She's come a long way in 50 years

You love her. You don't love her. If nothing else -- she is an icon and you will always remember her. Of whom do I speak? Barbie, of course. Mattel introduced her at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959 and she's been making news ever since. She's 50 this week, and that's making headlines around the world.

I had Barbie dolls. My daughter had Barbie dolls (perhaps, still has a few tucked away in a box in our attic), and they were always a big part of her play dates with other young girls. What I loved? That my daughter and her friends concocted great stories about the lives of these dolls. Any toy that sparks creative time and story telling gets a good grade from me.

I understand that during Barbie Millicent Roberts' birthday week (March 9-14) some retailers are selling Souvenir $3 Bathing Suit Barbie (R) -- the price charged for a Barbie back in 1959. It might be worth scooping one up. Who knows where she'll be in 2059 and what this 2009 souvenir edition might be worth.

I'm just curious... who makes her night cream?

-reenie

(Please note - I'm not sure if the souvenir version matches either of the dolls represented in this photo. Please check with local retailers for details.)