How to Accessorize a Barbie

Think about the owner's interests and what the collection currently contains. Buy accessories that will add to the collection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Barbie PCs
• Barbie Fashion Designer CD-ROM
• Barbie Riding Club Software
• Barbie Super Sports Software
• Barbie Accessories
• Barbie Clothes
• Barbie Furniture
• Barbie Houses
• Detective Barbie Software
• Barbie® Screen Styler™ software
• Magic Fairy Tales: Barbie® as Rapunzel
• Barbie® Print n Play™ software

1. Decide whether you are accessorizing your own Barbie or someone else's as a gift.
2. Consider what Barbie items are already owned. If a furnished Barbie house is already part of the collection, you probably wouldn't want to buy furniture.
3. Add to a collection by buying complementary items. If the owner has Barbie horses, buy a stable.
4. Think about whether the collection is modern or vintage. Purchase vintage items to go with a vintage collection and modern items to go with a modern collection.
5. Buy accessories that match the person's interests. Buy a Barbie pool for someone who loves to swim and Barbie pets for someone who likes animals.
6. Remember that clothing and jewelry are always welcome. Duplicates are OK because more than one Barbie can wear them.
7. Look outside Barbie products for accessories. Handmade clothing available on the Internet or in shops will be appreciated. Miniature items from dollhouses will work for Barbie - plates, food, dishes, radios, etc.
8. Keep an eye out for unusual and rare items. Browse through a book of Barbie items or online. Items on clearance racks in toy stores may have been overproduced and may not necessarily be bargains.
9. Match Barbie computer software with your recipient's interests.
10. Give a theme gift. Buy the Barbie doctor or veterinarian office as a gift, or purchase Barbie horses, horse gear and riding outfit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are buying for a child, remember that the items will be not treated delicately, so avoid collector's items.
• Remember that tiny accessories are easily lost by children. Although the Barbie minivan with the complete furnished picnic basket looks cute, the pieces will scatter to the winds.