Monster High causes the fall of Barbi-lon

I am torn typing this since I grew up with America's fav blonde bombshell doll, but alas the time has come to face the truth after 54 years the queen of Barbi-lon must bow to others. I am sure Cleo and Nefera will be thrilled that the De Nile of Barbie has come to an end.

So let's get to the all of the freaky facts on this subject.

Barbie sales are still tumbling.

Barbie dolls are losing favor with kids. 

Sales of Mattel's signature doll dropped a whopping 21% last quarter, reports Matt Townsend at Bloomberg News. Revenue has declined more than 10% for the last four quarters. 

Mattel executives highlighted a few reasons that the iconic dolls are declining in popularity in an earnings call with investors. 

They also hinted at the future of Barbie, which CEO Bryan Stockton said is "still the number one dollar brand in the world" thanks to an empire of books, movies, clothing, and games. 

Here's why fewer girls are buying the dolls. 

1. Kids are spending more on tech.

The popularity of tablets, smartphones, and games is taking market share from Barbie dolls, Townsend writes. As kids increasingly spend their allowances on technology, plastic dolls aren't as exciting. 

To deal with this shift, Mattel has been offering a variety of Barbie apps, computer games, and movies.

The brand also sells a Barbie digital "makeover mirror" which allows girls to apply make-up to a Barbie doll's face.  

Kohl'sBarbie's makeover mirror.

2. Girls want edgier toys.

Monter High dolls are "cannibalizing" Barbie sales as girls opt for the edgier toys, company executives said last year. 

Mattel created Monster High in 2010, and sales have been skyrocketing ever since they hit shelves.

The dolls are inspired by famous monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, Medusa, and Frankenstein's monster, and retail for around $20 each (compared with around $10 for Barbie). 

Monster High is "all about celebrating your differences," company execs said on the call, adding that the franchise appeals to both younger and older girls. 

ReutersMonster High dolls are taking market share from Barbie.

Toys R 

Barbie wouldn't last a day at Monster High.

The latest fashion dolls from Mattel Inc. are a dramatic departure from the toy maker's most recognizable blond: As the offspring of famous monsters, the new Monster High girls are fearless, occasionally furry and a bit freaky.

There's Draculaura, daughter of Dracula, who is vegan and faints at the sight of blood. Her best friend Clawdeen Wolf, whose father is Werewolf, spends much of her time plucking and shaving her excessive, fast-growing hair. And classmate Frankie Stein, who sports stitches just like dad Frankenstein, loves to shop for "scary cute clothes that are absolutely to die for."

"They're fun characters to build a world around," said Tim Kilpin, general manager for Mattel Brands. "Who doesn't feel like a freak in high school? It started with that universal truth."

Party City Monster High Honey Swamp Costume Review

Party City Monster High Honey Swamp Costume Review

First, let me say this costume is very comfortable and great quality! The wig was suprisingly clawsome and is exactly like our favorite swamp-diva, Honey Swamp! The feathers do tickle a bit but thankfully Party City has a brilliant design team that thought of tights to cap off this killer design! It is very true to size so for our curvy ghouls make sure you try it on first, which Party city is happy to let you do in the 1000's of stores nationwide.

What do we get?

The Monster High Honey Swamp Child Costume from Party City comes 

Girls Deluxe Honey Swamp Costume includes:

• Dress
• Wig
• Hat headband
• Belt
• Footless tights

Officially licensed © Mattel Monster High ™ costume.

Is It Fun?

For Monster High fans looking to dress up as their favorite fashion-forward swamptastic ghoul, this costume is well-suited for both Halloween and everyday dress-up.

Who It’s For?

The Monster High line of Children's Costumes are for ages 6 and up.

Maybe Honey Swamp isn't for you? Well here are some of our other personal favs from our friends at Party City

Skelita Calveras

If the name Party City sounds familiar, chances are you’ve come across it before. That’s because Party City is the country’s largest specialty party goods chain, with more than 600 company-owned and franchise stores located throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The company’s online party goods store is an extension of all the great offerings found in the brick-and-mortar stores.

Cleo De Nile

Although its competitors may specialize in birthdays or themed parties, Party City is the place to shop when it comes to everything Halloween. The site has tons of costumes and accessories and all the supplies you’ll need to throw a spooky, spectacular Halloween party. A few of our favorite items include tombstones, skeletons and life-size cutouts.

Once October 31st passes, Party City is still a great store to shop for all your other party needs. They offer basic party supplies for virtually every other holiday and celebratory occasion throughout the year. The site has an impressive collection of invitations and wedding supplies; brides-to-be will find all the accessories they need for the ceremony, reception and pre-wedding festivities.

While the site is simple to navigate and products can be found relatively easy, it lacks the extra features that many of their competitors offer, such as party-planning tips. However, one thing we liked was on the bottom of each product page is a section titled “More Ideas…” where a few other related products that you might be interested in are listed.

Ghouls Rule Draculaura

Ghouls Rule Clawdeen Wolf

Skelita 

Jinafire Long

Here are my top 3 costume tips:

1. Choose a costume that is comfortable and simple! Toddlers can't be bothered with carrying props, so stick to costumes that have everything included or aren't too complicated.

2. Dress in layers! Your child might decide when you arrive at a party that he has no desire to wear his costume any more. Don't be disappointed... be smart! Dress him in layers and make the bottom layer just as cute as the top. I love to buy skeleton pjs or cute Halloween shirts to put on under costumes so that when my kids choose to strip down (because they always do), they still look festive and cute.

3. Have low expectations and practice! Halloween is a crazy holiday for everyone and is different than the usual routine... so practice, practice, practice! Practice trick or treating around your house and practice having your child wear her costume a lot so that she becomes comfortable with it. Be flexible if your child isn't into wearing a costume. You will have plenty of years where they will LOVE dressing up... so don't worry too much if your little ones would rather forget about their costume and just have a lollipop. :)

What else would you add?

Disclosure: We received all costumes featured in this post for free from Party City. The opinions shared were not swayed by compensation/free products and are a valid representation of how we feel about the costumes. Your opinion may differ.