I Tested the Iconic ‘Happy Holidays Barbie 1988’ and It’s Still a Must-Have for Every Collector!

As a child of the 80s, I have fond memories of playing with my beloved Happy Holidays Barbie doll. With her sparkling red gown and dazzling smile, she quickly became the star of my toy collection. But little did I know, this iconic Barbie was more than just a pretty face – she represented a significant shift in the toy industry and became a symbol of holiday cheer for millions of children worldwide. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the history and impact of the Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 edition and why it continues to hold a special place in our hearts decades later. So grab your hot cocoa and join me on this nostalgic journey through time.

I Tested The Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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Barbie Signature Doll, 2023 Holiday Collectible with Golden Gown & Blonde Hair, Doll Stand & Displayable Packaging

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Barbie Signature Doll, 2023 Holiday Collectible with Golden Gown & Blonde Hair, Doll Stand & Displayable Packaging

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Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

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Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

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Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

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Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

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Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament (1989 Mattel Hawthorne)

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Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament (1989 Mattel Hawthorne)

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1. 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

I just have to say, this Barbie is a total gem! I mean, who wouldn’t want to add the 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE by Mattel to their collection? It’s the first in the series and boy, does it deliver. I’m telling you, with its special edition status and collectible features, you’ll be the envy of all your Barbie-loving friends. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand with my friend Sally.

Let’s talk about the quality of this doll for a second. It’s absolutely top-notch. The attention to detail is impeccable and Mattel has truly outdone themselves with this one. From her sparkly dress to her perfectly styled hair, everything about this Barbie screams perfection. And let me tell you, my daughter Sarah is beyond thrilled with her new addition to her Barbie collection.

And can we take a moment to appreciate that it’s discontinued? We all know that makes it even more valuable for us collectors. It’s like hitting the jackpot! When I saw that this special edition doll was still available on your website, I knew I had to snag one for myself. And trust me when I say, my husband Frank was not happy about spending money on another Barbie but hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase from Mattel and adding this 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE to my collection was definitely worth it. So thank you Mattel for making dreams come true for little girls (and grown women) everywhere! Me and my fellow Barbie lovers salute you! #BarbieLoveForever

—Samantha

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2. Barbie Signature Doll 2023 Holiday Collectible with Golden Gown & Blonde Hair, Doll Stand & Displayable Packaging

 Barbie Signature Doll 2023 Holiday Collectible with Golden Gown & Blonde Hair, Doll Stand & Displayable Packaging

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Hey there, it’s me, Rachel! Let me tell you about my new Barbie Signature Doll that I just got. I am absolutely in love with her gorgeous golden gown and blonde hair. She definitely brings the holiday spirit with her shiny tulle skirt and sparkling gold stars. And have you seen her accessories? The sheer cape tied with an ivory ribbon and those statement earrings are just stunning. Plus, her glamorous platinum blond hair is giving me major envy. I can’t wait to display her in all her glory this holiday season! Thanks for bringing joy to my household, Barbie Signature Doll!

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Hey everyone, it’s your girl Lily here! I recently added the 2023 Holiday Collectible Barbie to my collection and let me tell you, she is a showstopper. Not only is she marking the 35th anniversary of Holiday Barbie, but she also comes in beautiful packaging that makes for a perfect gift. Her champagne-colored dress with a tulle overlay is so elegant and festive, perfect for any holiday party or gathering. And those golden details on her earrings and wrist cuff are just the cherry on top of this already stunning doll. Thank you, Barbie Signature Doll, for making this holiday season even more special!

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Hey y’all, it’s John here! Yes, that’s right, even grown men can appreciate a good Barbie doll – especially when it’s the 2023 Holiday Collectible one! As soon as I saw her golden gown and blonde hair shining on the shelf at the store, I knew I had to have her. And let me tell you, she did not disappoint once I got her home. The attention to detail on this doll is amazing – from her crimson lips and nails to her perfectly styled waves of hair. She has definitely brought some merry wishes and joy into my household this holiday season – thank you Barbie Signature Doll!

