Mattel Breaks Boundaries with the First-Ever Barbie with Down Syndrome
4.28.2023, 4:24:20 PM
108

Home /Media Center / Press Release / Mattel Breaks Boundaries with the First-Ever Barbie with Down Syndrome
4.28.2023, 4:24:20 PM
108

Barbie is continuing to show that beauty comes in all sorts of different forms!
As part of the 2023 Fashionistas doll line, Mattel is releasing the first Barbie in history with Down syndrome. The Barbie team worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure the authenticity of this trailblazing doll’s design before it hit shelves.
From the sculpt of the doll’s face and body to the features of her wardrobe, this new fashionista was meticulously designed to represent and inspire girls with Down syndrome around the globe when they see her on the shelves. NDSS and a medical professional helped review the features, including a face sculpt with a rounder shape and a flat nasal bridge, a shorter frame and a longer torso, and a single line on the doll’s palm.
Barbie’s dress is adorned with butterflies and a yellow/blue color pattern — common symbols associated with the Down syndrome community. The doll also sports a pink pendant necklace featuring upwards chevrons to resemble the three copies of the 21st chromosome. Kids who play with the Barbie doll will also notice her wearing a fashionable pair of ankle-foot orthotics to go with her bold outfit.
The doll will roll out at select retailers throughout summer and fall.
Source: The Toy Book

How to Properly Unlock Emotional Value? Four Emerging Trends Revealed by 16 Best-Selling International MESH Toys
In recent years, the mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents have become increasingly prominent, drawing widespread societal attention. In response, the toy industry has swiftly recognized this trend and is accelerating its transformation from traditional "entertainment tools" to becoming "emotional companions" for children. Among these innovations, MESH toys have garnered significant attention and are rapidly emerging.
How Much Are Parents Willing to Pay for "10 Minutes of Silence" During a Trip?
Short getaways, weekend road trips, long-distance holiday journeys... The growing need for children's entertainment during travel has created a blue ocean market full of untapped potential. For toy companies, the challenge lies in packing endless fun into limited space, and combining play with developmental value in short moments. This article focuses on three core categories—construction & sensory toys, interactive travel games, and creative craft kits—highlighting best-selling travel-friendly products. We break down the innovations in portability, functionality, and scenario adaptability, aiming to offer new insights for product development and marketing.

China Market Insight: Toys & Baby Products Accelerate in October as Tmall Promotion Drives Strong Demand
Shanghai, China — The China Toy & Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA) today released its latest analysis of Tmall’s October sales data, revealing significant momentum in China’s toy, trendy toy, and baby product categories. Benefiting from the pre-sales and first wave of the “Double 11” shopping festival, October has become a key indicator of consumer sentiment and product acceptance in the Chinese market.

Connect?with?World Class?Plush?Toy?Manufacturers?at?China?Toy?Expo?2025!
China's plush and soft toy suppliers are no longer just manufacturers — they are design-driven, trend-savvy, and globally competitive partners with robust international supply chain capabilities. These companies combine creative design, efficient production, and proven export experience to meet the fast-evolving demands of global markets.