company wherever she goes.
Buy now £18.99, Argos
Barbie Dreamtopia Mermaid Doll Assortment
Played by Dua Lipa in the film, mermaid Barbie is part of Mattel’s Dreamtopia range for the dolls. This set offers exceptional value, working out to £2.50 per Barbie. Each comes with two-tone hair, a sparkly tail and a tiara. Fun for bathtime as well as general play, it’s a small financial splash for a whole lot of fun.
Buy now £10.00, Argos
Barbie Careers Baby Doctor Doll and Playset
Barbie is a highly accomplished woman with more than 200 careers on her CV, including doctor. Part of the Careers collection, the live version of the doll makes an appearance in the movie too. This playset comes with two babies that the doctor has just delivered or is checking up on - you decide.
There are a few versions of Dr. Barbie, from a vintage collectors edition to a curvy Black version (£15) complete with white coat and stethoscope.
Buy now £21.99, Argos
Hot Wheels Barbie Movie Corvette RC Vehicle
Barbie and Ken are ready to hit the road in this iconic Corvette inspired by the live action film.
In a trademark pink with a curvy, retro style, it’s the perfect set of wheels for Toy Land’s most famous couple. Children will love the doors which open and close and Barbie licence plates.
It comes with a controller so you can take it out for a proper spin, though there’s only space for two dolls so you’ll have to decide who Barbie invites on her next joy ride.
The Corvette is the car that stans most associate with Barbie, after its introduction in the 1970s. As it looks like the Corvette is here to stay, many buyers may consider this item an essential for their collection.
Buy now £80.00, Asda
Barbie Space Discovery Space Station Playset and Doll
Any jobs recruiter would be thrilled to have Barbie on their books; the doll has enjoyed more than 200 careers since her emergence. Smashing through the idea of gender-norms, this space-themed play set will take children to new worlds of imaginative play and storytelling.
The Barbie-themed space station comes with 20 accessories including her faithful puppy and lab equipment to do important research and scientific tests. There's even space food to ensure she won't go hungry, no matter where in the universe she is.
The coolest part? The star pattern thumbwheel that switches between different space scenes in the space station window. The attention to detail is staggering and will be appreciated by little ones and big kids alike.
Buy now £63.00, Argos
Barbie Family Chelsea Treehouse Playset
The natural habitat of Barbie’s youngest sister Chelsea is a tiny purple treehouse, complete with a slide, swing and a table full of cupcakes to keep her energy up. Though the full-size version gets a shoutout on the big screen, the small play version holds on to all the magic, allowing kids to play from all angles and discover the Treehouse’s clever mechanisms like removable ladders, flip-down slides and a telescope to take in the stars.
Buy now £29.95, Amazon
Barbie Dreamplane Airplane Toys Playset
Doors to manual, and cross-check: Captain Barbie is ready for take-off. Made to inspire and entertain kids aged 3+, there are more than 15 accessories included in this plane-themed play set: think TV, reclining seats, food and drink from the snack trolley and overhead compartments that really work.
Dolls aren't included here, but if you're looking for a pilot Barbie, Virgin has a great version here (£33.60) here.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Barbie Scooter with pet puppy accessory
If the Corvette isn’t quite the right look for a day out in Barbie Land then maybe it’s time to hop onto this pastel pink scooter instead. Suitable for children aged three and over, this toy allows you to clip a Barbie onto the seat before flipping up the kickstand and setting off for a road trip.
Accessories with this toy include a yellow helmet, to keep Barbie safe, and a sweet little pooch to keep her company on the ride.
Buy now £15.99, Very
Barbie Mermaid Power Boat Playset and Dolls
Featuring a boat that can really float on water and two Barbie dolls who are dressed ready for wet adventure this is a great toy for bath-time or during water play. The boat has space for four Barbies who can peer through the ‘glass’ bottom and bounce on the ocean waves. The set includes Barbie ‘Malibu’ Roberts and Barbie ‘Brooklyn’ Roberts dolls, a baby stingray, two life vests, two pairs of sunglasses, a visor, camera and bottle of sunblock. This is suitable from age three, but always remember to supervise a child when in, or close to, water.
Buy now £58.00, Argos
BARBIE Day to Night DreamHouse playset 109cm
It’s never too early to get onto the property ladder. While junior may not qualify for a mortgage just yet, they can enjoy running this playhouse from Mattel. Barbie moves into a Malibu three-storey house of (our) dreams complete with a pool, a super-slide and BBQ. There are ten areas for your little one to discover and play in, and selected accessories are included too.
Enter Selfridges’ Barbie world.
Buy now £365.00, Selfridges
Barbie Camper: Transforming RV Vehicle & 2+-Foot Campsite Playset with Pool, Campfire & 50+ Pieces
A classic California girl, Barbie has plenty of spots that are perfect for a staycation. When the weather's good and the weekend is free of plans, she simply has to pack up her RV and head out onto the open road. This super fun camper van comes with more than 50 pieces for kids to play with, from a water slide and pool, a tiny diner, beds and more. There’s even a fire pit and marshmallows should Barbie and co fancy a round of smores out under the stars.
A great gift for young explorers aged 3+.
Buy now £92.84, Amazon
