Skipper Highlight Reel: Skipper Tea Sets

When Barbie was new and still growing into the brand it has become, they released some pretty awesome licensed merchandise. Some of those early products were tea sets. Between 1963 and 1967, Mattel released a number of Skipper themed tea sets. These tea sets included branded plates, along with generic accessories.

There’s no way to tell which specific sets my plates came from, as they used them across the board in some cases. My collection includes 5 small plates featuring Skipper’s face and 4 large plates with Skipper in her School Days outfit (possibly).  Barbie and Ken can be seen in the background of the plates.

One interesting thing to note is that while the design is the same for the plates, they don’t look identical.  Some are painted much heavier than others.  Were they in different sets?  I couldn’t tell you, since none of these were packaged mint in box.

Finding plates like these is easier said than done.  Their thin plastic makes them very fragile if stored improperly.  One of mine has a crack running through it, so I am always very careful with where these are displayed.

Do you own any of the vintage Barbie and friends tea sets?  Why do you think the paint differs plate to plate? Share your thoughts below.