Blythe dolls first appeared in1972 by toy designer Allison Katzman. They had oversized heads and large eyes and a pull string to change their eye colour. Unfortunately children found them frightening so production stopped after just one year. The doll remained forgotten for decades until in 1997 when TV producer Gina Garan received a 1972 Blythe. She used the doll in her photography and published her photos in a book called "This is Blythe" in 2000. This exposure sparked a massive subculture and Hasbro passed the licensing rights to Japanese toy company Takara who began producing Neo Blythe dolls in 2001.

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Blythe dolls are surging in popularity today due to internet culture and customization. Social media platforms showcase the dolls to millions so they have evolved from mass-produced toys into high-end collector items for adults. Customisation drives this modern boom and artists buy factory dolls to completely redesign them. They carve the lips, change the makeup, install realistic glass eyes, and add premium wigs. These unique, customized dolls sell for hundreds or thousands of pounds. The fashion community also fuels their popularity as Blythe dolls act as miniature style models. Crafters create intricate, trendy clothing lines specifically for them. Their neutral facial expressions allow them to adopt various moods and aesthetics, from gothic to vintage. Ultimately, Blythe dolls thrive because they offer a creative outlet. They combine nostalgia, high fashion, photography, and fine art into a single hobby.