# Kids as Toys Surprisingly, the Life Like Doll is Actually Alive By Ryan Hinkson | Published 2010-03-12 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-as-toys References: [halohalo.ph](http://halohalo.ph/?p=32355) This one truly freaks me out. This [little girl from China](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-doll) looks so much like a doll that part of me still doesn’t believe she actually is a real person. The pictures suggest that this kid spends a lot of time masquerading as a toy. Her resemblance to a [porcelain or plastic play thing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fantasythemed-dolls) is uncanny and unnerving as well. So much so that I wouldn’t be surprised if a crazed parent frantically shopping for a [last minute birthday gift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-real-baby) for their own daughter wouldn’t grab her by accident if she was standing still in her local mall’s toy section. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Child Look-alike Dolls:** Advancements in technology and 3D printing could enable consumers to create personalized and lifelike dolls resembling their children or loved ones. - **Virtual and Augmented Reality Toys:** The use of VR and AR technology could transform the toy industry, providing immersive, interactive and educationally driven toys for children. - **Gender-neutral Toy Design:** The demand for gender-neutral toys is growing, and toymakers will have to focus on creating unisex and inclusive designs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers could use advancements in technology to create personalized and innovative toys, including child look-alike dolls. - **Technology and Gaming:** The use of VR and AR technology could create opportunities for companies to develop interactive, educational, and entertainment-based toys. - **Retail:** Retailers will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and demand for more inclusive and personalized toys, including gender-neutral designs and virtual reality experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mesmerizing Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-eyes.md) - [Paranormal Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annabelle-doll.md) - [Authentic Asian-American Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-jilly-doll.md) - [Creepy Severed Hand Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wednesday-thing.md) - [Emotional Well-Being Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartfuls.md) - [Collectable Sculptural Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inedible-doll.md) - [Metaverse Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-avastars.md) - [Timber Tech-Packed Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenage-engineering-wooden-dolls.md) - [Sensorial Anime Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bedhedz.md)