I got my frst Barbie when I was three (I have boys so Barbies aren't an option for them as far as DH is concerned LOL!). I was a HUGE fan and by the time I was 12 I had almost every Barbie gadget under the sun plus at least 20 assorted dolls. I can say for myself that Barbie in no way made me feel inadequate, pressured to be thin or wear pink!