National Barbie Day - Are you a Barbie girl living in a Barbie world? Celebrate National Barbie Day this March 9 with our lists of gifts, fun facts, history and more.

National Barbie Day 2025 – March 9, 2025

Throw on some Aqua — March 9 is National Barbie Day! In 1959, an 11-inch tall bombshell made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. Designed by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel Inc., Barbie was created to allow girls to imagine what their lives could be like in the future. She’s had a slew of careers, from a registered nurse to an astronaut. And she’s done it all with a companion. Barbie was a single lady for all of 2 years. But in 1961, overwhelming demand caused Handler to release a boyfriend for her — Ken. (Verdict’s out if he’s ever going to put a ring on it.) On National Barbie Day, we celebrate all things Barbie.

When is National Barbie Day 2025?

The iconic Barbie doll and her friends are celebrated on National Barbie Day on March 9.

History of National Barbie Day

Barbie is simply iconic. There is nothing that comes close to the spectrum of emotions that are conjured by the doll, and how she is perceived uniquely by every individual who has ever played or owned a Barbie doll. Barbie was inspired by Lilli, a German doll, which had misogynistic attributes and had a more “adult” appeal. From this idea, the co-founder of Mattel toy company Ruth Handler became inspired to create a doll that was a grown woman. In 1956, while on vacation with her family, Handler first came across the Lilli doll and noticed how enamored her 15-year-old daughter Barbara was. Before the creation of Barbie, most dolls were either babies or children. Handler’s vision was to create a doll that had a grown female’s anatomy. Over the next couple of years, Handler worked to design a wholesome, American doll. Named after her daughter Barbara, Barbie debuted at the American International Toy Fair in 1959. Crowds of people instantly fell in love with the doll. The first Barbie doll was available in one body type. More than 60 years since its introduction to the public, Barbie has been a role model and friend to children and adults throughout. Reimagined in many ways and challenging societal norms, Barbie has truly been an integral part of the change, especially for girls. Toy company Mattel has made changes to the anatomy of the doll over the years to counter critics and their claims that Barbie is misogynistic. In 1963, Midge was created as Barbie’s best friend, followed by Teresa, Ken, and Christie, to dispel these claims and broaden Barbie’s appeal as a family-friendly doll. 

National Barbie Day timeline

1959
Barbie Debuts

The first-ever Barbie debuts in a black and white swimsuit at the New York Toy Fair.

1962
The Dream House

Before women are even allowed to open their own bank accounts, Barbie purchases her first dream house.

1968
Barbie’s Best Friend Christie

The Christie doll hits the market as one of the very first black dolls.

1984
Fashion Partnership

Barbie’s first fashion partnership is with designer Oscar de la Renta for a clothing line specially designed for Barbie.

1992
Barbie For President!

Barbie runs as a candidate in the presidential election.

2001
“Barbie in the Nutcracker”

Barbie gets her first feature-length movie, “Barbie in the Nutcracker.”

2016
Breaking the Barbie Stereotype

Barbies get three new body types: tall, petite, and curvy, earning Barbie the front cover of “Time” magazine.

Traditions

To many, Barbie herself is a tradition. Generations have grown up playing with Barbie. Barbie has been a best friend to many, and a role model to girls around the world, encouraging them to dream big and be unstoppable. Families and friends have bonded over the doll, and passed on favorites from one generation to the next.Barbie lovers discuss their favorite dolls online, bring out their collections, share them with kids, and watch the iconic Barbie movies.

National Barbie Day FAQs

What is Barbie's real name?

Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

Why is National Barbie Day celebrated?

National Barbie Day celebrates the number one doll of all time, Barbie. Her contribution to playtime and causes over time is celebrated by collectors around the world. 

What day is National Barbie day?

March 9 is National Barbie Day

National Barbie Day Activities

  1. Play Barbie, of course

    Create some memories and play Barbie with your children or relatives! We won’t judge you if you get a little distracted and start playing with Barbie yourself.

  2. Buy your Barbie new clothes

    Take your Barbie on a shopping spree. You can view a full lineup on the Mattel website or support independent artists by shopping on Amazon. Either way, your Barbie is heading to style city.

  3. Blast some Aqua

    You have our full permission to blast Aqua’s 1997 hit “Barbie Girl” (as if you even needed a reason). Life in plastic — it’s fantastic!

5 Fashionable Facts About Barbie

  1. She is named after the creator’s daughter.

    Barbie is named after the Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and Ken is named after their son, Kenneth.

  2. Ken is younger

    Ken is two years younger than Barbie.

  3. Engineering at its best

    Barbie was co-designed by a missile engineer.

  4. Barbie’s location

    Barbie is from Wisconsin, not Malibu.

  5. Barbie didn’t smile

    Barbie started smiling 12 years after her debut.

Why We Love National Barbie Day

  1. Barbie helps girls dream big

    Since her creation, Barbie has had more than 150 careers. She’s been an astronaut, a CEO and she’s even run for president! Barbie acts as a role model and inspires young girls to pursue these same careers.

  2. Barbie is family-oriented

    Barbie’s fun for the whole family! Ruth Handler created Barbie as a toy for her daughter — and even named it after her. Fun fact: Ken is named after Handler’s son.

  3. Barbie is a trend-setter

    Mattel was the first company to broadcast commercials to children, propelling the Barbie toy to success and opening a new advertising frontier. They started advertising on the Mickey Mouse Club, which greatly increased their Barbie sales. As every parent knows, kids will bug you about what they want until they get it!

National Barbie Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 March 9 Thursday
2024 March 9 Saturday
2025 March 9 Sunday
2026 March 9 Monday
2027 March 9 Tuesday