Vintage Skipper Dolls

In 1964 Mattel brought the Skipper doll out. The vintage Skipper dolls were supposed to be about 10 years of age. They were also Barbie's younger sister. Many moms liked the idea of skipper for their daughters who were a bit young for the older Barbie dolls.

This introduction of Skipper came 5 years after the first Barbie was brought out. Just like the Barbie dolls, the Skipper dolls went through many style changes and even an age change. Finally in 2003 Mattel retired Skipper for good.

The Skipper dolls were originally 9.25" in height. There was one version though where you could actually make her grow taller. This version was manufactured in 1975 and was aptly named Growing Up Skipper. With a turn of her arms her height changed and more surprisingly her breasts grew but not everyone was pleased with that idea. (article continued below)...

A teenage Skipper was made in 1997. Her body was changed to resemble a young teenage girl's body. She was almost as tall as the Barbie dolls with this makeover. Mattel lengthened her legs and also gave her a new face. She no longer had a childlike look but more of young lady look that of about a 16-year-old girl.

Lets not forget to mention that as Skipper's popularity grew, Mattel brought out friends for her. Among the friend for the 1960's Skipper there was Skooter, Living Fluff, and Ricky. Barbie and Skipper were sisters so they had some cousins named Francie and Ginger.

Skipper was a vinyl doll. A hard vinyl for the body and a softer one for the head. In 1994 however, to celebrate the 30 year anniversary, a Skipper in a porcelain version was created. What a tribute to the doll's popularity.

Many versions of the vintage Skipper dolls have been popular with collectors. The original straight-legged 1964 Skipper is a definite #1. The Twist and Turn Skipper and the Malibu Skipper are also popular for the 1960's versions. Then Mattel in 2007 made a reproduction of the 1960's Skipper and packaged it with Swirl Ponytail Barbie.

The prices on the secondary market for vintage Skipper dolls are not as much as they used to be. Ebay has made more collectibles on anything easier to find therefore lowering the prices.

The 1960's versions of Skipper and her outfits are still in the hundreds of dollars but only if they are untouched and still in the box. They have to be never removed from said box to get top dollar.

The collectors have never preferred the later teen versions of Skipper. When last reported though the Growing Up Skipper NRFB (never removed from box) went for around $100.00.