Tag: haunted dolls

11 Tips on How to Buy a Haunted Doll

Alex Matsuo

Since acquiring Madison, I get hit with this question on a daily basis. It’s safe to say that 80% of my inboxes are asking me this question; how does one buy a haunted doll? First, I want to add a disclaimer and mention that I don’t really recommend that you buy a haunted doll. This is because if you decide to move forward with the decision, and you end up having a negative experience, I don’t want you to come back to me and say I gave you bad advice. So, no…don’t buy a haunted doll.

But if you’re insistent, I want to present to you some important tips that will make your haunted doll purchase smooth and pleasant. These are tips I’ve made up for myself as I go through the process of purchasing my second haunted doll. I also picked the brains of my friends who own multiple haunted items (and bought them intentionally).

1. Ask Yourself Why

The first thing you need to ask yourself is why you want to get a haunted doll in the first place. Is it for experimentation? Is it for research? Do you want to be entertained? Are you looking to get scared? Are you trying to get more likes and views on social media? Considering that you’re inviting someone or something in to live with you in your space, you need to work out exactly why you want to buy a haunted doll. Really look deep inside you and ask yourself if you’re ready to take on this responsibility.

2. Talk to the People You Live With

If you don’t live alone, you should talk to the people you live with before you purchase your haunted doll. Consider the fact that everyone in your household might be affected by this purchase, and you want to make sure that everyone in comfortable. You don’t want your mom, your roommate, or your significant other to be fearful of their space, even if the doll is haunted by a friendly spirit.

3. Look at Places Where You Buy Used Things

I found Madison on eBay. But I know other people have had success looking at flea markets, garage sales, Poshmark, estate sales, and even Facebook Marketplace. I have a friend who found her haunted doll from Goodwill. To be fair, she wasn’t looking for a haunted doll. She likes to collect vintage things and is well aware that some of these objects might have some attachments. I don’t know how often people are using Craigslist these days, but it might be worth looking into. Anywhere you can find used things is a good place to start.

4. Read the Description & Ask Questions

Approach buying a haunted doll the same way you would vet a new roommate or a potential date. I know it sounds weird, but buying a haunted doll is no different from online dating. You’re looking for someone that you will get along with, and you have similar interests. Or, if you’re looking for a haunted doll that’s the complete opposite of your personality, you will want to look at the description. You’ll want to look for buzzwords like, “positive spirit” or “negative spirit” or “negative entity.” Depending on what kind of haunting you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the description. Also, ask questions to the seller and ask why they think the doll is haunted, how they know it’s haunted, etc.

5. Take Notes & Record

From the moment you decide to buy your haunted doll, start taking notes as soon as you click on “Checkout.” If you want, buy a notebook just for your haunted doll adventure. Make notes on the type of activity is in the description. From the moment your doll arrives, take notes on its condition, what it looks like, feelings you get from looking at it, and any predictions you might have about the doll.

6. Buyer Beware

It’s important to note that you might end up buying a haunted doll that actually isn’t haunted. Most haunted dolls, especially ones on eBay and online, are meant to be entertaining. You definitely have to exercise caution and be willing to take the financial risk when making your purchase. Since we can’t prove the existence of ghosts in the court of law, you’ll have a hard time taking a seller to court because they didn’t sell you a truly haunted doll. If you can’t afford the financial risk, don’t buy it.

7. Cleanse & Bless Your Space

This is especially important if you already have resident ghosts in your home. It might not be a bad idea to talk to them and let them know that a new spook is joining the household. But also, you want to make sure that your space is clear and clean before bringing in another spirit. You never know what’s already around and how your haunted doll is going to react to it.

8. Open Gently, Introduce Yourself, & Set Boundaries

Regardless of whether or not your doll is haunted, you want to set boundaries as soon as your doll arrives. When the package arrives at your door, be gentle when opening the box. Take special care in unwrapping your doll. You want to be respectful from the moment your doll is dropped off by the delivery person. Once your doll is completely unwrapped, introduce yourself. Also introduce your doll to everyone in your home, including pets. Most importantly, set boundaries. If your pets and kids are off-limits, set that boundary immediately.

