Hi Dana,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

According to Fashion Doll Guide, the very first Happy Holidays Barbie was released in 1988, and she’s especially important: many collectors consider her the first “collector-focused” Barbie. That 1988 doll helped show Mattel that there was a strong market for adult collectors, not just children, leading to more “collector” lines.

Over time, the “Holiday Barbie” line became an annual tradition, with new versions most years featuring festive gowns, trims, and seasonal details. The dolls often wear elegant gowns in holiday colors (red, green, gold, etc.), sometimes with velvet or tulle. Many editions include fur trim, sequins, beading, or glitter to give a festive, elegant feel. Some come with holiday-themed accessories, like decorative ornaments, wreath motifs, or elegant jewelry.

Condition is very important: mint-in-box (MIB) dolls fetch significantly more than played-with ones. Early models (especially from 1988–1995) are among the most collectible.

As an Anniversary doll, while this is in MIB condition, it lacks the interest among collectors and there are a LOT of these on the market, including examples on Etsy and Ebay priced in the three-and four-figures, when these dolls are sold at auction, even MIB examples sell for less than $100. Because this box has damage, it has a fair-market value of $50-75.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A modern 1997 Tenth Anniversary Special Edition Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie
1997
Doll with brunette hair and blue eyes, wearing a red, white and gold dress, in a shaped box.
Box: 13-1/2 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 4 inches deep
CONDITION: Damage to box but box is unopened and doll appears to be in pristine condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$50-75*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia