BARBIE, KEN & MIDGE 1963

Barbie, Ken & Midge Background Left Side

Barbie, Ken & Midge Background Right Side

BARBIE, KEN & MIDGE 1963.

I first posted this set back on November15, 2024 but for some reason failed to include Ken with the post. Ken has fewer outfits here although this was probably the first time his sailor suit was included in a paper doll set. Midge was introduced in 1963 as Barbie's friend and having the same body the two could naturally wear the same clothes just as they can here. The trio can all be posed in front of the Barbie design studio bi-fold background for added fun!

 

BARBIE & KEN GO TRAVELING 1962

Barbie & Ken Suitcase Front

Barbie & Ken Suitcase Back

BARBIE & KEN GO TRAVELING 1962.

Barbie got a bubble cut hairdo in 1962 and a new boyfriend in the Ken doll. One of the earliest paper doll releases for the pair also came out in 1962 with this "traveling" set. I like these early sets because Ken does not get shortchanged in the wardrobe department. Here he has several nice outfits of his own and many color coordinate with Barbie's.

This was originally put out in it's own suitcase style box so that you could actually take the dolls traveling....if only down the block to your friend's house to play. I have included scans of the front and back of the box in case you would like to re-create your own suitcase to hold the dolls and their clothes.

 

BABY FIRST STEPS

Baby First Steps Background Left Side

Baby First Steps Background Right Side

BABY FIRST STEPS.

This "walking" doll was released by Mattel in 1964 with the paper doll version coming out the following year. I must admit that I'm not a big fan of baby dolls but this one is well drawn with some nice outfits. I've also included a bi-fold background of her nursery to pose the doll in front of.

Next week we will be going back to the origins of the Barbie doll with some original paper doll issues.

 

BETSY McCALL 1970'S

BETSY McCALL 1970'S.

A name synonymous with the paper doll, Betsy McCall graced the pages of McCall's magazine from the 1950's into the 1980's. There was usually a page devoted to Betsy as a doll along with a story about her which was often seasonal in nature. Her outfits reflected the season.

For other examples of Betsy McCall dolls see the posts for July 23, 2024 and March 7, 2025.