9. Get Second Opinions

It’s not uncommon for people to loan their haunted doll to their friends and fellow paranormal investigators. Creators like Amanda from Pretty F’n Spooky and Cherise Williams did an experiment with a haunted doll where they sent it to each other and tried different experiments. It was really fascinating to watch. As you work with your haunted doll, consider loaning your doll to fellow researchers, mediums, etc., and see what kind of data they collect.

10. Do Your Research

This probably needs to go higher up on the list, but definitely do your research. Look into the seller, read their reviews, and see what kind of quality of products they have. Use what information you have and try to find the person that is haunting your doll. See if you can find a way to track down previous owners. It would be nice to build some sort of database. For example, have a single site and assign numbers to haunted dolls to log information so that there can be a place for people to input and read notes. Maybe someday we can make that happen.

11. Have Fun

Ultimately, you want to have a positive experience with your doll. You want to have fun and not be in a constant state of panic and fear. Once owning a haunted doll becomes a negative experience, you need to get rid of it. But don’t lie about the nature of the doll just to take it off your hands. Even if the next owner thinks you’re crazy, tell them the back story. Having a haunted doll should be a fun experience, if not a collaborative one.

Do you own a haunted doll? Do you want to buy a haunted doll? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!

Weird Things to Consider Before Buying a Haunted Doll

Alex Matsuo

When we hear about haunted dolls, visions of Annabelle immediately come to mind. It seems that all the rage right now is haunted dolls. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, having a haunted doll is the “thing” to do. I’ve read some really compelling journeys with haunted dolls, as well as fascinating videos with haunted dolls. I believe haunted dolls are great research tools and a way to study the paranormal without needing to go out for field work. In the age of COVID-19 and lockdowns, it’s an effective way to bring the paranormal home.

But there is more to buying a haunted doll than owning something spooky. I think there are things that one needs to consider before deciding to buy a haunted doll. While I haven’t owned a haunted doll myself, there is a specific reason for this. I’ve advised folks on dealing with their own haunted dolls and worked with other people with haunted dolls. Two of my favorite people on Instagram, Amanda Paulson and Cherise Williams, even conducted experiments with a haunted doll. You can check out one of the videos here.

Because I’m a skeptical believer, I must include this disclosure: There is no way to prove these considerations. This was written purely out of interviews and experiences with folks I know who own haunted dolls.

The Doll May Not Be Haunted

Depending on where you stand on the line between skeptic and believer, you may be making a risky purchase if you’re looking for a guaranteed haunted item. As you may know, we don’t have an exact science that can prove the existence of the paranormal. Therefore, “Buyer beware” resonates strongly in this area. Whether you pay $5 or $500 on a haunted object, the price is not a promise that you’re taking in a ghost.

Inviting Someone to Live with You

Okay, so let’s assume that the haunted IS indeed haunted. Have you ever had a roommate? Unless you’re in college and your roommate is assigned to you, usually you go through a process to choose your roommate. You interview people, do credit checks, and get to know the person as much as you can before they move in with you. There has to be a reassurance that there is some compatibility so that everyone who lives in the household can live in harmony. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you didn’t get to choose your roommate, then you know it’s like rolling dice. This is the situation that you will find yourself in when you purchase a haunted doll. It’s like inviting a roommate to come live with you and you don’t know whether or not you’ll get along.

It Might Not Be That Interesting

Once you have a haunted doll, it may not be haunted. Or, it might be haunted by an old woman who just wants to sit in silence. I’ve noticed a lot of people buy haunted dolls seem to want some adventure or something interesting in their lives.

