Introduced in 1969 as Barbie's new Mod-era best friend, P.J. brought a fresh, groovy style to the doll line while Midge quietly stepped into the background.
As a little girl, P.J. was my favorite Barbie friend. I especially loved Malibu P.J. with her adorable beaded pigtails and lavender swimsuit. P.J. always seemed so sweet and fun, and she's still one of my favorite dolls to this day.
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1969 New 'N Groovy Talking P.J. was the first P.J. doll. She wears a pretty pink and orange floral dress and used the familiar Midge face sculpt, but everything else about her felt fresh and fashionable. Her long blonde pigtails were tied with colorful beaded bands, and her brown doe eyes, blue eye shadow and long rooted lashes gave her a sweet, unmistakably Mod look.
Pull the string on the back of her neck and she'd say fun phrases like, "Oh, you're the grooviest!" and "Help me get ready for my date!" Finding a Talking P.J. that still speaks today is a real thrill for collectors. Mattel also produced Talking versions of Barbie, Christie, and Ken.
1969 New 'n Groovy Talking P.J.
1970 Twist n' Turn P.J.
The following year, P.J. received the popular Twist 'n Turn body and appeared in a cute pink swimsuit. Like the other Twist 'n Turn dolls, she could pose more naturally, making her a favorite for play and photography.
1970 Twist 'n Turn P.J. came in a pink swimsuit
1971 Live Action P.J.
The third P.J. doll, Live Action P.J., was truly movin' and groovin'! Using her special Touch 'N Go stand, she danced with just the touch of a button. Her box proudly proclaimed:
- "I dance to your favorite music!"
- "I dance more than ever before!"
- "Start the action—touch my Touch 'N Go stand!"
- "There's lots I do—just like you!"
It's one of the most fun and imaginative dolls Mattel produced during the Mod era. You can read more about her in my blog post about the Live Action crew including Barbie, Christie and Ken!
1971 Live Action P.J. on Stage
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1972 Sun Set Malibu P.J.
The final Mod-era P.J. arrived in 1972 as Sun Set Malibu P.J. She debuted the beautiful Steffie face sculpt and wore a fabulous lavender one-piece swimsuit. She joined Malibu Barbie, Malibu Ken, Malibu Francie and Malibu Skipper as part of Mattel's sun-loving beach crew. Malibu Christie completed the group the following year in 1973.
I had the whole crew as a kid!
1974 Free Movin' P.J.
1974 Free Movin' P.J.
Introduced in 1974, Free Movin' P.J. brought a new level of poseability. She featured bendable elbows, wrists, knees and ankles, making it easy to create realistic, lifelike poses than earlier dolls.
She came with sports-themed accessories like a tennis racket and golf club that her hands could hold.
Collector's Tip: Check the elbows, wrists, knees and ankles carefully before purchasing. The articulated joints are more delicate than earlier Barbie bodies and are prone to looseness or breakage after decades of play. My Free Movin' P.J.'s legs are about to fall off!
Other P.J. dolls in the 70s and 80s
Mattel introduced Gold Medal Olympic Gymnast P.J. in 1974 to commemorate the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany.
Deluxe Quick Curl P.J. debuted in 1975. You can read more about the Quick Curl line in my blog post here: modbarbies.com/p/1973-1978-quick-curl-barbie-family-and-friends. In 1997, there was a Dream Date P.J. during the SuperStar Barbie era.
1974 Gold Medal Olympic Gymnast P.J.
1977 Dream Date P.J.
1978 Fashion Photo P.J.
P.J. dazzled from the disco to the photoshoot! With her classic twisting waist and bendable legs, she is ready to strike a pose. Slay, girl!
1978 Fashion Photo P.J.
1981 brought Sun Lovin' Malibu P.J., 1982 debuted Sunsational Malibu P.J. and in 1983, there was Sun Gold Malibu P.J. The last P.J. produced was 1983 Sweet Roses P.J.
Sharing Barbie's Wardrobe
One of the great things about collecting P.J. is that she wears the same fashions as Barbie, so the two friends could easily share closets. Interestingly, the only clothing that actually carries a P.J. label is found on her swimsuits and in her two gift sets.
Mattel has said that the initials P.J. don't stand for anything—they're simply her name. I have to admit, I've never completely bought that explanation! I like to imagine her full name is Penny Jane. What do you think P.J. stands for? I'd love to hear your guesses in the comments!
Approximate Values: However, I feel a doll is worth what someone is willing to pay for her! Or, go to eBay, search for the doll you like, then in the left column choose "Sold" and you can find out what recent dolls sold for.
- 1969 Talking P.J. #1113 NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $125 - $175
- 1970 Twist ’n Turn P.J. #1118 NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $125 - $175
- 1971 Live Action P.J. #1156 (without stage) NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $75 - $125
- 1971 Live Action P.J. On Stage #1153 (with stage) NRFB $300 - $375, Mint No Box $150 - $225
- 1972 The Sunset Malibu P.J. #1187 NRFB $225 - $300, Mint No Box $75 - $125
- 1970 P.J. doll in Swingin’ in Silver Gift Set - Sears Exclusive #1588 NRFB $1,500 - $1,750, Mint/Complete $275 - $350
- 1971 - 1972 Live Action P.J., Fashion ‘N Motion Gift Set - Sears Exclusive #1508 NRFB $850 - $1,100, Mint/Complete $200 - $250
Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
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