My ongoing project lately has been cleaning out our attic- when we moved in I just shoved everything up there, so it is a disaster! I ended up bring down my childhood dollhouse- the 1994 Fisher Price Loving Family plastic dollhouse- I wasn't thrilled about it, but my 9 year old niece was over and I thought it would occupy her and my 2 year old for the day-- it did for hours, and I have ended up keeping it out because my 27 month old is constantly using it!
In our home we have a mix of detailed, Montessori items and open ended toys. When it comes to dollhouses, many people prefer to have something very plain so that the child can continue to use it and create whatever they want-- I definitely see value in that! I think what attracts my 2 year old is realism of our dollhouse-- I mean, most houses aren't pink, but she loves opening and closing the doors, and she is obsessed with the toilet (with a lid that opens) and the sink! She can relate it to her life, so it has meaning and value to her. I often hear her playing, saying the same things that I often say to her "wash your hands" (as she plays with the sink). It is great for language, and it also gives her time for independent play, which is always a plus. The dollhouse (and accessories) now have a permanent spot in our rotation, but I don't see it going away anytime soon!
If you aren't able to pass one on, or if you are needing some extra accessories, here are some options to look into! (contains affiliate links at no cost to you)
Definitely check marketplace, or yard sales, there are constantly people offloading dollhouses for cheap! I would want to make sure it has functional pieces, no sharp edges, and pieces aren't constantly popping off or breaking.
Melissa and doug wooden multilevel house
(warehouse deal $94).
Comes with furniture, has working doors, wooden.
On sale for $79, warehouse deal for $65
Ironically, everything except for the figures is quite realistic. The doors open and close, and comes with several accessories. You can also customize the floor plan 4 different ways. You would just need to find some realistic figures that matched the scale.
$125
This is a much more open- ended version, so the possibilities for play are endless! May be better suited for an older child.
Melissa and Doug fold and go dollhouse
Warehouse deal for $44
Smaller, but much more affordable and compact. Comes with furniture and 2 figures. Doors open and close, cute details.
$115 warehouse deal.
Super adorable, larger dollhouse, closes up completely with a working door, a little more cutesy and a little less open ended, does not come with furniture, but has some really cute details.
Accessories!
Figures-
Melissa and Doug African American family
$17(sale)
Realistic, but not jointed figures
$20
Realistic, not jointed
$34
Realistic, multi generational, jointed, no other ethnicities available
Hape wooden Asian family
$14
Not as realistic, bendable, offers a few different ethnicities
Hape wooden African American family
$17.50
$15
Marvel pretend play Hispanic family
$20
Realistic, multi generational, no moving joints
Marvel realistic play African American family
$21
Realistic, multi generational, no moving joints
Furniture (don't forget to check the scale!)
There are lots of Fisher Price Happy family furniture sets on ebay!
$15 (on sale)
$23
Great detail, but small
wooden, very cute, but expensive
Very cute, on sale!
I love the little details on this one
Melissa and Doug dollhouse furniture
Check the warehouse deal for a discounted set-- it is really cute and a realistic, detailed set, but expensive!
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