Rolling Stone
The holiday season is poised to be significantly brighter with the return of Mattel's Hanukkah-themed Barbie. This 11-inch doll, released in September, is adorned in a menorah sweater that lights up as part of the company's new "Ugly Sweater" collection, complete with bouncy brown hair and charming freckles.
Initially, the doll was offered at Walmart for under $30 but swiftly sold out. It is currently available as a sought-after collectible for $100, and interest continues to surge. Walmart reports that hundreds have been purchased within the last 24 hours, a trend expected to rise leading up to Hanukkah, which occurs from December 4 to December 12 this year.
Social media has been abuzz with enthusiasm over the product launch. Reddit users have praised various aspects, from the quality of the doll's jumper to eagerness for family purchases. One commenter expressed joy at Mattel acknowledging Chanukah. In addition to the Hanukkah Barbie, the Ugly Sweater collection features two additional dolls, both showcasing Christmas-themed designs.
A significant point of interest regarding this release is the accuracy of the menorah depicted on Barbie's sweater. Observant TikTok users highlighted that, in popular culture and commercial holiday items, the Hanukkah candelabrum is often illustrated incorrectly, with an inaccurate number of branches. In a marked improvement, Barbie's design accurately incorporates all nine branches.
Furthermore, there is a compelling historical context to this release: Barbie was conceived by Jewish inventor Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel with her husband in 1945. Handler played a vital role in establishing the company as a globally recognized brand, and over eight decades later, Barbie continues to captivate audiences, with reports indicating sales of "three dolls every second."
In terms of Barbie's recent success, the brand has witnessed an impressive resurgence with its latest offerings. The viral Lenny Kravitz "Kenbassador" doll is nearly sold out online after a significant wave of interest, and this Hanukkah release is garnering acclaim as well. As Hanukkah approaches, now is an optimal time to secure this collectible before it becomes unavailable again.
Where Can I Still Buy the Hanukkah Barbie Online?
The Barbie Hanukkah doll has experienced varied availability since its debut in September. Currently, Walmart appears to be one of the few retailers still offering the doll online. Originally priced at under $30, the collectible is now listed at $100.
This price increase is not unexpected given the upcoming holiday season and growing demand. If you are considering adding this illuminated collectible to your cart, it is advisable to act promptly. Given its previous rapid sell-out, it is reasonable to anticipate a similar outcome in the near future.
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