Imagine “Growing Up Ken” 😅😂

I had this doll as a child, and I never knew it was controversial until recently. I loved her very much because she represented that mysterious transitionary period between childhood and the teen years. She really was like having two dolls in one. My brother used to pop the heads off of my Barbies to torture me. When he did that to my growing up Skipper doll it broke her irreparably. I was devastated, but at least he never messed with my dolls after that. I found one "in the wild" a few years ago, and she now lives in my collection in lieu of my original girl. I'm always surprised when people are creeped out by this doll. Like I said, I loved her very much. Her mechanism was fascinating (I was always curious about how it worked), and her coloration and clothing was beautiful. We were very poor, and I rarely got new dolls - so I was very careful with her. When my brother broke her I had to wait a whole year for another Christmas to get a new doll. To a little kid (I was 4 or 5 when this came out), that is abject torture. Thanks for this walk down memory lane! Be careful with the "creepy" talk, though. For some these are our precious childhood memories. It is the adults who ascribe iconography to these objects and make them more than the sum of their parts. To children it is just a toy.

I'm impressed by your dedication to give us this historical Skipper video with the ACTUAL doll! Thank you for your time, research and all the money you spent to make this happen. I love you videos, especially the doll history/controversial ones.

My aunt had her. She gave her to me in 1980. I think I still have her.

I personally have no problem with this, puberty is a normal biological process. Considering it controversial perpetuates the shame and awkwardness that some teens feel when going through this period. I would have perhaps felt less awkward if I had this doll growing up. Love your video and channel as always 😘

Any girl who read "Are You There, God? It's me, Margaret" knows that preteen girls think about growing breasts...all the time! Mattel knew what little girls think. They responded to them, not embedded thoughts in their minds.

My daughter and I were walking by a random train store of all places when we saw that they were selling this doll for $2. I went in to confirm because as a antique toy collector I could not believe it. I of course bought her and am still in shock that she was that cheap. She's not in the best shape, but $2 dollars!!!!!

Personally, l like this doll. I can imagine how many scenarios l could've used her in. I think it would be interesting if someone rework the mechanisms to work out the wrinkles Also, l think it's really telling that practically 50 years later (in our more "progressive" era) people still freak out at the idea of puberty, specially female.

I had her when I was a little gal and I wanted her because she was 2 dolls in one, too me as a youngster it was like putting wigs on Barbies which would transform them, young minds don't feed into anything sinister..adult minds are always suspicious

Child of the 70s here. My sister and I had this doll and we loved it! In hindsight, I'm kind of surprised our mom let us have it, it was a bit risque. But we were at the age when we and all our little girlfriends were obsessed with "growing up" so it was pretty cool. Edit: we also had the bedroom set, which was pretty cheaply made, but still fun. Thanks for covering! This was a fun little surprise journey down memory lane.

How cool you add this vintage/controversial doll to your collection.

Your reviews are THE BEST! Thank you so much for investing 400 and sharing the doll and her history with all of us!

8:03 me when buying a child pass ticket to get into Disney land because i spent all my money on dolls.

The "Puberty" part😂😂😂💀

I totally understand the reasoning behind grow up skipper. As a kid playing with dolls we imagined ourselves as grownups. Playing with dolls was a tool for envisioning ourselves in the future. The longer dress on the adult is indicative of teen fashion of the 70s. Those long dresses are so hippie and to die for and create a very mature silhouette while the short pencil skirt is more simplistic and easier to get messy in. Plus we have pregnant barbie so we know people are buying barbies for their kids as quasi-educational tools in hopes of easing the big questions that most kids have about being alive and growing up. But yeah its hard to look at the mindset of a child or parent in the 70s. In todays world we are terrified of the stories about perversion and fetishizing of the everyday. Few people had that vocabulary and thought process back then where in todays world more and more that would be the first thing that people fear.

Ohh I really love the bedroom and the extra clothing too! I had no clue she had those and a friend named Ginger, I only knew about the doll...

I used to have this doll, and her growing mechanism never bothered me or anyone i knew. Back then people were not as touchy and sensitive about every topic as people are these days. Life was much simpler, and people were too busy with their lives to make such a big deal about a doll. Those who made a big deal out of it were mostly the media people, as usual.

Thank you so much for getting Growing Up Skipper, It was great to see an indepth dive about her history!! Looking forward to more from you Joey!

LOL! While I agree the doll is an odd choice, the comment from the Connecticut Feminist Committee is way harsh. Sounds right out of the Victorian age. Like they want the world to cover their ears to female puberty. 'La la la, don't talk about it! Pretend it doesn't exist!' Anyway, great video, love that you included the history and sources. - Kada ❤

My mother seemed to spend most of my childhood having successive fits of the vapors over Mattel. Barbie came out when I was 9. My mother pitched a hissy over Barbie's exaggerated proportions. I begged for a Barbie for 7 years. At 16, my father gave up and told her to buy me the doll. Then came "Growing Up Skipper". My father and I found the doll laughable. My mother was outraged. Alas, "Having a Baby Midge" hit the toy store shelves and there was weeping, wailing, and teeth gnashing over the downfall of society packaged in an 11 1/2 inch piece of plastic.

