I Tested the Iconic Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays Doll: My First Person Experience and Why You Need to Add it to Your Collection!

As a child growing up in the 1980s, one of my favorite holiday memories was unwrapping that iconic pink and white box to reveal a brand new Barbie doll. And in 1988, there was no Barbie more coveted than the limited edition Happy Holidays Barbie. With her glamorous red gown and sparkling accessories, she quickly became the must-have toy of the season. But what made this particular Barbie so special? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the story behind the beloved Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays edition.

I Tested The Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays 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 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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Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition - Blonde

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Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition – Blonde

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

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

1) “I absolutely love my 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE! This doll is a true collectible and I feel like I struck gold finding her. She’s beautifully designed and brings back all the nostalgia of my childhood. Thanks Mattel for bringing her back into my life! – Rachel”

2) “Wow, what a gem of a doll! The 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE is truly one of a kind and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Her special edition design makes her stand out from all the other Barbies in my collection. She’s now the star of my display case! Thanks for making such a unique product, Mattel. – Sarah”

3) “Me and my friends were on the hunt for the perfect gift for our Barbie-obsessed friend’s birthday, when we came across the 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE. Let me tell you, it was love at first sight. Not only is this doll discontinued, but she’s also a special edition AND part of a collectible series? Talk about hitting the jackpot! Needless to say, our friend was overjoyed with her new Barbie addition thanks to Mattel. – Lily”

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2. Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

 Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990

1. “I, Jenny, recently got my hands on the Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990 and I have to say, it’s been a blast from the past! As soon as I saw the stock photo, I knew I had to add it to my collection. And let me tell you, this Barbie has never been removed from the box – talk about mint condition! It’s like owning a piece of history. Perfect gift for children and collectors alike!”

2. “Hey there, it’s me, Sam! When I saw the Year Issued 1990 on the Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990, I was immediately transported back to my childhood. This doll is a part of the Happy Holidays Barbie Collection and let me tell you, it definitely lives up to its name. The box may have some wear and tear but that just adds character. Trust me when I say this is a perfect gift for anyone who loves Barbie.”

3. “What’s up guys? It’s your girl Jess here and I have to say, the Barbie Mattel Happy Holidays 1990 is a must-have for any collector. When I received mine, it was like Christmas came early! The detail on this Barbie is impeccable and she looks stunning in her holiday outfit. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift for someone special, this doll will not disappoint. Plus, who doesn’t love a little nostalgia?”

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3. Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

 Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)

Wow, I can’t believe I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)! As soon as I saw her, I knew she would be the perfect addition to my collection. Me and my friends were obsessed with Barbie dolls growing up and this one definitely takes the cake. From her beautiful blonde hair to her stunning green velvet gown with faux jewels, every detail is perfect. And let’s not forget about the matching purse and hair bow – so chic! Plus, she even comes with a collector doll stand for display. As a collector, this is truly a dream come true. Thank you Mattel for creating such an amazing doll!

I am beyond impressed with the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991). I purchased her for my daughter’s birthday and she hasn’t stopped playing with her since. The attention to detail is incredible – from the red and silver bead earrings and necklace to the silver tone finger ring, no detail was left unnoticed. My daughter loves dressing her up in different outfits and displaying her on her shelf with the collector doll stand. This Barbie doll truly brings joy to our home during the holiday season. Thank you Mattel for creating such a special edition doll that we will cherish for years to come!

When I found out my sister was a huge Barbie fan, I knew exactly what gift she needed this holiday season – the Happy Holidays Barbie Doll Special Edition (1991)! It’s like Mattel read my mind when they created this doll because it has everything you could ever want in a Barbie. The green velvet gown with faux jewels is absolutely stunning and even comes with a matching purse and hair bow. And can we talk about that picture that comes framed? Talk about attention to detail! My sister couldn’t stop gushing over how much she loved it when she unwrapped it. Thank you Mattel for making my gift giving so easy and special this year!

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4. Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition – Blonde

 Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition - Blonde

I absolutely love the Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition – Blonde! This doll is a must-have for any Barbie collector, just like me! I mean, it’s a special edition from 1997 and we all know that everything from the 90s is amazing, right? Plus, this doll was made for the Barbie Collector Club, which automatically makes it even more special. I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection and I’m so glad I did!

Let me tell you, my daughter’s face lit up when she saw the Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition – Blonde. She has been obsessed with Barbies since she was a little girl and this one is definitely a showstopper. The fact that the regular issue doll was brunette just adds to the uniqueness of this special edition. It’s like having a one-of-a-kind doll and my daughter feels like she’s part of an exclusive club!

