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Best Dollhouses

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Barbie Dreamhouse 2023
Barbie
Dreamhouse 2023
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This is the 2023 version of the Barbie Dreamhouse that provides numerous cool opportunities for imaginative play.

Pros

A 3-story dollhouse with an open 360-degree design that provides fun at any angle. Has 10 areas for play. The slide connects to the third level and leads to the pool. Includes a wheelchair-accessible working elevator. 75 pieces complete the house.

Cons

Expensive. A few reports of broken pieces. The large structure takes up a lot of space.

Best Bang for the Buck
Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse
Melissa & Doug
Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

Children can fold this wooden farmhouse and carry it by its built-in handle for fun playdates or road trips.

Pros

The full set arrives with the wooden dollhouse and 11 pieces of furniture. Includes a couple of dolls, so no additional purchases are necessary. Rooms have minimal decoration, so kids can customize each part to their preferences.

Cons

Some edges are somewhat rough, so may not be the best choice for younger children.

KidKraft Annabelle Wooden Dollhouse
KidKraft
Annabelle Wooden Dollhouse
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Premium Option
Bottom Line

A finely detailed dollhouse decorated from floor to ceiling with bold designs and decorative accents.

Pros

Lots of details featuring bold colors and intricate backgrounds. This 3-story, 4-room house is ideal for 12-inch dolls. Has both a gliding elevator and a staircase. Durable design allows even rough play sessions to be ok. Fun to use.

Cons

Assembly is somewhat challenging. Paper edges may peel over time.

KidKraft Disney Princess Dance & Dream Wooden Dollhouse
KidKraft
Disney Princess Dance & Dream Wooden Dollhouse
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Based on our test, this house features pedestals that can be used to spin around dolls to the 3 songs the house plays.

Pros

This Disney-themed dollhouse is charming and playful. Our testers noted the harp that plays each time you open and close the door. There are multi-functioning hooks on the exterior crown that can be used to hang jewelry. Measures 4 feet tall.

Cons

Assembly can be difficult.

Barbie 3-Story House with Pop-Up Umbrella
Barbie
3-Story House with Pop-Up Umbrella
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Classic Style
Bottom Line

With a manual elevator and personalized closet, this modern townhouse is a popular option in the Barbie dollhouse collection.

Pros

3 individual stories showcase a variety of dollhouse rooms, including a bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Slide the elevator all the way to the top to reveal a pop-up umbrella. Children can also hang a swinging chair inside or outside.

Cons

Users feel like the setup could be easier to build and less fragile.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested KidKraft Disney Princess Dance & Dream Wooden Dollhouse to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

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Buying guide for Best dollhouses

If your little one loves playing with dolls, a dollhouse makes a delightful addition to playtime.

So much more than just another toy, a good dollhouse will not only provide years of entertainment, it will also help develop social skills, spark imaginative play, and hone fine motor skills. It can even help improve vocabulary.

From simple, single-story structures to doll-sized mansions, there is a vast array of dollhouses to choose from. Before bringing one home, consider the space you have to store a dollhouse, the age of the child who will play with it, and which features you want.

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Did you know?
Helping your child decorate their dollhouse can be an incredibly rewarding bonding experience for both parties.
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Considerations

When choosing a dollhouse, there are a number of factors to consider. Identifying the qualities that matter most to you and your child will help narrow down your options, bringing you one step closer to finding your “dream home.”

Size

Dollhouses come a wide variety of sizes. While any child would agree that bigger is better, playing in cramped quarters can quickly lose its appeal. Once you've established where the dollhouse will be kept, measure the designated area, and keep these numbers in mind when reviewing your options.

Doll sizes

Unless you'll be purchasing dolls designed by the manufacturer to perfectly fit the dimensions of your chosen dollhouse, be sure to factor in the size of your child’s favorite dolls. While you could probably get away with a slightly oversized dollhouse, one that's too small to comfortably accommodate your little one’s dolls would only lead to frustration and disappointment.

Your child's age

Not every dollhouse is appropriate for every age. Although an intricately detailed dollhouse with realistic miniature décor and furnishings may appeal to all ages, tiny accessories could pose a choking hazard to younger children. If you're buying a dollhouse for a toddler, there are many options available that are specifically geared towards this age group. Still another option is to buy a “big girl’s” dollhouse and remove smaller pieces, adding them as your child gets older. This allows the dollhouse to grow with your child and is the most feasible option for parents who wish to purchase a single dollhouse without needing to upgrade later in life.

Durability

Durability is determined not only by construction materials, but also by the overall craftsmanship of the dollhouse. While traditional models consisting of solid wood generally tend to be the most durable – especially for parents hoping to pass the dollhouse down through generations – there are plenty of robust plastic dollhouses available, too.

Dollhouse features

Once you've pinpointed all of your most essential dollhouse requirements, the real fun begins! Listed below are a few of our favorite dollhouse features.

  • A working doorbell adds a fun element to dollhouse play, and little ones will have a blast helping “visitors” ring the doorbell.

  • Lights that can be switched on instantly make any dollhouse feel cozier and are great for acting out bedtime routines.

  • Windows that open may seem like a basic feature, but they add a nice touch that makes playtime more believable and allows little fingers to practice dexterity.

  • A garden or outside area extends the overall area of the dollhouse, and if your child enjoys acting out family scenes, they may enjoy having a place for the “kids” to play.

While there's certainly no need to go overboard with extra features, opting for a dollhouse with at least a couple of the fun features mentioned above is sure to make playtime more enjoyable.

Accessories

Dollhouse furniture: Some dollhouses may come with furniture, but not all do. You can find a wide variety of furnishings to add to turn a dollhouse into a dream house.

Doll clothes: While playing with their doll house, your child may want to change their doll's outfit. Dolls come in many shapes and sizes, so make sure to buy clothes that will fit your child's dolls.

Price

With a vast selection of dollhouses on the market, finding one to suit your budget shouldn't be too difficult. Prices range anywhere from around $20 for a basic dollhouse to $100+ for an exceptionally large or intricately detailed dollhouse. While size is generally the biggest determining factor, construction materials, brand, and included accessories likely also play a role in the overall cost.

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Not all dollhouses come with furniture. If you're looking for a complete set, be sure to check whether furniture and accessories are included.

FAQ

Q. My child already has a collection of Barbie-like fashion dolls. What scale of dollhouse should I get?

A. To ensure that your fashion doll can fit through doorways and comfortably stand up indoors, a 1:6 scale dollhouse is required. This dollhouse scale size is generally easy to find thanks to the longstanding popularity of fashion dolls.

Q. Which dollhouse should I choose for a toddler?

A.The best dollhouse for a toddler is a solid one that's easy to clean. Parents of younger children often prefer a sturdy plastic dollhouse that can withstand a bit of rough handling and is easily wiped down with a damp cloth at the end of the day. Many plastic dollhouses are specifically designed for toddlers, with bright colors and chunky accessories that are easy for little fingers to grip. That said, there are lots of sturdy wood dollhouses available that fare just as well at the hands of enthusiastic toddlers.

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