When you were a little girl, you probably played Barbie with your sister or the kids next door. Today’s kids are more high tech, however. The newest dolls in the Barbie Dolls of the World Collection have a website that lets girls can play games, learn trivia facts about each featured country, and earn stamps in a virtual travel passport.
In China, for example, Barbie can learn how to make wonton soup, chow mein, and cucumber salad. Girls also learn that fireworks, paper, and toothbrushes were invented in China. The games are simple, but seem like they’d be well suited for most girls in the 6 to 10 age range.
The dolls in the Barbie Dolls of the World Collection are very nicely designed, with high quality costumes featuring details that indicate the country of origin. For example, China Barbie is wearing a pretty red silk gown and gold bangle bracelets. All of the dolls also come with carrying stands and packaging that can double as a suitcase for storing Barbie or her pretend travel souvenirs.
My only point of concern in regards to these dolls are that the pets are likely to be confusing to young girls. China Barbie comes with a tiny panda, the Ireland Barbie comes with an Irish Setter puppy, the Australia Barbie comes with a koala, and the Argentina Barbie comes with a puma.
Of all of these animals, only the puppy makes a realistic pet. If education is your goal with this purchase, you might want to look up some facts about animals online together instead of promoting a storyline that has Barbie playing with an endangered and potentially dangerous animal.
Does your daughter have one of these Barbies? If so, we’d love to hear what you think!
Disclaimer: A sample was provided by Mattel for the purpose of preparing this review.
Photo credit: Mattel