Think About Your Why

You need to consider why you want to buy a haunted doll in the first place. Is it because you want to do some experiments? Are you looking for companionship? Are you simply wanting to add to your haunted collection? You need

You Have to Take Care of It

So, you have your haunted doll. Most people assume that it’s haunted child. So, let’s assume it’s a ghost child. If you have children, been a caregiver, or even just babysat kids, then you know they can be high maintenance. One of my friends who has a haunted doll treats her companion like a mother to a child. Sure, I guess you don’t have to be that intensively invested in your haunted doll as my friend. But at what cost? Is it possible that neglect might cause the spirit to feel restless and ignored? Who knows. But maintenance might be something to consider.

You Aren’t in Control

Anytime you are dealing with another person, conscious being, etc. you should understand that you’re not in control of the situation. It’s not a “master-squire” relationship where you are able to control the spirit that comes with your doll. Just like a parent isn’t in full control of their child, a friend with another friend, or a spouse with their partner, you aren’t in full control of the situation. Honestly, this is why I get skeptical of folks who say they can control the spirit in their own haunted doll. I don’t want to declare it’s not possible because this is very much a pseudoscience and nothing can be proven. But this is where my eyebrows raise.

Have a Plan

Finally, before you make your purchase, think about what your contingency plan will be. If you eventually want to part with your doll, what will you do? Will you give the doll away? Try to sell it? If you believe that the doll is causing unwanted supernatural activity, what will you do if the activity doesn’t stop once the call is gone? I don’t write this to scare anyone, but just some things to think about as you plan on making the purchase. Always have a plan.

Do you have a haunted doll? Do you want to obtain a haunted doll? What has your experience been like?

Do You Know the Creepy True Story Behind “Child’s Play”?

Alex Matsuo

Could there be anything more terrifying than a possessed doll on a murderous rampage? Well, the thought that the movies are based on a true story is enough to keep you up at night! This might be why the movie, Child’s Play (1988), became such a box office success that inspired a major franchise.

The premise was that serial killer, Charles Lee Ray, was on the run from the cops. Knowing he was about to be killed, he used a voodoo spell to transfer his soul into a doll. Yes, the subsequent sequels got a bit more ridiculous as time went on. But still, we can’t help but still get the chills at the thought that one of our dolls could be alive…and plotting our demise.

It may be even more unsettling to know that Child’s Play is based on a true story. Robert the Doll is one of the most famous haunted objects in the world, and the Child’s Play franchise is partially based on his story. What’s more, you can visit him in person if you dare!

Real-Life Andy

Andy was the poor victim that was gifted Chucky in the movie. The poor kid just wanted a doll to play with, not a homicidal maniac! Andy’s real-life counterpart, Robert Eugene Otto (called Gene), probably dealt with similar annoyances. Gene lived in Key West, Florida, and was a member of a very prominent family in the area. The Ottos very much appreciated fine art, but Gene didn’t have many friends.

Robert the Doll was a gift from Gene’s great-aunt during a trip in Germany. Apparently, the doll had been a window display. Gene named the doll after himself and loved him as his own. According to legend, it is believed that the servants face terrible abuse from Gene’s parents and placed a voodoo curse on Robert the Doll as revenge. However, there isn’t much that supports this rumor.

Gene was eight years old when he got Robert, and he was unhealthily attached to the doll. He wasn’t making friends and would spend a significant amount of time alone with Robert, much to his parents’ concern.

Robert Causes Chaos

It didn’t take long for the family to realize that something wasn’t right with Gene or with Robert. His mother, Minnie Otto, was exceptionally protective of Gene. This occurred even when Gene’s father, Thomas, insisted that he was too old to have a doll. It didn’t take long for his parents to notice weird things like footsteps running above them, and Robert being in places he shouldn’t be. But probably the most terrifying of all is that Gene was seen having a one-sided conversation with Robert. But when his parents left the room, they would hear another voice responding to Gene.

Soon, mutilated toys started showing up. Gene was blamed for the destruction, but he insisted that Robert did it. In the middle of the night, his parents would hear Gene screaming and then go into his room, where the furniture was overturned. But it wasn’t his fault…Robert did it.

Gene’s parents also heard Robert giggling. Initially, then thought it was Gene changing his voice, but it turned out that wasn’t the case.

