Best Dollhouses
Best Dollhouses
Watch your child create new worlds of make believe with this classic toy.
There’s so much more to a dollhouse than adorable pretend people and charming decor (yep, even the toilet is cute). These humble abodes of all shapes and sizes inspire imagination, storytelling and hands-on role-playing.
Kids will learn to navigate sharing and cooperation (without even realizing they’re learning valuable life skills!). Creating new scenarios also helps with language development—soon enough your four-year-old will be asking for a veranda and porch swing. You’ll probably see them imitating their own lives as they put the kids to bed, have a family dinner or throw a birthday party. Aside from all this brain-building, there are lots of physical benefits, too, like the development of fine motor skills, coordination and balance. Whether in solo or group play, there’s always something new to dream up and bring to life in a dollhouse.
Keep in mind: most dollhouses are recommended for kids ages three and up due to some small accessories being choking hazards.
These are our favorite picks:
The DIY House
Cool (affordable!) furniture, endless storage solutions, a Swedish meatball snack while shopping. There are a million things to love about IKEA. Go ahead and add the FLISAT dollhouse to the list. Consider this four-room wooden abode a canvas for your kiddo’s imagination. Aside from being the perfect backdrop to a doll family’s world, it can be hung on the wall as a shelf for books and knick-knacks. As with any IKEA product, there are a ton of creative DIY projects to really make this dollhouse your own. (We have a hunch you may even be more excited about decorating than your child.) Paint it, add wallpaper and artwork, a cute area rug, mount a tiny towel rack… this little world is your oyster.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3+ |
| Dimensions | 22 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 23 1/4 inches |
For the Budding Architect
Build, play, repeat. This 41-piece set gives kids the chance to build (and rebuild) a house any way they like. The modular, open-ended design fuels creativity and helps little ones work on their balancing and coordination skills. The simple, gender-neutral style makes this a great go-to for boys and girls (or those who appreciate a retro Palm Springs architectural vibe). The set comes with two dolls, featuring hand-painted faces and beanbag bodies that stand upright, as well as blocks and accessories like a grassy patio and hopscotch plank. For easy clean-up and storage, all of the pieces fit into the largest room compartment, which doubles as a toy chest.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 + |
| Dimensions | 15 x 6 x 8.5 inches |
| Includes | 41 wooden piece set and two beanbag people |
The Modern House
Did your childhood dollhouse have solar rooftop panels? Didn’t think so. The Educo All Season Dollhouse from Hape is a modern kid’s dream dwelling. The open, six-room design makes it simple for little ones to play and arrange scenes from various sides. Movable stairs and seasonal themes inspire plenty of whimsical storylines. Made with wood and eco-friendly paint, you don’t have to worry about mystery materials getting in the way of a good time. This house comes in two versions, furnished or unfurnished. Parents rave about its perfect size, sturdy build and straightforward assembly. FYI: Aside from the usual (doll) suspects, we’ve seen lots of Calico Critters make themselves right at home here.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3+ |
| Dimensions | 23.6 x 11.8 x 28.9 inches |
| Includes | 36 pieces |
The Splurge
This contemporary chalet is composed of two units, which can be organized in tons of different ways—even as separate houses (making sharing a little easier among siblings and friends). Kids can change the rooms around, move the staircases and easily reach inside from all angles. The skylights add a nice touch (even dolls need some overhead sunlight). What sets this large, sturdy dollhouse apart is that it’s made with safe, sustainable materials like rubberwood, non-formaldehyde glue, organic color and water-based dyes. It comes with modern furniture including cushioned beds and blankets, a TV stand, desk that opens, fridge, shower, toilet and more. While it has a heftier price point than most dollhouses, it’s worth the splurge.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 + |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 30.7 x 23.6 inches |
| Includes | 2 moveable staircases and 5 sets of furniture (living room, bathroom, kitchen, children’s bedroom and master bedroom) |
The Beginner House
Not sure you’re ready to go big? Start your child’s dollhouse adventures in this cute little cottage, full of charming details. The Cozy Cottage is completely assembled and ready to be play with, out of the box. The reversible floor can be used for all sorts of clever setups: a front yard, driveway, expanded first floor or a two-story home. Although it’s small, the cottage comes with more than 15 accessories and furnishings including Bell Hopscotch Rabbit, a table and chairs, bed with sheets, kitchen setup and moveable ladder. Expand the fun by connecting the cottage to the Luxury Townhome or Brick Oven Bakery (sold separately).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 + |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 8.5 x 11.6 inches |
| Includes | Bell Hopscotch rabbit, bed and comforter set, table with chairs, kitchen counter with sink and accessories and moveable ladder |
For the Kid on the Go
Have dollhouse, will travel. For a twist on the traditional, go for this wooden, foldable castle complete with all the essentials for a royal good time. This two-story Melissa & Doug castle includes furniture, horses and palace figures. Kids especially love the working drawbridge and dungeon for adventurous pretend play. The built-in handle makes this compact castle easy to tote around from room to room, or anywhere you go. (FYI: There’s also a Princess Castle version, if a pink color scheme is a must-have.) No assembly required, which mean there’s a “happily ever after” for you, too.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 + |
| Dimensions | Castle: 10.5” x 13.5” x 7.125”; Princess Castle: 17.5 x 27 x 15.2 inches |
| Includes | Castle: 6 durable play figures, 2 thrones, bed and treasure chest; Princess Castle: 2 play figures, 2 thrones, 2 royal horses, a bed and a chest |
An Interactive Dollhouse
Great for toddlers, this Fisher-Price dollhouse has chunky dolls and pieces that are easier for little hands to hold. It opens wide for 360 degrees of interactive play, with two floors and multiple rooms. Move the two included characters around the house, and discovery buttons encourage children to do dollhouse chores through songs and sounds.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 12 mos-5 years |
| Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 5 inches |
| Includes | Two people figures, 1 dog figure, a bed, dog bowl & 2 bar stools |
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