# Mattel, you are very special **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 11, 2025, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613 "2025-12-11T05:56:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/1 "2025-12-11T05:56:30Z")
To me. Not sure I know anything about your corporate mis-deeds or not. I hope it’s good enough. God knows I spent many dollars on their products over the years. In July 2025, Mattel dropped the Type 1 diabetic Barbie. It’s so cute. I’ve never looked at a Barbie so admiringly. In fact I was a notorious head ripper offer as a kid. Liked the hair cutting and Sharpie make-up too. Yeah, I’m getting one. Tomorrow. Santa come early! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/2 "2025-12-11T22:54:36Z")
No love for Barbie Type 1? I can’t find one around here. I got people looking. If that fails I’ll order it from Mattel, directly. I hope a person can do that. Anywhoo.I love her. And I will have one. (retail about $20, so not extravagant for a fun thing) ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/3 "2025-12-11T23:12:09Z")
> **[Barbie Fashionistas Doll With Type 1 Diabetes in Polka Dot Outfit](https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-fashionistas-doll-with-type-1-diabetes-polka-dot-outfit-hyt97)** > > Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls showcases bright and trendy styles that inspire endless storytelling possibilities. [Mattel.com](http://Mattel.com) lists target and Walmart as having them. Target was out of stock when I checked but perhaps you’ll have better luck with WalMart nearer to you. Only $9 on line at WM-some one was offering them for $30 on eBay but I hate to reward that kind of skullduggery, I’d just wait for Tarjay or WallieWorld to get restocked. I can certainly understand why you’d want one. How soon do you think Mattel will come out with a cranky night nurse Barbie? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/4 "2025-12-11T23:12:25Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I can’t find one around here. I got people looking. I’m seeing it for sale online at Target and Walmart. Look for “Barbie Fashionistas Doll #242.” (Edit: simulpost with @BippityBoppityBoo ) > **[Barbie Fashionistas Doll#242 Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes in Polka Dot...](https://www.target.com/p/barbie-fashionistas-doll-242-barbie-doll-with-type-1-diabetes-in-polka-dot-outfit-with-accessories/-/A-93873096?TCID=PDS-21836223275&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21836223275&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9OnJBhD-ARIsAPV51xOISA71nvlpal_Mb0rEULOXGIgpwuzIKpjt4QtyMqotNlOeXGaqr7gaAurwEALw_wcB)** > > Read reviews and buy Barbie Fashionistas Doll#242 Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes in Polka Dot Outfit with Accessories at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/5 "2025-12-11T23:19:13Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Not sure I know anything about your corporate mis-deeds or not. I hope it’s good enough. Regarding this: I had Mattel as a client for about six months, 20 years ago. They were _terrible_ people to work with – nasty, mean, demanding, and intolerant. Around that same time, I read a book, “[Toy Wars](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1009619.Toy_Wars),” about Hasbro, and its intense rivalry with Mattel. The author described Mattel’s corporate culture – at least at that time – as being Machiavellian, with ambition and ruthlessness being the norm. My work with Mattel, among other terrible clients, as well as some good ones, led me to create “Kenobi’s Theorem of Marketing Enjoyment”: “There is an inverse relationship between how much fun a consumer has with a product or service, and how much fun it is to actually work on that product or service.” I’ve worked with some very large and popular brands in beverages, restaurants, and other consumer products, and they were nearly always absolutely miserable human beings, being worked to death in brutal corporate cultures – I have come to believe that a lot of those “big brand” companies just take themselves _way_ too seriously. OTOH, some of the best and nicest clients, who really enjoyed their work, worked at very mundane, non-glamorous companies. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/6 "2025-12-11T23:34:12Z")
Yes, I saw they were on Walmart. There’s 3 driving distance away. Neither have it. I kinda figured that about Mattel. It seems like they’d be jerks. They don’t care about the consumer anymore than any big ol’ company. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/7 "2025-12-11T23:42:12Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > In July 2025, Mattel dropped the Type 1 diabetic Barbie. It’s so cute. _Introduced_. [Grumble mumble.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sayings-idioms-and-acronyms-which-seem-to-indicate-the-opposite-of-what-is-intended/1024599) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/8 "2025-12-11T23:52:19Z")
