2026 Barbie® Stamps

Since 1959, Barbie® has been a symbol of limitless possibilities. Introduced as “The Original Teenage Fashion Model,” Barbie quickly evolved into much more, with an ever-expanding resume that now represents more than 250 careers and counting. For generations, Barbie has reflected growing opportunities for women, from registered nurse to astronaut, inspiring girls to dream big. 

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates Barbie and a remarkable career journey with 10 new stamp designs, each featuring Barbie dressed for one of many iconic careers. Together, the stamps pay tribute to a legacy of endless possibility, creativity, and empowerment over the span of 65-plus years. 

Mattel’s introduction of Barbie was groundbreaking. The doll represented a new vision of womanhood in the modern mid-20th century, just as a world of career possibilities was opening up for women.

Art director Ethel Kessler, who worked hand in hand with Mattel to develop the design of the stamps, marveled at the scope of career achievements. “I had no idea the breadth of the Barbie doll’s career journey. The variety is inspiring — and it has been pretty amazing to bring these stamps to life with the Mattel team,” she said. After exploring countless options, the stamps were narrowed down to the final 10, capturing the versatility of Barbie careers.

Kessler says they approached the project “with a spirit of fun,” using bright, energetic shades associated with the brand — predominantly the famous “Barbie Pink” — to evoke a feeling of joy.

To best showcase the career attire, the team selected a rarely-used stamp format, no wider than the usual vertical commemorative stamp, but a third taller. This very vertical format was last used in 2014.

The Barbie stamps are being issued as Forever® stamps. These Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.