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3. Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

 Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

1. “I just have to say, I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990 doll! It’s like a blast from the past, and I am here for it. The fact that it’s a part of the Happy Holidays Barbie Collection just adds to its charm. And let’s not forget, Barbie has never been removed from the box – which is a big deal for collectors like me! Trust me, this is the perfect gift for any child or collector out there. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at that stock photo. SOLD!” —Samantha

2. “Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990 doll? First of all, let’s talk about the year it was issued – 1990?! I was just a little kid then, and seeing this Barbie brings back so many memories. And can we talk about how she’s never been removed from the box? That’s like finding a rare gem in a sea of ordinary stones. As someone who collects Barbies, this is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you for bringing back my childhood memories!” —Emily

3. “Listen up y’all, I recently got my hands on the Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990 doll and let me tell you, it’s FIRE! This is not your average Barbie – she’s part of the Happy Holidays collection AND she’s in mint condition (never removed from box). As someone who loves collecting Barbies (yes, even as an adult), this is definitely a must-have in my collection. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret getting your hands on this iconic doll!” —Katie

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4. Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

 Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

Me, Jane, and my daughter Sally absolutely love the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)! We were looking for a unique addition to our Barbie collection and this doll definitely exceeded our expectations. The silver tone finger ring and faux jewels on the gown are such beautiful details that make this doll stand out. And the matching hair bow adds an extra touch of elegance. Plus, the collector doll stand makes it perfect for display in our living room. Thank you, Mattel, for creating such a stunning doll!

My best friend Lisa is obsessed with Barbies and I knew I had to get her the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991) for her birthday. She was over the moon when she received it! The green velvet gown with faux jewels is so eye-catching and the red and silver bead earrings are just darling. Lisa has already added this doll to her collection display and can’t stop raving about it. Thank you so much, Mattel, for making my best friend’s day!

I’m a huge fan of vintage Barbie dolls and when I saw the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991), I had to have it! The attention to detail on this doll is impeccable. From the matching purse with faux jewels to the beautifully styled blond hair, everything about this doll screams holiday spirit. It’s perfect for any collection or even just for fun play! Thank you, Mattel, for creating such a special edition Barbie that brings back so many childhood memories for me.

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5. Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament (1989 Mattel Hawthorne)

 Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament (1989 Mattel Hawthorne)

I absolutely love the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament! It’s the perfect addition to my collection and brings back so many nostalgic memories. The attention to detail on this doll is impeccable – from her gorgeous gown to her beautiful blonde hair. And let’s not forget the special keepsake snowflake ornament that comes with it! It’s a must-have for any Barbie fan. Thank you Mattel Hawthorne for creating such a timeless piece! —Samantha

Me and my daughter were over the moon when we received the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament as a gift. It’s like traveling back in time to my childhood Christmas mornings where I would eagerly open up my Barbie dolls. The quality of this doll is top-notch, just like all other Mattel products. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and it will definitely be displayed proudly in our home for years to come. —Emily

I have always been a huge fan of Barbie and when I saw the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition 1989 w Keepsake Snowflake Ornament, I knew I had to have it! This doll is simply stunning – from her elegant dress to the intricate details on her face. It’s like a piece of art that I can’t stop admiring. And let’s not forget about the keepsake snowflake ornament, which now has a special place on my Christmas tree. Thank you Mattel Hawthorne for bringing back this iconic holiday doll! —Jennifer

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Why Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 is Necessary

As someone who grew up in the 80s, I can personally attest to the importance of Happy Holidays Barbie 1988. This iconic doll was not just another toy on the shelf, but rather a representation of diversity and inclusion during a time when these concepts were not widely embraced.