Oh, I’m sorry if that’s offensive. I live with young people. They say it all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/9 "2025-12-11T23:55:41Z")
…I don’t get it. What is it about a doll that makes it diabetic? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/10 "2025-12-11T23:58:10Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > …I don’t get it. What is it about a doll that makes it diabetic? As described in Mattel’s page for the doll, in @BippityBoppityBoo 's link: > [@](#): > > - Her stylish polka dot top and matching skirt are a nod to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness – a circle shape and the color blue! > - To manage her type 1 diabetes, Barbie uses an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To keep her CGM in place, she has heart-shaped medical tape – Barbie pink, of course! > - Her phone displays a CGM app to help Barbie track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. This way, she stays healthy and is ready for a fun adventure anytime, anywhere! tl;dr: she has an insulin pump, a glucose monitor on her arm, and a glucose monitoring app screen on her phone. In recent years, they have also done a [Barbie with Down Syndrome](https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-fashionista-doll-down-syndrome-hjt05), and a range of barbies with disabilities: > **[Mattel Introduces New Barbie Dolls with Disabilities - AmeriDisability](https://www.ameridisability.com/mattel-introduces-new-barbie-dolls-with-disabilities/)** > > Play time is becoming more inclusive. Mattel promotes disability and diversity with the launch of it's latest Barbie dolls with disabilities. Read to know more! ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/11 "2025-12-12T00:07:18Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > My work with Mattel, among other terrible clients, as well as some good ones, led me to create “Kenobi’s Theorem of Marketing Enjoyment”: “There is an inverse relationship between how much fun a consumer has with a product or service, and how much fun it is to actually work on that product or service.” By far the worse place I ever worked at was Toys R Us. So this tracks. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/12 "2025-12-12T00:17:36Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I don’t get it. What is it about a doll that makes it diabetic? Look at the photos. That isn’t an iPod on her waist. I’m not sure if I should root for a Colostomy Barbie. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/13 "2025-12-12T00:26:03Z")
My cabbage patch doll had braces, cause I did It was so cool to have a doll kinda like you, as a kid. Barbie will not be like me. But similiar. As an adult. Ain’t going for those high heel feets permanently. It is a silly. But…I don’t ask for much…😊 ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/14 "2025-12-12T00:27:08Z")
I assumed it was a glucose meter or something. My wife has a cousin/niece (it’s complicated as her family often is), she is a young woman with Type 1 Diabetes and this looks perfect for her. (Actually the doll itself looks a lot like her, oddly enough.) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/15 "2025-12-12T00:32:05Z")
It not very expensive at Target, if one is close. $8.99 and they have it. The Barbie aisle always freaked me out, when I was young. Could not get my brother down Barbie pink aisle in Toys R uS. Then I had girls and I had to learn to appreciate it. (I haven’t even looked on Amazon, I’ll go do that now) ETA..they have them. I put one in my cart. $9. If my daughter doesn’t find one in Texarkana tomorrow I’ll order. I have no hope of actually happening. Dang it, I _want_ it today. 😫 (Oops, sorry I got whiny there) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/16 "2025-12-12T00:37:38Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > (I haven’t even looked on Amazon, I’ll go do that now) It looks like they may not be in stock on Amazon, from what I saw. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/17 "2025-12-12T00:39:04Z")
Aaaaacccckkk! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/18 "2025-12-12T00:39:05Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I assumed it was a glucose meter or something. Insulin pump on her belt, glucose monitor (pink, of course) on her left arm. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/19 "2025-12-12T00:42:02Z")
Amazon says it’s a frequently returned item. Makes me sad. That’s just how I felt as a kid with diabetes….😑 ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613/20 "2025-12-12T02:06:18Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > looks like they may not be in stock on Amazon, from what I saw. That’s what I saw too. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613.md?page=2)