Ruth Handler voluptuous figure. While the Handler family was vacationing in Europe, Ruth Handler saw the German Bild Lilli doll (which was not a children's toy, but rather an adult gag gift) in a Swiss shop and brought it home. The Lilli doll was a representation of the same concept Ruth had been trying to sell to other Mattel executives. Once home, she reworked the design of the doll and named her Barbie after the Handlers' daughter, Barbara. Barbie debuted at the New York toy fair on March 9, 1959, but was not an immediate success. When Disney introduced The Mickey Mouse
Cyclops (toy company) Toy of the Year and Wheel Toy of the Year awards. In the 1970s that company was facing bankruptcy and was taken over by another British company. In the late 1980s the toys were being manufactured offshore, but it was returned to Australian ownership when purchased by Hunter Toyline Pty Ltd (Now Hunter Leisure Pty Ltd) in 1992. Cyclops Toys were a major part of Australian childhood. Although the original style of toy is no longer available their appeal has continued as they are viewed as Australian icons and for many bring back memories of childhood. Groups such as Pedalmania