Eliminating Competition

There was a lot of tension in the house, and Gene seemed to constantly lose himself in Robert. There would be a lot of sitting in silence, just staring at Robert, like they were psychically connecting with each other. Gene started isolating himself from the other children and eventually, from his parents, which caused them to worry. Robert was also a regular guest at the dinner table.

According to legend, when Gene’s great aunt advised his parents to get rid of the doll, his parents put Robert in a box and nailed it shut. The next morning, the great aunt was found dead. The coroner ruled that she had a stroke. Was this coincidence, or was it Robert exacting his revenge on the old woman for advising that the family get rid of him?

Fearful for Gene’s life, his parents sent him away to a boarding school for disturbed children. Robert did not go with him, and he was put away in a box for many years. Gene would eventually grow up to be a famous artist.

But Minnie claimed that she would see Robert around the house, in the shadows, and she knew that eventually, he would get her.

Into Adulthood

Gene Otto as an adult. Credit: Monroe County Library Collection

Gene grew up to be a famous artist and a well-adjusted young man. While it seemed that Gene outgrew Robert and eventually forgot about him, all of that changed when his mother died. Gene and his young wife, Ann, found themselves living in his childhood home. According to legend, before his mother died, she told Gene’s wife to never move into the house and never tell him about Robert. Well, the couple now lived in the house, and Gene eventually found Robert again.

Some sources say that Gene reverted back to his isolated behaviors and was oddly attached to Robert as a grown man. This eventually caused issues in his marriage and his wife was fearful of the doll as well. Gene placed Robert by the window so he could look outside. However, neighbors claimed that they would see Robert passing the windows and peering through the curtains outside of his normal spot. Gene eventually locked Robert away once again.

Gene passed away in 1974, and Robert was found in the attic. The family that moved into the house had a 10-year old daughter who found Robert and took an immediate liking to him. However, it didn’t take long for Robert to start causing the same chaos once again. While the new family didn’t throw him away, he was locked away once more until he was moved to a museum, with his reputation well known.

Ask Permission

Robert has been blamed for much misfortune and bad luck. If you visit Robert at the East Martello Museum, and you don’t ask for permission to take his photo, he will cause absolute chaos in your life. Littered around the walls in Robert’s area are letters begging for forgiveness for taking his photo without consent. According to legend and first-hand witnesses, Robert has caused car crashes, diseases, divorces, and even catastrophic cybersecurity compromises. That’s a lot for a little doll to accomplish!

What is Robert?

I’ve often been asked what I think Robert is. Could he be possessed by a ghost? Or is Robert something of demonic energy? Or, have all the stories and legends we’ve heard about this terrifying doll have accumulated and we’ve created that energy ourselves? It’s hard to say.

You can visit the house today where Gene Otto grew up and Robert was seen through the windows. You can even stay overnight!

What do you think? Do you think Robert the Doll is real? Or was it all the shenanigans of a michevious little boy? The world will never know.

Sources:

http://www.the13thfloor.tv/2016/03/18/did-you-know-the-movie-childs-play-is-based-on-a-real-event/

https://filmdaily.co/news/robert-the-doll/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-worlds-most-haunted-doll

5 Unbelievable Paranormal TikTok Videos That Will Terrify You

Alex Matsuo

We still have TikTok, and thousands, if not millions, of videos are posted every day. So, it’s not surprising that videos with ghosts and other creepy stuff have made it onto the platform. Whether it’s an accidental paranormal sighting, or a video that’s obviously staged, people can’t get enough paraormal videos on TikTok.

If you see a paranormal video on TikTok, feel free to tag me in the comments so I can check it out! My TikTok handle is @matsuoalex.

In this blog and video, I’m going to break down five of the most popular paranormal videos on TikTok. Because I’m a skeptic when it comes to evidence like this, yes, there will be some debunking going on. If I can’t debunk the video, I’ll go ahead and say it. Since I wasn’t there when these videos were created, I can’t debunk any of these with certainty.

As always, here’s the video version!