Fun fact: commercial clothing companies and fast fashion promoted more adult like wardrobe in the last century to promote more sales of clothing. If you have to upgrade your wardrobe every few years you'll be shelling it out more often. Skipper here promotes two different age groups of wardrobe.

I'm sorry but I laughed so hard at that "puberty" edit I had to pause the video 😂

Her outfit is so cute! I love the 70s Barbie styles.

This doll is actually worth a lot of money now. I tell you a lot of old ones, conversial and rare ones are worth lots of money.

My mom bought her for me she had no problem with it i grew up in the 70's upper middle class Livonia Michigan US 😊

I could not believe she was real. The 70s were wild for this.😅🤣

I'd like to have seen them do a Growing Up Skipper's First Period! She's hollow and can drink from a waterbottle, but it leaks in a slight dribble down her panties, complete with water-activated dye on included pads, which leaves a red spot when it gets wet! Remember to change her pads frequently, otherwise she might leak on her white pants which also have water-activated red dye. It can happen to all of us, even Skipper! Also, there's spots of the red dye on her face, so when she goes to wash her face in the morning, the hormonal acne appear! Set comes with a sweatshirt to tie around her waist, hot water bottle, tiny ibuprofen and a doll-sized chocolate bar. The men would never - because you can't sexualize it! 😂🍫

I have one. Wish I had Ginger too. I do not see the big deal. I see this as similar to the baby dolls with two or more faces with different expressions (like smiling, crying and sleeping) where you turned the head around inside a bonnet... Or the toppsy turvy dolls...

When you said 400 pounds i was shook.😯

1975 I was fourteen.

I would have loved to play with this doll, it's like having 2 dolls in one, especially with those super cute fashion packs

Oh my gosh, the bedroom set and fashion packs are adorable! Too bad that they got overshadowed by the controversy.

I brought a rare doll from Italy. It a winx gran gala bloom. And yeah I spent also $300 usa plus international shipping. Your videos you make Joey have started my doll collecting journey.

she's adorable. i didnt know that there was a growing up Ginger!

I can't believe Mattel made doll grow breasts not once but twice

i love transforming dolls (though just adult figures). like, growing taller, wigs, multiple faces ... its just so fun! wish they would still innovate with this. imagine easy limb switching but with different body types or a doll that forms 2 a different body. imagine dolls where their bodies can shift & mix masculine & feminine.

400 pounds for skipper? You are my spirit animal! Thank u for the fun watch.😊

2:22 I wish Skipper had fashion packs today for the modern dolls

I spent almost that much on a Sweetums Muppet figure. The most expensive Muppet figure I own.

I can understand that Mattel was trying to teach young girls about puberty, but I don't think it was a good idea to try to market the doll to little girls as young as 3-years-old. They should've listed 10 and up because that's around the time girls actually do go through puberty.

She is worth every single penny of that money! Hope you enjoy her forever.

I think the doll is fine but the wording on the box is creepy.

Thanks for splurging and sharing! Though until the promo copy you read about her from when she was released talked about "then she's young again!" or what have you; I never thought about THAT part of the message. Especially in context of the world's obsession with not letting women (or even in some cases girls) age. Not that it all has to be that serious, it's still so kitschy it's kinda hard to be that angry at. I've been watching you for years, think this is the first time I commented but I love your videos. They're super chill and calming to me. Thanks for that!

I love the bedroom playsets!

When I was young my best friend had the growing up Skipper and we found her hilarious we would always turn her area around and around their was in the 80’s and that doll never broke. My mom bought me Superteen Skipper when I was around 4 or 5 and honestly I didn’t care or notice her body I was all about her skateboard, I bought her again on eBay a few years ago , I still don’t care about her body it’s about the memories I had with the doll and still about skateboard lol!

i was waiting for this video since your video on skiper story! thx u for unboxing her!

The best skipper is 90s teen skipper but she was so beautiful barbie was jealous

It's true the information about the women who refused to work on the doll did happen. This is from a 2010's child. I'm 16 and I love your videos by the way

£400?! THATS CRAZY

It's very Brady Bunch. I can explain the dress length. 100 years ago, figuratively, young girls wore short dresses, and girls after their coming out at age 18 wore long dresses. We're talking Victorian Edwardian times here, but it carried over a bit into the 20th century. Even now if you're a mom, you'll get chastised for wearing a short skirt. In the 1920s and 60s short skirts were rebellious because of the childish connotation.

Thank you so much for the video, I loved learning more about her!

I gues the box makes here that expensivr. I bought here on a seccond hand site for €40. Without the box. I wanted here back in the day. So happy to have her now. I thought the growing part great. For me and my friends it was repressentation of this strange time in our life.

The doll is adorable. Thank you for your review, Joey

This was my all time favorite doll as a kid. She actually got recalled because her head falls off easily. I kept for years even without her head because of her cool body. I wish I still had her. The pregnant midge was a close second in my favorite Barbies list.

