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The Best Dollhouses

Last updated on August 6, 2023
Best Doll Houses

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For centuries, dollhouses have served as a fun, eye-catching form of entertainment. Although classic dollhouses were made from wood, today you can find a wide variety of designs and materials, from plastic to classic wood.

If you’re looking for a dollhouse, your first consideration should be the recommended age range. Some dollhouses are designed for toddlers, while others are meant for older children. Small pieces can be a choking hazard for younger children, so it’s important to keep an eye on them if that’s a concern for you.

Another consideration is whether the dollhouse includes miniature people. Some children are happy just to rearrange furnishings, but others will want a family to live in the house they’ve designed. Luckily, you can easily find a wide variety of miniature doll sets to plug into an existing dollhouse.

One feature that’s become popular in recent years is the open-concept dollhouse, in which the walls are absent from the exterior of the house to make it easy for kids to reach their hands inside and move people and furnishings around.

Packaging is important, too. Some dollhouses include the furnishings in moving boxes to let kids create an entire “move-in day” to celebrate the arrival of their new dollhouse. Others simply put the accessories inside the dollhouse to help kids get started playing right away.

Our Picks For The Top Dollhouses

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

TOP BRIGHT Wooden Dollhouse With Elevator

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TOP BRIGHT

Wooden Dollhouse With Elevator

If your daughter has a 4-inch doll, you'll find this dollhouse is an excellent choice. It features three different levels and even has an elevator to transport dolls between floors. Kids will love the details throughout, as well as the included balcony and 12 authentic furniture pieces.

Overall Take

Three Stories TallThis natural wood dollhouse is best for kids ages 2 to 5.

 Top Pick

​Barbie Ultimate Dreamhouse Light & Sound Dollhouse

Barbie

​ Ultimate Dreamhouse Light & Sound Dollhouse

This exciting dollhouse comes with 70 pieces of furniture and accessories. With a working elevator that can fit four dolls, lights and sounds, a pool and a water slide, it’s engaging on every level. Plus, the furniture is adaptable, such as the couch which turns into a bunk bed.

Overall Take

Comes With Elevator and PoolThis dollhouse contains fantastical new features like a second -story pool and water slide.

 Runner Up

Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Dollhouse

Melissa & Doug

Fold & Go Wooden Dollhouse

This adorable dollhouse is completely portable and comes with a built-in handle. The entire house is constructed from wood, as are the 11 included accessories and two dolls. The dollhouse opens wide, allowing little ones plenty of room to engage in imaginative play.

Overall Take

Economical PickIf you're shopping on a budget, this dollhouse won't break the bank.

 Best on a Budget

Gabby’s Dollhouse Original Interactive Dollhouse

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Original Interactive Dollhouse

This 2-foot tall dollhouse has a roof that is shaped like a cat's head. The house features three stories and offers a total of 12 rooms. There's a working elevator, a delivery tower and a slide. Kids will love that the dollhouse is also interactive with eight different sounds and phrases.

Overall Take

Cute Cat ThemeThere's also the option to get this dollhouse as a bundle set along with a collection of figurines.

What to Look For

  • Furniture is often included with a dollhouse, but you can also buy items separately. Check to see how many pieces are included before you buy.
  • Decorating is a large part of the fun of dollhouse playtime. Some dollhouses are set up so that you can easily change up the rooms and even redirect staircases to other areas of the house.
  • Dollhouses come in a wide range of sizes. There are small ones with extra-tiny furnishings and people, as well as dollhouses as tall as a toddler. Common dollhouse sizes are 5 inches, 12 inches and 18 inches.
  • You aren’t stuck with one dollhouse for life. Keep in mind that you can start with one type, then graduate to a dollhouse meant for older children as your kids grow.
  • Although today’s dollhouses are meant for children, they still can enhance your décor. Look at your child’s room and choose a dollhouse that matches.
  • Durability is a top consideration with any children’s toy. You can already plan for the miniatures to get dirty and scratched with regular play, so check to see if you’ll be able to easily replace the items if that happens.
  • If you want a dollhouse with an antique look, there are plenty that feature a vintage design. But you can also find dollhouses with a contemporary style, as well as some that include amenities like a pool and lamps that light up.

More to Explore

Dollhouses might seem to be a fun way to engage and entertain your little ones, but they actually got their beginnings as a mark of social status among adults. The first dollhouses were seen in 17th-century Europe, where adults displayed expensive miniature objects behind glass doors. These eventually evolved to “baby houses,” which were designed as a miniature version of the owner’s real house.

The Industrial Revolution brought dollhouses to younger consumers, with miniatures shifting to “toy” status, but only after World War II did dollhouses become affordable enough for the mass consumer market to enjoy them.

More to explore