1981 Barbie Dolls

1981 Barbie dolls continued to inspire millions of young girls around the world to dream big and embrace their unique qualities.  From their glamorous outfits and accessories to their empowering message of self-confidence and independence, these dolls captivated the hearts and imaginations of girls everywhere. 

1981 Barbie Dolls

Join us as we take a closer look at Barbie's impact in 1981, exploring the cultural context, memorable moments, and enduring legacy of this timeless toy.  These were the dolls copyrighted in 1981.

Fashion Jeans Barbie

1981 Fashion Jeans Barbie doll reflected the designer fashion trends of the time.  And when Barbie doll wears a famous name-it's hers, top to toe (Mattel).  She wore a short sleeve fuzzy sweater personalized with her name on the left side.  Her designer blue jeans were trimmed in pink and her name was also embroidered on the back pocket.  Even the inside of the box boasted Barbie from top to bottom.  

Doll Name:
Fashion Jeans Barbie

Model #:
5315

Box Date:
©1981

Extra Features:
Poseable arms and legs
Twisting waist

Accessories:
Sparkling clear gemstone earrings and matching ring.
Pink belt with Barbie image on the belt buckle.
Pink western boots completed her outfit.

Barbie & Ken were hailed as the
king and queen of the jeans scene!

Fashion Jeans Ken
#5316

Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, also got in on the designer jeans fashion craze.  Fashion Jeans Ken was released in 1981 as well.

See Fashion Jeans Ken on eBay.

Magic Curl Barbie
#3856

Magic Curl Barbie is known for its unique feature of having hair that can be curled or straightened.  Future hairdressers practiced tirelessly curling, straightening, and then back to curly, styling Barbie's hair to whatever they wanted it to be.

Magic Curl Barbie comes dressed in a long yellow dress with a square neck and short puffed sleeves.  A matching sash goes around her waist and the dress is trimmed in lace.  Yellow open toe heels completed her outfit.

It's all about the hair, and here's how... 

For a straight, glamourous hair style...spray hair with Magic Mist solution and thoroughly brush through hair.

For fun, curly style...rinse out Magic Mist solution, dry completely and fluff hair.

Magic Curl Barbie AA
#3989

Black Magic Curl Barbie came with the same hair styling features and accessories as the white version, with the exception of the head mold.  The Steffie head mold was used for Magic Curl Barbie AA.

Pink & Pretty Barbie
#3554

Pink & Pretty Barbie looked the epitome of fashion in her glimmery top, pull on pants, and matching skirt that could be styled in many glamorous ways.  A faux fur trimmed chiffon overskirt, fur boa, and fabulous furry-trimmed hat/peplum only added to the drama.  Her accessories included clear imitation gemstone earrings that could be worn dangling or as a post, along with a matching glittery ring and necklace.  Pink open toe heels completed her ensemble.

Doll Name:
Pink & Pretty Barbie

Model #:
3554

Box Date:
©1981

Extra Features:
Over 20 (some boxes had 10)
dazzling looks were possible with the
clothing and accessories included.

Pink & Pretty Barbie
Department Store Special
#5239

This extra special modeling set came with everything included with the original doll along with a TV camera, stage light, pink sunglasses, autograph book, and photographs.

Pink & Pretty Christie
#3555

Pink & Pretty Christie also came with the same clothing and accessories as the original doll.

Sunsational Malibu Barbie

Sunsational Malibu Barbie, with her year 'round suntan, was presented as a doll with the California look.  She's ready for the beach in her one-piece swimsuit, mirrored sunglasses, and beach towel.

Doll Name:
Sunsational Malibu Barbie

Model #:
1067
(several Malibu Barbie dolls share this number)

Box Date:
©1981

Extra Features:
Poseable

These dolls were made in Hong Kong and the Philippines.  There were some differences in the two, for example the box that came from the Philippines had a flap at the top for hanging in store displays.  The face of the doll made in Hong Kong was rounder and the eyes seemed larger than the Philippines version.  

These 1981 Barbie dolls joined the fun in the sun
with Sunsational Malibu Barbie...
Sunsational Malibu Skipper #1069
Sunsational Malibu P.J. #1187
Sunsational Malibu Christie #7745
Sunsational Malibu Ken #1088
Sunsational Malibu Ken AA #3849 

Dolls of the World
Eskimo Barbie

1981 Eskimo Barbie was part of the Dolls of the World collection.  Dressed in a white parka trimmed in faux fur and matching boots, she was ready for the cold Arctic weather.  Other Eskimo dolls were later produced, but 1981 Barbie dolls included the first Eskimo Barbie doll ever made.

Doll Name:
Eskimo Barbie

Model #:
3898

Box Date:
©1981

The back of the box was devoted to educational information about the Arctic regions.  From how they fish through the ice to what they like to do for entertainment, we learn how Eskimos live as well as how they dress.

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