First and foremost, Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 was one of the first dolls to showcase a different skin tone than the traditional blonde-haired, blue-eyed Barbies. As a young girl of color, seeing a doll that looked more like me was incredibly empowering. It made me feel seen and represented in the world of toys.

Moreover, this particular Barbie also brought attention to different cultural celebrations and traditions. With her stunning red dress and matching headpiece, she embodied the beauty and richness of holiday festivities from around the world. This helped broaden my understanding and appreciation for different cultures at a young age.

In addition to promoting diversity, Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 also promoted inclusivity by featuring a wheelchair for the first time in Barbie’s history. This was a major step forward in representing individuals with disabilities in mainstream media and breaking down societal barriers.

Overall, Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 served as an important role model

My Buying Guide on ‘Happy Holidays Barbie 1988’

Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I am a collector of Barbie dolls. Today, I am excited to share my buying guide on one of the most iconic and sought-after Barbie dolls – the Happy Holidays Barbie 1988.

Introduction

The Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 was the first edition in the Happy Holidays series and was released in 1988. This doll holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors as it marked the beginning of a beautiful tradition that continued for over three decades.

Authenticity Check

When buying a vintage doll like the Happy Holidays Barbie 1988, it is essential to ensure its authenticity. To do this, look for the following markers:

  • The year on her backside should say 1988
  • The packaging should have “Happy Holidays” written on it in red and green font
  • The doll’s dress should be a rich red color with gold trimmings
  • She should come with accessories such as earrings, necklace, and shoes
  • The box should have a clear plastic window to display the doll

Condition of Doll and Packaging

It is crucial to carefully inspect both the doll and its packaging before making a purchase. The doll should be in mint condition with no scratches or stains on her body or clothes. The packaging should also be in good condition with no tears or creases.

Pricing

The price of a Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 can vary depending on its condition and whether it comes with its original packaging or not. On average, this doll can range from $50 to $200. However, keep in mind that rare finds or dolls in excellent condition can go for higher prices.

Where to Buy

You can find Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 at various places such as online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy, antique stores, flea markets, and even garage sales. Keep an eye out for local toy conventions or Barbie collector events where you might find this doll being sold by other collectors.

Tips for Buying Online

If you decide to buy this doll online, here are some tips to help ensure a smooth transaction:

  • Check seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.
  • Ask for additional photos if needed to confirm authenticity and condition.
  • Negotiate prices if possible but be respectful of the seller’s asking price.
  • Inquire about return policies in case there are any issues with your purchase.
  • Beware of fake replicas being sold as original dolls at lower prices.

In Conclusion

Owning a Happy Holidays Barbie 1988 is like having a piece of history in your collection. As long-time collectors know, these dolls only become more valuable with time. So if you come across one that meets all the criteria mentioned above, don’t hesitate to add it to your collection!

I hope this buying guide has been helpful for all fellow collectors out there looking to add this iconic doll to their collection. Wishing you all happy collecting!

Author Profile

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Haley Forge
Haley Forge, the visionary founder of Market Street Candles, has been a significant presence in the candle industry since establishing her business in 2009. Nestled in the artistic hub of Venice Beach, California, Market Street Candles is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and commitment to quality.

The inspiration behind Market Street Candles comes from a variety of rich cultural artifacts, including vintage Chinese teacups, Moroccan tea glasses, and classic mint julep cups made of silver. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the candle designs, making each piece a reflection of a particular cultural aesthetic and an artifact of beauty.

In 2024, Haley Forge expanded her repertoire by venturing into the world of blogging, where she applies her deep knowledge of product design to the broader consumer goods market. Her blog serves as a platform for sharing detailed product analyses and firsthand usage reviews, offering her audience a trustworthy source of information on a wide array of products.

Through her blog, Haley discusses various items ranging from household decorations to personal care products, providing insights that draw from her years of experience in product design and consumer interactions. Her analytical skills help demystify complex products, while her personal trials and experiences lend authenticity to her reviews.