OPINION (MS) – Once upon a time, it would have been unthinkable to try to sell “haunted dolls” that are supposedly inhabited by real spirits in America.  But in 2019, apparently, anything goes.  Not only are thousands of such dolls for sale on Etsy and eBay, but it also turns out that they are exceedingly popular… Etsy and eBay list thousands of dolls purportedly inhabited by everything from evil witches to judgmental spirits that might call you fat to young children and fairy spirits. Most haunted dolls sell for around $50 plus shipping, but the most highly prized ones are priced well into the four figures.

There’s a formula, too, for how they’re sold: Each listing contains a detailed overview of the spirit’s life story, details of said spirit’s death, and a description of their personality. Dolls are labeled “active” or “highly active” if paranormal phenomena are said to occur frequently in their vicinity. Some are advertised as being able to move objects, make noises, or communicate via telepathy or Ouija board, while others are meant to act as creative muses, play matchmaker by revealing potential lovers in dreams, or emit positive energy. Sadly, most of the people buying these dolls have no idea what they are getting into, and many of the purchasers will end up dealing with some extremely serious consequences. READ MORE