From the Toysit archive
Mermaid Fantasy Barbie
Explore Mermaid Fantasy Barbie’s vivid pink hair, turquoise tail and hand-operated swimming motions, then design an underwater postcard adventure.
The play at a glance
Pink hair and a turquoise tail for an undersea story
Long pink hair sweeps past a turquoise tail, and pale ribbons trail from the mermaid’s arms. A small crown and a star at her top give Mermaid Fantasy Barbie a royal finish. Her head, arms and tail can move through player-operated controls, helping turn a greeting, a dive or an underwater procession into a little acted scene.
The player gives the mermaid her motion
The 56759 guide shows a fitted tail fin that turns gently within the illustrated range. Squeezing the sides of the hips bends the tail at the knees; the player can also bend that joint by hand. A lever on the back moves the head and arms, with several starting arm poses to choose from.
Those actions can become parts of an imagined swim. A raised arm might greet a passing turtle, a turn of the head could follow a shimmering fish and a bent tail could mark the start of a dive. The player holds and guides the doll through the scene.
For water play, use adult supervision and a water-friendly surface. The guide calls for draining, rinsing, cleaning and thoroughly drying the pieces before storage.
Prepare for a visit beneath the sea
The original set includes a comb, crown and pretend mirror. Arranging the hair and crown can begin a story about a visit to another underwater home. The small accessories give the character a quiet preparation scene before the journey starts.
Imagine an invitation from a friend who lives beyond a shell arch. The mermaid might pass a waving seaweed garden, pause at a pebble courtyard and arrive carrying news from the surface. A player can draw those places on paper and let another character choose the most interesting stop.
Send an underwater postcard
- Draw an imaginary underwater place on the front of a card.
- On the back, sketch a route through three named landmarks.
- Choose a doll or paper mermaid to make the trip.
- Act out a greeting, a discovery and an arrival along the route.
- Write or tell a short postcard message describing the best moment.
This original Toysit activity works entirely on a tabletop. Exchange cards with another player and let each mermaid visit the other’s invented world.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original toy description and broader play discussion are preserved below as historical coverage.
Mermaid doll.
Barbie doll is a beautiful, magical mermaid who can really swim under the sea. This enchanted princess of the sea has long, colorful hair and a sparkly tail that can really move. Her arms can move, too, with just the push of a button, so Barbie can really swim. Girls can brush Barbie doll's hair with her sparkly comb and place the princess crown on her head. Comes with a crown, comb and mirror.
Mermaid dolls open up a world of undersea adventure and imaginative storytelling, capturing the hearts of children everywhere. With their colorful tails, flowing hair, and enchanting accessories like seashells and underwater castles, these dolls offer a magical departure from everyday play. Children can dive deep into their imaginations, recreating stories of underwater kingdoms, oceanic quests, and friendships with sea creatures. The dolls often feature movable joints and transforming tails, adding an extra layer of playability and excitement. The fantastical aspect of mermaids taps into themes of freedom, exploration, and a fascination with the unknown, letting kids stretch their creativity and sense of wonder. Whether swimming through imaginary oceans, hosting undersea parties, or embarking on daring quests, mermaid dolls provide endless possibilities for imaginative play, making them a beloved choice for kids—and those young at heart— who are drawn to the allure of life under the sea.
Sources and editorial notes
Mattel’s 56759 record, manufacturer family image and both illustrated instruction pages were reviewed. Original package front, back and identifier-panel photographs confirm the pink-haired, turquoise-tailed Barbie 56759; the back separately names Christie and Kayla. The profile describes the guide’s hand-operated movement. The earlier source’s broad swimming language remains in historical coverage. The postcard activity is original; no physical testing was performed.
- Mattel Mermaid Fantasy 56759 record — Manufacturer product identity and accessory description.
- Mermaid Fantasy instructions (PDF) — Both pages reviewed: fin, hip squeeze, back lever, posing and water-play care.
- Original Mermaid Fantasy package back — Mattel packaging photographed by We-R-Toys; names the three characters and illustrates player-guided movement.
- Original Toysit coverage — Original mermaid portrait and earlier description preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.