1996 – Barbie – Hallmark Be My Valentine – Sweet Valentine – NRFB

Sale price: $128.00
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Regular price: $128.00
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Product Description

The Gown Was Drawn From the 1830s — the Golden Age of Valentines, When People Made Them by Hand and February 14th Was Genuine Serious Business

Sweet Valentine Barbie is the first in Hallmark's Be My Valentine Collector Series, released in 1996. The concept starts in the 1830s — the decade the Hallmark Archive describes as the Golden Age of Valentines, when elaborately handmade paper lace cards were individually crafted, trimmed with real ribbon and dried flowers, and considered meaningful tokens of affection rather than a transaction at a rack by the checkout. The doll wears a soft pink satin ballgown with rose corsage, a wide red sash, and a pearl necklace, all drawn from a specific Hallmark archive illustration. The book-style box opens to reveal the history of the holiday and a reproduction antique Valentine card you can actually send.

Hallmark had been making Valentine's cards since 1913, which by 1996 was eighty-three years of archival material to draw from. The decision to anchor the Be My Valentine series in a specific historical moment — the 1830s rather than a general "pink ballgown for Valentine's" concept — gave it a collector credibility the more generic seasonal Barbies of the same era couldn't touch. This is the first in the series, which matters: the first entry always establishes the standard everything else gets measured against.

Manufacturer: Mattel
Country of manufacture: Malaysia
Model #: 14880

Melody Likes box condition grade: Pristine — View our box condition guide.

Delivery & Returns

🚚 Delivery Information

Orders are dispatched within 2-3 business days. Please allow additional time during: Sale events, holiday periods and large restock weeks.

We ship Monday–Thursday only.

📦 Shipping Rates

Parcels under 500g
$10 flat rate nationwide

📏 Please note: shipping cost is based on weight and parcel dimensions. Some smaller items may exceed the flat rate due to their size.

Parcels over 500g
Auckland Flat Rate: $19 | 2–3 business days
Bay of Plenty & Waikato Flat Rate: $13 | 1–3 business days

Rest of North Island from $17 | 2–3 business days
South Island from $22 | 3–5 business days

Rural Customers
An additional $5 charge is applied to all rural orders.

🔁 Returns

All items are vintage, pre-loved, or collectible unless stated otherwise. Please review all photos and descriptions carefully before purchasing.

We do not accept returns for:
• Change of mind
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• Minor wear consistent with age
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Read more about our Return and Refund Policy

Buying Vintage

Buying Vintage at Melody Likes

Every vintage piece in our shop is photographed exactly as it is — what you see in the images is what you will receive.

Our photos are part of the product description, so please take the time to review them carefully before purchasing.

All items are sold in the condition described and shown. These are real pieces with real history, and we think that's part of what makes them special.

📦 Carded & Boxed Items
Vintage packaging can show its age — you may see card yellowing, corner wear, bubble discolouration or light crushing, and sticker residue. The item inside is typically untouched. What you see is what you get.

🤖 Loose Figures & Playsets
Loose vintage figures and playsets may show paint wear, light scuffing, or minor marks from years of storage or play. Accessories are noted in the listing — if it isn't mentioned, it's not included.

🧸 Plush & Soft Toys
Vintage plush can show pile flattening, light colour fade, or gentle wear at seams and features. We note any significant issues in the listing, and our photos show the piece as it truly is.

📚 Books & Paper Goods
Paper ages beautifully — but it does age. Vintage books may show spine wear, light browning, or minor cover scuffs. Any notable marks or damage are called out in the listing description.

✨ Modern Collectibles
Modern collectibles are described with the same care and accuracy as our vintage items. As a recent release, stock or manufacturer imagery may be used in place of personal photography — this will always be noted in the listing.