Quick and Easy Barbie Gift Set

The Holidays are fast approaching (more quickly every year it seems) and I'm going to share with you one of my standard go to's for Holiday gifts. Every year I'm flooded with requests from friends, family, and neighbors who want Barbie clothes for their little girls, (no little boys yet) but they're just not sure what to order. So I make one of my very simple gift sets and it's always a crowdpleaser.

Today, I'm going to share with you what I include and the basic steps to build your own.

First we're going to start with a basic plastic keepsake box. The 1.5 gallon size (shoebox) is best for Barbie, and lids that lock into place are great for little ones. This box is going to serve as the doll trunk that will hold the doll, accessories, and serve as Barbie's bed. These are available at Walmart, the dollar store, etc., usually for about a dollar.

If you want to be trendier/fancier try a printed cardboard photo box like you'd find at Michael's or Hobby Lobby.


Sometimes the gifter will order this to go along with a special Barbie the child already has or they are planning to buy. But sometimes it's a My-First-Barbie situation. For young kids I usually go with a Barbie that is in the $5 range (they usually just come in a bathing suit) and one that has straight arms. It's easier to put the clothes on that way. I also recommend braiding the hair if it's long enough, to keep it from getting tangled.


Next, I find some soft flannel or fleecy material in a pretty color and cut it to so that it will hang over the sides of the box. This becomes Barbie's bedding. Trim this fabric to make it pretty, and to keep it from unraveling. I usually include an additional piece of fabric to use as a blanket for Barbie to cover up with, and a small matching pillow (these are both super easy to make without a pattern). Kids love setting Barbie's bed up on top of the box.

Now it's time for Barbie's wardrobe! For this you will probably need a pattern.If you don't already have a collection, there are many patterns available that will get you enough different pieces to make a whole wardrobe such as this one from Simplicity. Or refer to other posts in this blog. The most important thing here is to pick fabrics that mix and match so the little doll lover will be able to experiment and get the most out of each piece. I usually include:

• Three basic tops
• One coat, hoodie, or cardigan
• Two pants (sometimes a pair of shorts)
• Three skirts
• One fancy dress
• And a set of pjs or a nightie and housecoat to go with the bedding of course!

Most dolls come with accessories such as purses, sunglasses, shoes, etc. Some don't. If I have extra matching shoes I will throw some in. You can also buy accessory packs for Barbie pretty cheaply that come with a variety of things.

The next step is simply to neatly lay the clothing into the box, cover it with the blanket, tuck Barbie in (don't forget the pillow!), snap on the cover and tie it up with a bow! Happy crafting!