This year has been a great year for Barbie dolls. Many of the 2006 Barbie dolls have been well received by children and collectors alike, and some of the collectible Barbies really had that illusive "it" factor that's been missing in recent years. So, it was hard to pick my favorite 10 Barbie dolls of 2006 for my Hot Holiday Barbie Dolls. But....I've done it, and here they are--my top 10 for 2006.
1. 2006 Holiday Barbie Doll by Bob Mackie
Perhaps its a bit trite having the 2006 Holiday Barbie doll at the top of my Hot Holiday Barbie Doll list. But...I can't help it. She's so...sparkly! Bejeweled, with a crown, fur trim and long pretty hair, she just screams "Merry Christmas." Available as a Caucasian doll or African American, She's a great holiday doll at a great price.
2. Ethereal Princess Barbie
Most Barbie princesses are made for very little girls--all pink and frothy. The Ethereal Princess Barbie is a sophisticated princess Barbie aimed at collectors. She's a princess done in soft blues and white (no pink to be found!) with a touch of the Renaissance about her. Prettily packaged, she's a winner for under any Christmas tree.3. Golden Angel Barbie
Golden Angel is perfectly themed for the holiday season. There have been many fewer Barbie Angels over the years than Barbie Princesses, and this Barbie Angel doesn't disappoint with her long, pretty hair and soft pastel outfit. She carries a scepter, and her wings are elegant with gold and feather accents.4. 45th Anniversary Ken Doll
Its rare that a Ken makes my Top 10 Barbie Doll yearly lists, but 45th Anniversary Ken made the cut this year. This is one of the best reproduction dolls that Mattel has produced...he really looks like the original doll! The flocked hair is perfect and the face painting captures the 1961 Ken perfectly. Ken is part of the vintage reproduction series that Mattel has produced in one form or another since 1996, and he is a Gold Label doll.5. Lucy Gets In Pictures
Technically, here is another non-Barbie that made my Top 10 Barbie Dolls list! But, I couldn't resist, and the Lucy dolls are often thought of as part of the Barbie doll series. In this episode, #116 "Lucy finally gets her big break when she snares a bit part in an MGM motion picture. Cast as a showgirl who meets death while parading down a long flight of stairs in a glamorous nightclub setting, Lucy vows to make her death scene the most unforgettable one ever recorded by Hollywood cameras." Lucy in the box is placed off-kilter, as if she is falling down the stairs. The episode first aired February 21, 1955.6. Dooney And Bourke Barbie Doll
Barbie has always been about fashion, and some of my favorite collectible Barbie dolls celebrate fashion companies. The Dooney and Bourke Barbie doll celebrates accessory and handbag company Dooney and Bourke. This modern, fashionable Barbie carries--what else--a great miniature Dooney and Bourke purse.7. Barbie Loves TMX Elmo
If you can't find a TMX Elmo this holiday season (or if you can but you can't get enough of Elmo), this Barbie is for you! Barbie is dressed in a TMX Elmo graphic tee, and she comes with a perfect minature TMX Elmo and miniature TMX Elmo box (so, even if you can't have a TMX Elmo for Christmas, your Barbie doll can!). The miniature, fuzzy red elmo even giggles when you press his belly! Elmo does require 3 button cell batteries, which are included.8. Festivals of the World Diwali Barbie Doll
The Diwali Barbie doll is one of the most sought-after dolls from the Festivals of the World series. She is already hard to find, so good luck with finding one for this holiday season! Diwali Barbie is beautifully dressed with a teal sari with gold trim, a pink shawl and realistic Indian jewelry. She also has a bindi on her forehead. Other dolls in this popular series include Chinese New Year, Carnaval, Oktoberfest and Kwansaa.9. Badgley Mischka 2006 Bride
This is the second Badgley Mischka Barbie bride, and this one is my favorite. Unlike most brides, this bride wears soft pink! Some of the photos of this doll make the flower on the front of the dress look overwhelming...it isn't and don't let those photos dissuade you from this beautiful and unique bride doll wearing her Badgley Mischka wedding dress in pink!10. Lady of the Manor Silkstone Barbie
Lady of the Manor is the most deluxe Silkstone Barbie in the main line of dolls for 2006. Lady of the Manor is the lady of an English estate. She wears a deluxe white gown embellished with gorgeous embroidery, fake pearls and Swarovski crystals. She is made of Silkstone, Barbie's patented hard vinyl that mimics porcelain. If you want the ultimate in Barbie for 2006, Lady of the Manor Barbie is for you.