Barbie has come a long way since her introduction as a fashion doll in the late 1950s. In recent years Mattel has introduced much more inclusive and inspirational dolls. The brand has taken the plastic figurine from a stereotypical blonde perpetuating unrealistic body expectations to encompass different ethnicities, promote smart career women and provide more inclusive body shapes and types.
Reach for the stars: Barbie Astronaut and Space Scientist Doll Set FCP65
You can’t get much more aspirational than dreaming about being an astronaut. This two doll set offers a space-tacular team-up of an astronaut and a space scientist to inspire STEM interest and learning.
A partnership with National Geographic should inspire interest in the South Pole and Antarctica with Marine Biologist Barbie and her adorable penguin friend.
Realistically-proportioned Daisy is ready to go on adventures around the world with accessories that include headphones, a camera and a wheely cool suitcase.
We love the contemporary camp vibe of this set that depicts Barbie as the aeroplane pilot and her special friend Ken as the beautifully-groomed flight attendant.
Finally, the only thing better than one inspiring “Career” Barbie doll is a set of five. Show your little one they can be anything they want with these dolls that cover a range of cool careers.
While it’s easy to criticise the Barbies of yesteryear, Mattel is making a difference in the children’s toy market with its contemporary ranges of Barbies that are designed to inspire and encourage children to be anything they want to be, even an Astronaut.
What Mattel should also be applauded for is making the Barbie brand a lot more accessible to everyone including models with different body shapes, skin tones and even a Barbie that comes in a wheelchair.
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