2005 – Barbie – Festivals of the World – Chinese New Year – NRFB

Sale price: $161.00
Regular price
Regular price: $161.00
Unit price: per

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Product variants

Guaranteed safe checkout

Product Description

She Carries a Red Lai-See Envelope — Mattel Did the Research on This One

The 2005 Chinese New Year Barbie was part of the Festivals of the World sub-series within Mattel's Dolls of the World Pink Label line, designed by Katia Jimenez. She wears a silky red gown decorated with yellow flowers and a phoenix motif — the phoenix being a symbol of happiness and joy in Chinese culture — with gold hair ornaments, red tassel jewellery, and traditional braided styling. The accessory that matters is the red Lai-See envelope she holds: the customary gift of money given during the Lunar New Year, and the specific cultural detail that separates a considered doll from a costume.

The Festivals of the World entries put cultural accuracy front and centre in a way the earlier Dolls of the World series sometimes didn't, commissioning research into specific traditions rather than just national dress. The Lantern Festival detail on the packaging — children carrying lanterns after dark on the fifteenth and final night of celebrations — places this doll within a specific moment of the holiday rather than a general impression of it. Jimenez was also the designer behind the 2005 Carnaval Barbie, and the same specificity of intent is visible in both.

Manufacturer: Mattel
Country of manufacture: China
Model #: J0928

Melody Likes box condition grade: Excellent — 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
• Incorrect choice
• Minor wear consistent with age
• Buyer damage

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.