Barbie Fun for Everyone!

In case you haven’t heard, there is a new Barbie movie coming out that looks like it will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to take my girls. And while we wait for the movie to come out, there is a lot of Barbie fun you can have with tweens and teens in the library.

Barbie Meme Yourself

You can go here and learn how to make yourself into a Barbie meme: https://stylecaster.com/entertainment/tv-movies/1365660/barbie-selfie-generator/

Barbie Memes, Mugshot Version

With the latest trailer, there is a fun shot of Barbie and Ken getting jail mugshots. This has turned in to quite a creative meme with people sharing their favorite fandoms as mugshots. So you can make your own Barbie memes. Or, set up a selfie station with mini letter boards and let teens make their own. You can find an article about the memes to give you inspiration here: https://gizmodo.com/barbie-ken-mugshot-meme-fanart-roundup-fandom-movie-1850484680

Barbie Movies as Readers Advisory

I was recently trying to find some book recs for the Barbie movie and stumbled onto something even better: YA book recs based on all the Barbie DVD movies! It was like a gold mine. I recently learned that Riley and all her friends in college get together and watch old Barbie movies as self care, so I was so excited to find this!

Barbie Fairytopia movies: Holly Black!

Barbie Mermaidia: there are a ton of great YA mermaid books

The possibilities are endless

Here are some sites that I found to get you started:

Books as Barbie Movies: https://afctlblog.wordpress.com/2020/09/07/books-as-barbie-movies/

Book Recs Based on Barbie Movies: https://twogirlslivinginalonelyworld.wordpress.com/2022/07/26/book-recs-based-on-barbie-movies-masterlist/

I expanded on what I found on these websites and used it to create an RA tool for my day job.

Zombify Your Barbies

Head down to your local thrift store and buy a bunch of cheap Barbies for a fun craft where you zombify your Barbie. More information can be found here: https://craftsbyamanda.com/barbie-zombies-the-walking-dead/

Honestly, the craft potential for Barbie themed programs is off the charts.

I always wanted a Barbie head when I was a kid, so I think getting a couple and setting up a station as part of a program would be so much fun.

I used to cut up my socks – sorry mom! – to make Barbie clothes. It turns out, I was not alone. Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPzgL7WmxZY

You can also do things like create Barbie t-shirts, or cut up old Barbie t-shirts to make tote bags, or make accessories and headbands with the Barbie movie aesthetic.

There are tons of great ideas online, and don’t forget about Pinterest.

But what I want to say is, don’t think Barbie is just for young kids. And don’t sleep on this program potential!

Filed under: Teen Program in a Box, Teen Programming