Dollhouse - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
If your little one likes to play with dolls, a dollhouse is an absolute must. Much more than just a toy, a good dollhouse will not only provide years of entertainment, but will also help develop social skills, stimulate imaginative play and hone fine motor skills. It can even help improve vocabulary. And besides, where are her dolls supposed to live?
If you've decided to pamper your little one with her very own dollhouse, but find the dizzying array of options on the market somewhat daunting, you've come to the right place.
If you already have an idea of what you are looking for, jump directly to our favorites to select your favorite dollhouse. Need a little help? Our detailed guide will make finding the perfect dollhouse child's play.
Considerations
When choosing a dollhouse, there are a number of factors to consider. Identifying the qualities that matter most to you and your child will help you narrow down your options, bringing you one step closer to finding your “dream home.”
- Size
Dollhouses come in a wide variety of sizes. While any child would agree that bigger is better, playing in a confined space can quickly lose its appeal. Once you've established where the dollhouse will be kept, measure the designated area, and keep these numbers in mind when reviewing your options.
- Dolls Size
Unless you'll be buying dolls designed by the manufacturer to perfectly fit the dimensions of your chosen dollhouse, be sure to keep in mind the size of your child's favorite dolls. While you could probably get a slightly oversized dollhouse, one that's too small to comfortably accommodate your little one... dolls would only lead to frustration and disappointment.
- Your Child's Age
Not all dollhouses are appropriate for all ages. Although an intricately detailed dollhouse with realistic miniature furnishings and accessories can appeal to all ages, small accessories can pose a choking hazard to younger children. If you are buying a dollhouse for a young child, there are many options available that are specifically geared towards this age group. Another option is to buy a "big girl's" dollhouse and remove the smaller pieces, adding them as your child grows. This allows the dollhouse to grow with your child and is the most feasible option for parents who want to purchase a single dollhouse without the need to upgrade it later.
- Durability
Durability is determined not only by the construction materials, but also by the overall craftsmanship of the dollhouse. While traditional models consisting of solid wood generally tend to be the most durable, especially for parents hoping to pass the dollhouse down through the generations, there are also many sturdy plastic dollhouses available.
Characteristics of Dollhouses
Once you've pinpointed all the essential requirements for a dollhouse, the real fun begins. Listed below are some of our favorite Dollhouse features.
A working doorbell adds an element of fun to dollhouse play, and little ones will have so much fun helping "visitors" ring the bell.
Instant-on lights make any dollhouse feel cozier and are great for bedtime routines.
Opening windows may seem like a basic feature, but they add a nice touch that makes playtime more believable and allows little fingers to practice dexterity.
While there's no need to go overboard with extra features, opting for a dollhouse with at least a couple of the fun features mentioned above is sure to make playtime more enjoyable.