Playtime | Jen's Perspective Blog

On March 9th, National Barbie Day celebrates an iconic toy that premiered on this day in 1959. Barbie debuted at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

March 9th, 1959 also celebrates Barbie’s official birthday.

In 1959, Ruth Handler created the Barbie doll and launched an American icon. Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she came with a full array of accessories. While toymakers mass-produced toys for years, before Barbie, none of them had adult features. Barbie’s adult features made the toy a first of its kind. Interestingly, Barbie’s marketing strategy relied on television advertising. For example, Barbie was the sole sponsor of the Mickey Mouse Club, marketing directly to children. At the time, the approach was unique. Estimates place over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries.

Detractors often criticize Barbie for being an unattainable ideal of a woman. While her figure alone is unrealistic, over the years, Barbie evolved both in style and shape. In 2019, the Barbie brand honored pioneering women across several eras, as well. The modern Barbie offers positive role models in business, science, education, and more. Barbie continues to change, year after year, keeping up with the styles and the headlines.

Barbie Careers Doll & Accessories, Ice Cream Shop Playset with Blonde Doll, Ice Cream Machine, Molds, Dough & More#NationalBarbieDay — Barbie Careers Doll & Accessories, Ice Cream Shop Playset with Blonde Doll, Ice Cream Machine, Molds, Dough & More

Barbie A Touch of Magic Doll, "Malibu" with Wing-Detailed Dress, 7-inch Long Fantasy Hair, 2 Fairytale Pets & Accessories#NationalBarbieDay — Barbie Careers Doll & Accessories, Ice Cream Shop Playset with Blonde Doll, Ice Cream Machine, Molds, Dough & More

In 1961, Mattel introduce Ken Carson as Barbie’s boyfriend.

Barbie has several sisters. However, Barbie’s family dynamic keeps changing. These are the sisters that Mattel has released in various forms:

Kelly
Chelsea
Skipper
Stacie
Krissy

In 1998, the Toy Hall of Fame inducted Barbie into its hallowed halls. The toy joined hundreds of other famous toys, some of which National Day Calendar celebrates throughout the year. Some of those include the Duncan yoyo, chess, and Radio Flyer wagon.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BARBIE DAY

Visit the largestBarbie Museum in Montreal.
Explore theToy Hall of Fame.
Discover vintage barbies tucked away in a closet, attic, or basement – they may be worth something.
Introduce a Barbie doll to a new generation.
Read Dream Doll: The Ruth Handler Story by Jacqueline Shannon.
Throw Barbie a birthday party with all her friends.
Share your favorite Barbie Doll and accessories. I had a Barbie house, Barbie Corvette, Barbie Closet and a huge collection of clothes. My dad even made me wooden furniture for my house.
Use #NationalBarbieDay to post on social media.

Barbie The Movie Doll, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Collectible Doll Wearing Pink and White Gingham Dress with Daisy Chain Necklace#NationalBarbieDay — Barbie The Movie Doll, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Collectible Doll Wearing Pink and White Gingham Dress with Daisy Chain Necklace

Accutime Kids Mattel Barbie Pink Educational Learning Touchscreen Smart Watch Toy for Girls, Boys, Toddlers - Selfie Cam, Learning Games, Alarm, Calculator, Pedometer & More#NationalBarbieDay — Barbie The Movie Doll, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Collectible Doll Wearing Pink and White Gingham Dress with Daisy Chain Necklace

Every year on March 4th, National Sons Day honors the sons of the world and those who raise them. The day also takes a look at a son’s role and his relationship with those around him.

Around the world, slightly more sons are born than daughters. Both bring joy to families, though. Our rambunctious sons grow into adult men and forge their own independence in the world. Some are soft-spoken and gentle. Others with a spark of curiosity fill every hour with questions, some unanswerable.

Parents and family members strive to mold them into a person better than we are. Sons, like many children, test the boundaries until one day, they stand before us, grown. National Sons Day encourages parents to be role models and provide the boundaries sons need. Celebrate their successes while guiding them through their failures. Give them a foundation of skills that they will rely on for a lifetime and pass on to their sons.

Each day as a son and the parent of one is a treasure. Boys need us to model responsibility, hard work, and integrity. As they work and learn beside us, those qualities will be instilled in them. The day reminds us of the value our sons bring to our lives and others.

NATIONAL SONS DAY HISTORY

In 2018, Jill Nico created National Sons Day celebrating the importance and significance of sons and those who raise them. While there’s no single reason for selecting March 4th, the founder explains spring seemed ideal, and the date resounds with momentum when spoken. Additionally, many sons enjoy spring sports, and it’s an excellent time to spend time outdoors. Visit the Facebook page to join in the celebration.

In the late 1990s, an effort to create National Sons Day began as a counterpart to National Take Your Daughters to Work Day. By 1998, the group called National Sons Day created National Take Your Sons to Work Day. In later years, the separate observances joined forces.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SONS DAY

Consider all the things you want your son to know and be when he’s an adult.

Take the day to teach your son something you think is important for him to know. Change a tire or balance the checkbook. The small tasks, the mundane ones are the ones that get in the way when we don’t know how to do them. Bond over the experience by letting him know you teach him these skills to clear a path for the bigger events in his life.

Join an organization for mentoring boys without male role models. Find a role model that fits the interests of your son. Teach your son something your father taught you. Offer to give a skills class at a school. Make the day unique by taking a photograph with all the sons together and share on social media using #NationalSonsDay.