by S.A. Lake

Created on: August 09, 2008   Last Updated: August 14, 2008

Dollhouses: A Buying Guide

We have created a buying guide to dollhouses to offer tips and advice on choosing the perfect dollhouse for birthday, Christmas and general gifts. Dollhouses are loved by boys and girls, young and old alike.

Children's dollhouses:
Which dollhouse you buy for the little boy or girl in you life will depend greatly upon the child's age. Consider whether the dollhouse will be just another toy or if it will be a future family heirloom. Plastic children's dollhouses usually come pre-assembled or partially assembled, making them more convenient than the classic wooden dollhouse. They are available in both furnished and unfurnished styles and a wide selection of dolls and doll furniture is available to accessorize them.

For children ages two to seven years old:
* constructed of plastic
* does not have small accessories (which may pose a choking hazard)
* small and lightweight

There are many options available for this age range, such as:
* Barbie 3 Story Dream House
* KidKraft Interactive Dollhouse
* Fisher-Price Dora's New Dollhouse

Collector's Dollhouses
Children ages eight years old and up may enjoy a classic wooden dollhouse. They are more expensive than plastic toy houses and generally take up more space. Classic collector's dollhouses are typically constructed from wood and are available partially assembled, pre-assembled, and also as kits. Collector's dollhouses come in a wide variety or designs such as Victorian, Tudor, and Georgian to name a few. Unlike children's dollhouses, most collectors' dollhouses come unassembled and unfurnished. However, there is a vast array of dolls and doll furniture available for them.

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