No Knock Offs!
- Jacqueline Hall
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
Counterfeiting in the reborn doll community is a serious and growing issue that impacts artists, sculptors, collectors, and the integrity of the art form. Here's a detailed look at what it is, how it happens, and why it's harmful
What Is Counterfeiting in the Reborn Doll World?
Counterfeiting refers to the unauthorised reproduction and sale of sculpted reborn doll kits without permission from the original sculptor or manufacturer. These fake kits are often mass-produced, usually overseas, and sold at a fraction of the original price—typically on large online marketplaces like eBay, AliExpress, Amazon, or social media shops. They’re sometimes called: Knockoff kits, Dupes or Fake sculpts.
These counterfeit kits are made by illegally copying a real sculpt (often using a mould made from an authentic doll) and then producing them in bulk using inferior materials.
How Counterfeit Reborn Kits Harm the Community
1. It hurts the Original Sculptors;
Reborn sculptors spend months creating original baby sculpts, often using 3D scans or clay,
Counterfeiting:
Steals their intellectual property
Takes away income they rely on
Discourages artists from creating new work
When counterfeit kits are purchased, the sculptor receives no compensation, despite the design being theirs.
2. Devalues the Art,
Reborns are handmade art pieces, not mass-produced toys.
Knockoffs: Undermine the integrity and value of reborn artistry, Lead to a flood of cheap, low-quality dolls that confuse buyers and Cause collectors to question the authenticity of reborns.
This damages the reputation of the entire community, especially for legitimate artists.
3. Lowers Quality and Safety
Counterfeit kits are usually made with inferior vinyl or silicone that:
May have toxic materials or odours,
Can be poorly shaped, shiny, or warped,
Might not be safe for children
These fakes can lead to disappointment or health concerns for customers expecting the quality of an authentic reborn.
4. Confuses and Misleads New Buyers
New collectors or parents buying their first doll may not realise they’re purchasing a fake.
These knockoffs are often marketed using stolen photos of authentic dolls, which is misleading and unethical. It leads to:
Scams and lost money
Frustration with the entire hobby
Fewer sales for real artists
How to Spot a Counterfeit Reborn Kit
Too-good-to-be-true prices (ex: £50 for a kit that usually sells for £120+)
Listings that don’t name the sculpt or artist
Vague product descriptions or stolen images
Sellers with no presence in the reborn community
"Reborn dolls" that come fully painted for cheap—real reborns are usually £300+
How to Protect Yourself and Support the Community
Buy from trusted dealers like:
Or directly from sculptors like:
Or reborn artists such as myself who only support authentic kits.
Always research the kit before buying and support original sculptors and artists by purchasing authentic kits and spreading awareness. -
The Reborn Anti-Counterfeit Movement
Many artists and collectors are now:
Sharing lists of counterfeit-friendly websites to avoid
Creating social media campaigns and groups to educate the public
Sculptors are marking their work with COAs (Certificates of Authenticity) and secure packaging
Artists watermark their photos to prevent image theft.
In short, counterfeiting not only steals from artists—it threatens the future of the reborn doll hobby. Buying authentic kits helps preserve the integrity, quality, and beauty of this unique art form.
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