Doll House Design Ideas

Parents usually stick with buying one doll house per child, so choosing the right one is important. Although doll houses span a variety of price ranges, most of them are significantly more expensive than other kinds of toys. To complicate matters, there is a dizzying array of doll houses on the market today. From shiny new doll houses to well-preserved older models, the possibilities are seemingly endless. With all of these things in mind, it pays to do plenty of research before buying a doll house.

6 Things to Consider when Buying a Doll House

It's easy to assume that all doll houses are virtually the same, but that's not the case at all. There's a huge array of options and many things to consider.

1. Take Size into Consideration when Selecting a Doll House

Children get the most out of doll houses that are the right size. Kids lose interest in doll houses that are too small, and they have trouble playing with oversize doll houses that have to be crammed into corners and other hard-to-reach places. Before shopping for a doll house, figure out where it will be kept. Measure the area and keep the measurements in mind while looking for a doll house. This will help prevent a lot of aggravation later.

2. Keep a Child's Age in Mind

Many doll houses are designed to be used and enjoyed for years, so they essentially grow along with children. Others are designed with specific age ranges in mind. For instance, there are many doll houses that are geared toward the preschool set. Doll houses like these don't contain any small parts that could be hazardous to young kids. There are also models that have delightfully intricate, detailed pieces that will make older kids' imaginations go wild.

3. Consider a Variety of Themes

Just as there are many types of houses, there are many types of doll houses. Some doll houses are modeled after townhouses and have hip, urban vibes. Others are modeled after colonial houses and other traditional, family friendly designs. Consider how a child will play with a doll house before buying one. Does she usually play with sets of family dolls, or does she prefer playing with dolls that are supposed to be older teens or young adults? Determining this will make it easier to select the right kind of doll house.