“Come Here” – @shnottalie

@shnattalie

I THOUGHT THIS WAS MY DOG, BUT HES OUTSIDE you can tell at the end I was 😳 #fyp #scary #ghost #whatisthat #dark #scared #dog #foryoupage #paranormal

♬ original sound – Fresa

So, this start this off, apparently this WASN’T her dog. Her dog was outside when this video was taken. If she thought it was her dog, I’m not sure what was prompting her to take a video. Maybe he looked cute hanging out at the doorway? Anyway, this is an apparent shadow shaped like her dog, and it seems to be darker than its surroundings despite the floor being somewhat illuminated. If this really isn’t her dog, then yeah, this is quite disturbing, and I’m sure she eventually freaked out.

“I Was Home Alone” – reubix_cube

@reubix_cube

reuploading bc tiktok just deleted the video. please don’t report i need answers!! you can’t see it in this video but check the original #paranormal

♬ Say So – Doja Cat

If you’re having trouble seeing what’s paranormal, focus on the stairs at the far right. Here’s the video by itself before he did a reaction video. So, this was a video that did legit give me the chills. There’s nothing more terrifying than the reality that someone may be lurking in your home along with you when you think you’re home alone. I think it is what makes this video SO disturbing! I know the anomaly is hard to see, so here’s the slow-mo version focusing on the stairs.

This guy claims he doesn’t have a pet in the home. Yet, it looks like SOMETHING was enjoying his dancing. If we take his word to heart, then yes, this is a fascinating video of something weird going on. In one of his more recent TikTok videos, he’s been seen petting a cat. So, this is either a new development or the cat has always been there.

“She’s Right There!” – sydney.carpentier

@sydney.carpentier

my friends house is extremely haunted so this happened. WATCH UNTIL THE END. #paranormal #ThatsWhatILike #myheartwhen #fyp #farmlife #foryou #haunted

♬ follow my instagram sydneycarpentier – sydney

Okay, so face filters on apps have become the bane of many skeptical ghost hunters. First, I have to say I love the, “Hey what’s up giiirrrrl.” I mean, it’s not contextual at all, but who am I to judge. I got a great laugh from it. I’ve been sent dozens of videos of this exact filter on walls. I’m quite skeptical since the filter is basically made to find a pattern that resembles a face. When it sticks its tongue out on command, yeah, that’s interesting. One of the commenters suggested that maybe it was a woman with her baby.

If this is real, all I’ll say is that I would try my best to withhold my excitement and try to keep the conversation going!

Turn On That Light…Go Ahead – brynnelisee

@brynnelisee

it’s worth waiting for <3 #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #paranormal #ghost #mom #imissyou #ThisIsBliss #ACupgrade

♬ original sound – brynn ackerman

First, I want to say I feel for this girl because she lost her mom so young. It SUCKS to lose your mom. In the video, this girl is nonchalantly straightening her hair while beckoning her mom to turn the light on. Given how well she knows this process, this may be a regular thing. She also has a circle to help direct our eyes. Now, whenever something seems too good to be true, it usually is. If I were to debunk this, I would almost want to say that since the straightener, as well as a TV, seem to be on, there may be something electrical going on that this young lady is aware of. Besides that, I got nothing.

Sleeping with a Haunted Doll – kelsiidaviess

@kelsiidaviess

You guys asked for it! 😳🥺 #haunteddoll #creepy #hauntedhouse #paranormal #ghost #lola

♬ Tiptoe Through the Tulips Type Beat – Ne Skazhu

First, I have to say that this song ALWAYS creeps me out. I don’t really see why this video became so popular because nothing happens. Cats sniff things. Cats can act weird sometimes. Also, we life our hands and arms in our sleep. Cats and people do weird things. Yes, the doll could very well be haunted, but this video is definitely NOT an example of that. If she was having nightmares, or the doll was moving by itself (when the cat is NOT on the bed), then maybe there could be something there. I must confess, I’ve always wanted to buy a haunted doll for experimental purposes.