These 40 Heartfelt Dolls Look Just Like Their Kids—And They’re Making The Internet Ugly Cry (In A Good Way)
Sure, life throws curveballs—deadlines, broken zippers, and group chats that could’ve been emails. But then someone like Amy Jandrisevits shows up and reminds us what genuine goodness looks like—stitched with love, shaped like hope, and sporting tiny prosthetic limbs or hearing aids.
From her Instagram account @a_doll_like_me, Amy crafts personalized look-alike dolls for children with disabilities, medical conditions, and visible differences—because every kid deserves to see a version of themselves that’s cute, cuddly, and celebrated.
This article features 40 of the most touching and adorable photos of her creations—dolls with scars, feeding tubes, vitiligo patches, limb differences, and more—all lovingly designed to match the beautiful uniqueness of the children who receive them. These are not just toys; they’re tangible hugs for kids who’ve long needed someone to say: “Hey, you belong.”
#1. “I am honored…”
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#2. She is an absolute angel. You can follow her story (and she even has a book!)
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#3. She’s adorable 💖💗💕
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#4. These aren’t “just dolls”. They represent each of the kids you see them with, and each one is as unique as its owner. Every doll tells a story of someone pretty amazing.
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#5. Years ago, I had a conversation with a friend of ours about a doll that I noticed on her kitchen counter. Cloria said that she was talking to her co-workers about things that they always wished for, as children, but never received. Cloria wanted a Black doll-one that looked like her, but she never got one.
Until adulthood, that is. Her co-worker decided that she should have one – the one that sat in her kitchen. It was valuable to her, even as an adult.
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#6. “Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.” -Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes)
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#7. “When I asked Brooklyn’s mom if I could share her picture, her answer made my heart ache a bit. “I don’t mind at all….I just want people to see her skin as beautiful as I do.””
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#8. “One of reasons for creating A Doll Like Me was so that kids could see themselves in a human likeness. We really underestimate how important that is”
“particularly when we realize that so many kids don’t see themselves in any of the places that matter. I mean, shouldn’t kids look into the face of a doll and be able to see their own? That is why I am thrilled when I hear that dolls accompany their kids to appointments and hospitalizations.”
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#9. This is wonderful. A beautiful doll for a beautiful boy. Joyful.
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#10. “Shouldn’t dolls look like the kids that play with them? (I think so, too❤)”
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#11. “She is, without a doubt, a work of art ♥️ and I was lucky enough to make a doll for her.”
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#12. “I know JUST what your week needs. A little bit of sunshine. Well, here ya go!”
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#13. “A picture is worth a thousand words. (Photo shows a little girl in a ballerina costume sitting in a chair, holding a doll that looks like her. The little girl is wearing a crown and an eyepatch and so is her doll!)”
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#14. “There are a couple things about sweet Aiylah that struck me. First…she always takes a doll to the hospital and office visits. I saw that in the pictures that her family sent to me. Second… she has always wanted a doll that looks like her.”
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#15. “I believe that even little ones can leave a lasting legacy. The passing of this sweet angel this month hit me hard. I don’t often make dolls for babies but sometimes I make exceptions when I know that their time on this earth might be way too short. Harriet’s time here was way too short. Harriet could take your breath away. Her sweet face found its way into many publications – one of the most appropriate was an art publication. Harriet is a work of art.”
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#16. “She is absolutely adorable 💕. Seeing yourself is so important!!”
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#17. “Sweet little Aaron ended up in the hospital again….and has a few more days until he’s back in for more surgery. What these little guys go through is unimaginable and it makes me grateful for all of the people who help in so many ways. Nurses, social workers, doctors, teachers, caretakers….❤️”
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#18. “The other day, someone seemed surprised to learn that I also make dolls for boys. I contend that I was MORE surprised to be asked that question. Close to half of the doll requests are for little boys! When I say that everyone deserves to see their sweet face in the face of a doll, I mean everyone! There are so many benefits – not to mention how validating it is to know that YOU are a work of art.”
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#19. “This sweet baby has seen more than her share of horrors – bombings, violence, a fire, unfamiliar places, countless hospital visits.”
