Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin
The best dollhouses are durable, attractive and safe, but more importantly, they expand children’s imaginations during playtime.
“Dollhouses are a must in the playroom,” says Carol Kim, licensed family and play therapist. “They help children explore fantasies, process their emotions and make sense of their situation…a dollhouse gives them a medium to tell their story.”
These diminutive dwellings are big on fun, too. Our top pick, the Hape All Seasons Dollhouse, is effortlessly engaging, highly interactive and features an open layout that’s ideal for dollhouse play.
The best dollhouses expand children’s imaginations during play sessions, but are also durable, attractive and safe.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Dollhouse play also affords children the rare opportunity to be in command of an environment that’s capable of teaching them invaluable lessons. “Imaginative play is crucial for a child’s development,” Kim continues. “It helps with creativity and allows children to practice looking at things from other people’s perspectives. This type of play helps develop empathy, problem solving, emotional regulation, and increases language and social skills.”
We chose the best dollhouses with all of these attributes named above in mind, focusing on clever design, ease of use and the opportunity for creative expression.
Best Dollhouse Overall: Hape All Seasons Dollhouse
Best Portable Dollhouse: Melissa & Doug Fold And Go Wooden Dollhouse
Best Value Dollhouse: Ikea Flisat Dollhouse Wall Shelf
Best Wooden Dollhouse: Barrington Dollhouse
Best Quality Dollhouse: Tender Leaf Toys Dovetail House
Best Barbie Dollhouse: Barbie Dreamhouse
Best Dollhouse With Customizable Layout: Little Tikes Stack ‘N Style Dollhouse
Best Dollhouse For Toddlers: Fisher-Price Little People Play House
Best Dollhouse For Boys Or Any Aspiring Hero: Kidkraft Everyday Heroes Playset
Best Dollhouse With An Open Layout: Kidkraft So Chic Wood Dollhouse
Best Dollhouse For Animal Lovers: Calico Critters Red Roof Country Home
Best Handmade Dollhouse: Handcrafted Cherry Wood Dollhouse
Best Dollhouse Overall
The Ultimate Dollhouse For Creative Play
Hape Hape All Seasons Dollhouse
Dimensions: 23.6 x 11.8 x 28.9 inches | Material: Solid wood | Recommended age: 3+ | Accessories included: Yes
Pros:
- Open layout for flexible play
- Spacious enough for siblings and friends to join in
- Gender-neutral design
- Realistic wooden furniture included
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviewers complain of a wobbly balcony
This vibrant villa has plenty of room for multiple kids to engage in parallel and cooperative play. The three stories include six rooms complete with furniture, and kids can navigate their dolls through the various rooms with ease.
…
