Barbie's got Ink

The latest Barbie out now on the market is the new Tokidoki Tattoo Barbie which comes sporting permanent tattoos. This new doll is causing quite a stir amongst some parents! The controversy over tattoos on Barbie is not exactly new territory. Back in 2009, Mattel released “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie” that included a set of tattoo stickers to place anywhere on her body.

Tokidoki Barbie comes dressed in a pink miniskirt, leggings and a black sweatshirt with skull heart and crossbones, that fall off the shoulder so you can see the tattoos around her neck. Pastel pink hair and silver heels complete the look. Truthfully though, compared to some of the past Barbie offerings, this version is positively tame in the clothing department; if you can just get past the tats.

I know tattoos are more commonplace than ever in the real world and that’s fine; to each his own…..for adults. But, do we really need to stimulate imaginings and thoughts of getting tattoos to very young girls?

This new Barbie is a limited edition and can only be purchased through select locations and the Barbie collector website. Whether you like the tattooed Barbie or not, you have the same choice as you do for TV shows you don’t like or radio stations you can’t stand; if you don’t like it, don’t buy (watch, listen) to it! That’s all good and Mattel says the doll is not marketed to all audiences but that doesn’t mean your daughter’s friend won’t show up at your house with one. Teaching moment, anyone?