“I have looked at her photos over and over, and what I am struck by is the resilience of the human spirit. I’m going to tell you how this doll came to be. This family was taken in by a community in Germany and I was contacted by one of their sponsors…who felt that a doll like her might help in some of her adjustment and, at the very least, offer comfort.
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#20. “Dolly was specially made for Aaron to match him… scars and all. He comes with Aaron to every appointment and even comes back to the OR when I can’t go any further…Dolly is more than just a doll.” ♥️
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#21. Look at this sweet peanut 🥰
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#22. “This came up in my memories today. Absolutely stunning.”
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#23. “True story. Dolls love baseball 😉 @caseyschmitt …he’ll be ready to back you up in about 15 years?!”
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#24. “I cannot think of anything more amazing than a doll who has been loved on so much that she had the drool on her head to prove it!”
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#25. Her smile says it all!
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#26. He’s gotten so big ❤️
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#27. “Everyone deserves to see their sweet face in the face of a doll. This is one time that I am going to let the absolute beauty of this photo do the talking.”
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#28. “I deeply admire Callie (in this picture) and her mom. Jaime is an excellent writer and is the heart behind “The Princess and the Prosthetic.”
Her posts are raw, honest, thought provoking and, like this one, life-changing. This piece really spoke to me and I hope it does to you, too. If you have kids, read this with them. And consider following Jaime and Callie.”
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#29. I mean, come on. Do they come any cuter than this???
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#30. Oh my heart ! Precious ❤️❤️
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#31. “It is my absolute privilege to share the real Mia 🥰 (with permission).”
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#32. So cool!
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#33. “Most of you know that kids with cancer hold a special place in my heart. My social work career began in pediatric oncology and even back then I knew that dolls should look like the kids who love them….”
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#34. “She is easily one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen.”
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#35. What a beautiful pic!
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#36. I mean, come on. Do they come any cuter than this???
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#37. “Chloe was born at 39 weeks with CMN (Congenital Melanocytic Nevus).”
“I was worried when I first saw her, I was 23 and clueless to her skin condition. After countless doctors and a very informative dermatologist, i was assured Chloe was a happy and healthy baby. A few days later i took her home, within a week she was constantly crying and vomiting. At 1 month old she was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. She needed immediate surgery to have a vp shunt placed in her head.
Little did I know that was only the beginning. Shortly after, Chloe ended up developing Craniocynistosis from the vp shunt working too well which led to several shunt revisions, a shunt replacement, and 2 cranial expansion surgeries. During one of her MRIs, it was discovered that Chloe developed Chiari Malformation and would have to undergo a Chiari decompression surgery.
My heart sank as the surgeon explained that my now 3 year old would be having a surgery that detached her brain from her spine.
Today Chloe is beating all the odds at 8 years old, 13 surgeries behind her (March 9, 2022), 7 rare medical conditions and still making AB honor roll. Chloe is still in recovery and is in a wheelchair most of the time but over all a happy kid. She has to face life a little differently and kids her age aren’t exactly always kind. She is so strong.”
Source: a_doll_like_me
#38. “There’s something incredibly special about the sibling of a medically fragile child. Today I honor the brothers and sisters who undoubtedly experience a myriad of emotions…but at the end of the day know more about inclusion, sacrifice, love, and strength than anyone else”
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#39. “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” (Albert Einstein)
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#40. “This week the dolls decided to appear in three separate articles around the world! Japan, France, and Germany. It goes to show you that representation matters no matter who you are and where you live.”
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Let’s be honest: this collection might just be the emotional reset button you didn’t know you needed. From giggling kids hugging their look-alike dolls to parents crying happy tears in the background, the joy in these moments is pure magic. Amy’s work reminds us that representation isn’t just important—it’s powerful. Sometimes it even has pigtails or a cape.
Which doll stole your heart? Have you ever received or gifted something so personalized it left a lump in your throat? Drop your favorite photo from this post or share your own story in the comments—we’d love to hear how kindness made its way into your world. 💕
