A toy collector made a thrilling discovery after stumbling upon two vintage Barbie dolls from the 1980s worth up to $600—on a cart waiting to be shelved at a local Goodwill store.

Sam Cole (u/wormfro), a dog groomer based in Ontario, California, said they were browsing when they came across six Barbie dolls. Three of them caught their eye, including a vintage Ice Capades Ken doll—though he was too damaged to purchase, with torn pants and missing skates. But the real prize was spotting two pristine Barbies dressed in pink.

On closer inspection, Cole realized they had found the 1984 Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie and the 1985 Dream Glow Barbie.

“Immediately I knew I had to get both of them. I’ve never collected Barbies so it was very exciting for me to find two vintage Barbies out in the wild, especially considering how amazing their condition is. I believe they were owned by a collector, the hair is untouched, it’s very clear a child did not play with these dolls,” Cole told Newsweek.

Both dolls were priced at $7 each—$14 in total—an astonishing deal for two collectible dolls often resold for many times that amount.

“I’m still shocked about that price, especially considering the way thrift stores like to price higher value items,” Cole said.

“Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie is apparently beloved and she has a wide-ranging price point, from $40 to $400. Dream Glow Barbie ranges from $20 unboxed to $200 NIB [new in box]. I really found two sought-after Barbies for less than $20, I still can’t believe that.”

“Thank you whoever you are who priced those dolls! It’s inspired me to start a Barbie collection. I really love the special big-dress Barbies, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to find more the same way I found these two, because it was such an exciting experience for me.”

Cole added that the find helped reignite their passion for collecting toys, as a lover of Littlest Pet Shop. The thrifter was close to bagging some more when another shopper picked them up before her.

“I was really sulking about it for a while, and this reignited my spark. I’m even more inspired to keep searching—who knows what I’m going to find at this rate!!,” she said.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact

Created in 1959 by Ruth Handler and launched by Mattel, Barbie has long held a significant place in American pop culture.

Over the decades, she has been sold in countless versions reflecting changing trends and ideals.

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, Barbie was not just a toy but a mirror of societal expectations, sparking both admiration and criticism for the way she represented femininity.

Barbie dolls have evolved through various looks and roles, including astronaut, doctor, presidential candidate, and more, giving collectors a diverse range of themes and aesthetics to explore.

The Dream Glow and Peaches ‘n Cream Barbies

The Dream Glow Barbie, released in 1985, is especially beloved for her unique glow-in-the-dark dress. The Barbiepedia entry explains that her pink ballgown featured star and dot motifs that lit up in the dark, along with a glow-in-the-dark parasol—making her a standout in any collection.

The Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie, introduced in 1984, is considered one of the most iconic Barbies ever produced. According to Barbiepedia, she wore a peach-colored evening gown with a sheer stole and glittery belt. With her elegant updo and subtle makeup, she epitomized 1980s glamour.

Reddit Reacts: A Wave of Nostalgia

The discovery sparked emotional reactions when Cole shared it on Reddit. Many users reminisced about their own childhood Barbies, particularly Peaches ‘n Cream.

“We were dirt poor, and I didn’t often get fancy toys, so when I got that Peaches & Cream Barbie she and I became inseparable. As soon as I saw this photo I recognized her and a little spark in me lit up,” wrote one user. “My mom sewed clothes for her from scraps, and I sometimes made my own out of toilet paper and leaves. I was actually pretty content with the whole situation because I didn’t know any better at the time.”

“Peaches and Cream was my favorite one!” another user added.

Others shared memories of Dream Glow Barbie. “Dream Glow was my faaaavvvorite Barbie! I remember spending time with her in the powder room because it was the only room with no windows, to see her dress & parasol light up,” wrote another.

“They are in the most amazing condition! Now you have to find the one with the dress that had a heart-shaped velvet red top and skirt with tiny red hearts all over it and the one with the shimmery opaque crinkly dress! So many memories!” someone else said.

“Wow an 80s dream team!” added another viewer.

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