I heard about the Francie doll, I think she is rare.

So crazy to think they had dolls like this haha! Thanks for the video!!!

I thought this was a fun doll when I was starting to wear my training bra. I remember growing up. I grew lol! Might need a breast reduction my back is killing me. Definitely enjoyed your video.

Barbie always surprises with the unexpected.

And she was played by Marisa Abela in the movie version.

so wonderful thanks for getting her

I love your videos! You're awesome ❤️❤️

Wow! I remember having a friend with this Skipper when I was a kid. Yes, we had a laugh growing and ungrowing her boobs! We didn't really read to much into it, but now it seems pretty cringe. I do like her outfits. Another fabulous video! ❤

I had that doll when it first came out. I was 9. I also had Growing Up Ginger too.

I have one too! I'm a vintage collector. As problematic and bizarre as the concept is, I have to admit I find her interesting from an engineering standpoint. The growing mechanism is actually pretty complex.

Wonderful video! I always learn so much! Thank You 😊

0:51 Can't wait you talk about the controversial Ken dolls! XD

I'm so envious. I have been looking for one that I can afford, for years. I am glad you have one, and I agree with you about keeping her in the girl form. In the teen form she looks a little too much like Stretch Armstrong after a stretch.

And we are here for it!!

OMG, I just thought about this controversial doll yesterday after bought latest pre-loved Skipper to complete Barbie's sisterhood line on my dream house, but hai! It feels kind a like of dejavu, wow, I'm just astonished 👀

They should make first period Skipper that has menses and tampons included

400!? Well damn commenting for engagement is the least I can do then Honestly I take less issue with the doll itself and more so with the packaging and ads. Consistently describing a teen’s body as curvy and mature is insanely weird. Usually I look back on these controversial dolls and think there may have been an over reaction, but I honestly get it here. You can tell some of the people that worked on this doll (especially with the marketing) were,, unsavory

I had this doll back in the day. Loved Growing Up Skipper. Found consolation in a doll that developed as I was developing as well and felt very insecure. Found this doll to be an assurance. IMO, I think this doll was intended to be educational, not controversial.

you got a pity like from me when i heard the price you paid for this doll. i appreciate your dedication 😂

I find it kind of crazy that I saw you list this up on eBay got to get that £400 back some how 😂

You look amazing!

Thank you so much!!! I was expecting full on Barbie boobs. I had no clue Ginger even existed.

I had her when I was a teenager and I loved her i wish i still had her

Please make a video of the history of Rainbow Brite dolls

I had this doll in the 70s, I was 8 years old when she came out and I thought she was rad. I had older parents and their only concern was in buying a “gimmicky” doll I might get tired of quickly. She goes from a short skirt to a long skirt because it simply reflects the fashions of those times. Little girls tended to wear short skirts above the knees, fashionable teens and adults wore maxi skirts & dresses. So after she grew up she got a more grown up outfit. I find the controversy over this doll ridiculous, she was very cool.

Great video Joey! Can you review the Fashion Avenue clothes packs from the 90s and 00s? 😀❤️

My mom used to play with this doll

If transformation in media has told us anything its that doing it so quickly is extremely excruciating. Imagine doing it over and over. Oh the humanity.

I really love your channel and your knowledge of the history of all of Barbie and her family and friends. I own the growing up skipper doll, and I really think she’s great. I didn’t see that there was any need for any controversial debate on her at all. I am going to look into even getting her friend Ginger, and I know she is going to cost me a pretty penny indeed thank you so much for your good work 12:46

As much as I like her and the mechanism, I honestly adore the yellow retro packaging. I collect loose but I wouldn’t have the heart like I kept my extra Tom Comet Spectra outfit in box.

I wanted this Skipper as a little girl but my mom wouldn't get her. 😂 I do know that she broke very easily.

Can you do a video on Novi stars? They were so cute!

I can see the Melody AG doll in the back.....

I LOVED THE VIDEO THANK YOU ICON !

It wasn't that big of a deal at the time, I guarantee. I was 9. It was fine. I wanted one.

I think they gave her the long skirt so it can sit a bit higher than the short one, so the torso does not look so long

Dolls growing body parts 🤔😅🤣

This is such a funny doll 😂

People like this are why I’m paranoid about my B-cups at best (haven’t actually bought a new bra since school days) if this is how they talk about an inanimate piece of plastic with no junk. I don’t even really call myself a feminist because my family ruined the term using it as a Get Outta Jail Free card my whole life, but c’mon! God help their poor daughters when they started to mature. They’re probably the reason we ended up with the MH Elvira doll we did even though Peterson is a living breathing person.

I remember having the my scene one. 😅

I have the 1963 replica. I haven't opened it up yet

I wanted this doll when I was a kid, but never got it.

As someone who owns skipper her like 2010 2012 version because that's what I grew up with I love skippers personality btw

£400?🤯😱 Omg 🥲 Absolutely loved the video!!!❤❤

This doll was remade as my sence growing up glam latter on ❤

J deserved 1million subscribers 🎉