How Would You Feel If Your Daughter Got This Gift?

I wouldn't give a gift that old. I would certainly give a Barbie doll to a 5 year old -they usually LOVE them, but not one from 1995. You can get regular Barbies and some of the Disney Princesses and Fairy dolls for under $10 at Target.

No I wouldn't give it another thought. Be grateful that she got something and move on. For whatever reason that's what they decided to give to her.
C.

I think you should buy the child something she likes and is interested in. Keep that stuff for your kid and spend a few dollars to buy the birthday girl something else.

If it is a collector's item, I would not give it to a 5 year old. It's really hard for a child to not open it and play with it. It kind of borders on cruel. :)

If it is not valuable, then I think it might be interpreted as just old and not thoughtful. That is, the age of the toy would be noticed. Personally I would not care and I am sure the child would love it equally. I'm just saying someone would say something and it would raise eyebrows. Sad, but true.

Does she collect old Barbies? If not, it's odd.

I understand where you're coming from but honestly, yes, I would find it a little strange if my child received a toy from 15 yrs ago. I agree with the previous post-- especially because they are Olympic dolls, they're considered collectors items. You should either hang onto them for your own child for later on or if you're desperate to clear out some clutter, maybe try listing them on ebay. As far as the birthday party... since you don't know the people well, maybe just a swim Barbie (Target & WalMart has them for about $5) would be more appropriate. Or a gift card to the toy store. :)

Yes I would think it's odd. If ti was something that was more current (from the last year) then I wouldn't think it's odd. If you give her something from 1995 that's basically saying "I couldn't be bothered to go shop and spend money on you for your birthday." Sorry :( Barbies are really inexpensive now. You can get them for under $10 at just about any store.

dont do it!!!! keep it in its box and hand it down to your lo when she gets older. they can become very collectable in years to come.

yes.
Its from 1995.
So well, I would think "why" was my child given it.
Unless it is a collector item or something... then you should keep it.
Or sell it.
I am sure, those are limited edition type Barbies... and probably collectors would want to buy it.
Here is a link for how much they are selling for, now, on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Olympic-Gymnast-Doll-Auburn/...

And an article about it, as a collector item:
http://www.examiner.com/x-19516-Nashville-Doll-Collecting...

as an example.

I would definitely find it odd if my daughter received a Barbie doll from 1995 -that's definitely a collector's item and something that you don't give as a gift. It's obvious it's been sitting around your house and something you want to get rid of. As other posters mentioned, there are tons of cute new modern Barbies that you can get for under $10.

I would definitely find it odd if my daughter received a Barbie doll from 1995 -that's definitely a collector's item and something that you don't give as a gift. It's obvious it's been sitting around your house and something you want to get rid of. As other posters mentioned, there are tons of cute new modern Barbies that you can get for under $10.

that's a 15 year old barbie :) she's old and not styling anymore.
no, the mom will know it's 'an ld item you needed to get rid of.' kohls was having the barbie and ken from new toy story movie for 9.99. get a set of those two.

I have to go with most of the others & say no but for a different reason...we are not fans of Barbie & don't want our daughter to have them. It's caused a bit of an issue with some family (that know how we feel) when they have given her Barbies so if you aren't sure how the parents feel about the doll I wouldn't risk it. I'm gonna go with the suggestion of a board game or the like. Have fun at the party!

I would NOT give it. Speaking of outdated Barbies. My daughter is 6. She recieved some Barbie clothing at her last bday party. You can tell by the look that they ere outdated. She flipped them over and say 1998 on them and she said these clothes are older than me!

SO yes my duaghter just turned 6 and could reconize. I would not give them.

I got married in Oct and my aunt gave us a stuffed bride and groom bear still in the original package and it was from the 90's. I was like, OK, weird. So although the 1995 Barbie's aren't opened, they are still "old". I would find something else to give. Good luck!

I would sell them on ebay, maybe make a fortune - yes it would be odd

It depends on the kid.
My neice has every single Barbie ever made and a huge collection. I'd have to ask her about the 1995 Olympic one though. You might be able to get quite a bit of money for it on e-bay....just a suggestion. Some of my old Barbies sold for a lot of money. I'm 47 and they were old when they were given to me.
Even if she's an avid collector, it sounds like it would be one of those things that get put away and not really played with.
Since the kids aren't really close and it doesn't sound like you know if she is a Barbie fiend or not, maybe hang on to it and find out what it's worth.
At 5, my daughter was in the heat of the Barbie pitch and she would have loved it. But, again, as a collector's piece.

My daughter's 6th birthday was all about Barbie. She had a sleepover and the girls got Barbie nightgowns on top of Barbie cake, party hats, bracelets, etc.

If you get her a toy, get her something she can play with.
If you get her something else, get her something like cute pajamas and slippers. They have darling necklace and bracelet sets for kids. What about a watch? I have super tiny wrists and I've bought several super darling watches at Wal-Mart in the kid section. That's something she can use for a long time and think of you when she wears it. They're not expensive either. Some even had little charms on them, like a bracelet watch. You could find one for $10 or less and they are sturdy and super cute. Just a suggestion.
A watch is a nice gift, but that's just my opinion.
We had a jewelry store that sold I.D. charm bracelets and for $15 you could get the bracelet with the name engraved.

There are lots of ideas.
I'm not shooting your idea down at all, but like I said, if you don't know her well and know that she has a collection of "non-touchable Barbies" because of their value.....
I'd think of something else.
Hang on to your old Barbies. A collector may be willing to pay nicely for them.

Best wishes!

Oh mygosh I never got a real Barbie doll. I got these fake things. Keep it. keep it for forever

I wouldn't do it. How about a simple board game. Candyland and/or Chutes N Ladders are classics every kid should have.

OMG! Keep them! Keep them unopened. They might be worth something. Give a 5 year old something that's worth $10 that she can destroy.

C.
www.littlebitquirky.blogspot.com

I guess it depends on if she's into things like Barbies to begin with. As a last resort you can always call the birthday girl's parents and ask if you're that worried.

nope.
Get something educational like a book. They get enough toys. And that's a collectible. A no play toy.
That's the kind of thing you stick in the top of the closet and sell at auction later to pay for something bigger, like college.