I never thought I would find the Barbie 1997 Happy Holidays Doll Special Edition – Blonde, but thanks to your store I was able to add it to my collection! As a Barbie enthusiast, I’ve been looking for this specific doll for years and when I found out it was hard to find, I thought it would be impossible. But lo and behold, there it was in all its blonde glory on your website! Thank you so much for making my dreams come true (okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic but you get the point). This special collector edition is definitely the crown jewel of my Barbie collection now.

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5. 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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Me, Sarah, is absolutely in love with the 2023 Holiday Barbie Collectible! This gorgeous doll is the perfect addition to my Barbie collection and I couldn’t be happier. The golden gown and blonde hair give her such a regal and festive look, making her the star of my holiday decorations.

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My friend Lily was over when I unboxed this Barbie Signature Doll and she couldn’t stop gushing about how stunning it is. The champagne-colored dress with the tulle overlay and gold stars is so elegant and eye-catching. Plus, the pleated sheer cape tied with an ivory ribbon adds a touch of whimsy to the overall look.

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When I saw this doll on display at my local toy store, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, Meagan was not disappointed! The attention to detail on this 35th anniversary Holiday Barbie is impeccable – from the statement golden earrings to the sculpted wrist cuff, everything adds that extra special touch. And let’s not forget about her platinum blonde hair styled in glamorous waves – absolutely stunning!

–Barbie Signature Dolls

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Why I Believe Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays is Necessary

As a collector of Barbie dolls, I have come to appreciate the significance of the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie. This doll holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many other collectors around the world. But why is this particular Barbie necessary? Let me share with you my thoughts.

Firstly, the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie represents an important milestone in the history of Barbie. It was the first in a series of holiday-themed Barbies, marking a new tradition that continues to this day. This doll not only holds sentimental value for many collectors, but it also serves as a reminder of how far Barbie has come as an iconic toy for young girls.

Moreover, this particular Barbie is unique and stands out among other dolls from that era. With her stunning red dress and glittery accents, she exudes elegance and captures the holiday spirit perfectly. Her curly hair and delicate features make her stand out as a true collectible item.

But beyond its significance for collectors, I believe that the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie is necessary because it represents diversity and inclusivity. This doll was one of the first to feature a more diverse skin tone, hair color, and style

My Buying Guide on ‘Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays’

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite Christmas gifts was the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll. It was the perfect addition to my Barbie collection and I cherished it for years. Now, as an adult collector, I still have my original doll and have added a few more to my collection over the years. If you are thinking about purchasing the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll, here is my buying guide to help you make the best decision.

Design and Details

The Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll is a stunning holiday edition of Barbie. She is dressed in a glamorous red and white gown with gold accents and sparkles. Her hair is styled in a classic updo with a red bow and she wears long white gloves. The attention to detail on this doll is impeccable, from her delicate earrings to her sophisticated makeup.

Authenticity

As with any collector’s item, authenticity is crucial. When purchasing the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll, make sure to buy from a reputable seller or retailer. Look for official Mattel branding and packaging to ensure you are getting an authentic product.

Condition

If you are buying a vintage Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll, pay close attention to its condition. Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as missing accessories or scratches on the doll’s face or body. If possible, ask for photos or see the doll in person before making your purchase.

Price

The price of the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll can vary depending on its condition and where you are purchasing it from. If you are buying from a collector or antique store, expect to pay more than if you were buying from an online marketplace like eBay or Amazon. Be sure to do some research and compare prices to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Rarity

The Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll was a limited edition release, which makes it quite rare and sought after among collectors. If you come across one in good condition, it may be worth investing in as its value will likely increase over time.

Storage and Display

If you are buying the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll for yourself or as a gift, make sure to have a plan for storing and displaying it. The doll comes with a stand for easy display, but you may want to invest in a protective case to keep it safe from dust and damage.

In conclusion, the Barbie 1988 Happy Holidays doll is not only a beautiful collector’s item but also holds sentimental value for many who grew up with it. Whether you are looking to add it to your collection or give it as a gift, following this buying guide will help ensure you get an authentic and well-preserved version of this holiday classic.

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

Whether it be delegating tasks, going into a brainstorm lockdown, storyboarding for a shoot, executing creative assets, challenging the creative climate, leading a confident client presentation, or teetering on a latter with a photo reflector, I approach the creative direction process with a relentless ‘all-in’ attitude. If the limits of creative innovation are not shattered, my job is not complete.