Where to Find Collectible Barbie Dolls

Collectibles come in all shapes and sizes, and we all know that the Barbie doll has a shape all her own. The original Barbie doll was manufactured in 1959, and soon became a best selling toy. Mattel's Barbie doll is still sold in stores all over the world, but what about the availability of older models? Can those be found anywhere? Are vintage Barbie dolls valuable? Listed below are several places to find pre-owned Barbie dolls and some tips on how to recognize their inherent value.

#1 Yard Sales - It is quite common to find Barbie dolls and accessories at yard sales from every socio-economic class and in most neighborhoods. The Barbie doll crosses generations, so you can find her with children's items, collectibles, and vintage dolls. Recently, a lady at a local yard sale sold over a hundred pre-owned Barbie dolls. Of course, Barbie dolls that are still in their original packaging are the most valuable. However, large lots of used Barbie dolls can still be a good investment.

#2 Ebay - Hundreds of Barbie dolls are listed on Ebay every week. Of course, you will want to check out and verify the reliability of the seller, but that is the case with anything you buy from an online auction. It is quite easy to find limited editions, seasonal collections, exclusives, and series of Barbie dolls. These are all highly sought after and provide a nice walk down memory lane. You can probably remember playing with or watching your children play with Barbie dolls for hours on end. Ebay is a great place to check the value and availability of a specific Barbie doll, especially if you are wondering whether to buy or sell one.

#3 Thrift Stores - People usually don't take the time to sort through all of their old attic toys, so they often just take a tub of them to a local thrift store. Fortunately, Barbie dolls are often among the mix. Check out your local Salvation Army or Goodwill and keep your eye open for vintage dolls. Typically, Barbie dolls that are pre-1973 are the most valuable and are certainly some of the most coveted collectibles. However, later models that have limited editions are also a wonderful asset to any collection. Remember, one person's junk...could be your treasure.

If you've ever wondered if Barbie dolls will retain their beauty and interest, just check out your local toy store. There will probably be an aisle set aside just for Barbie dolls. So, enjoy your collectible Barbie dolls and pass them down to the next generation. Pre-owned Barbie dolls are certainly a valuable investment.