11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (2024)

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (1)

Dollhouses make fantastic gifts for children. They are a staple piece to playrooms everywhere, alongside play kitchens and train sets. Wanting to ‘play house’ is something that nearly all children enjoy because it’s what they see their parents or guardians do day in and day out! There are many developmental benefits to the type of play that dollhouses encourage, primarily pretend play. Pretend play helps children develop their creativity, role playing abilities, and a variety of other skills as well.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

In this wooden dollhouse list, we include an image of the dollhouse, a description of it, what is included with the dolls house, it’s dimensions, price range, and a link to purchase it. All children’s dollhouses listed here are available through Amazon, which is where the ‘View Price’ button will take you. If it is listed as a dollhouse, it includes the house only, and if it is listed as a dollhouse play set, it include furniture and in one case, the dolls as well as the doll furniture. Read on below the dollhouse list to learn more about the best age to gift a dollhouse, the benefits of the types of play it encourages, the importance of factoring in other dollhouse costs, and more.

Note: our wooden dolls houses are listed roughly in order of size, from smallest to largest. This *mostly* coincides with price as well as the small dolls houses are typically less expensive than the larger homes.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (2)

1. Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse Play Set

Price Range: $$$ (50-100 dollars)
Dimensions: 10.4 x 11.9 x 16.7 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This portable wooden dollhouse by Melissa & Doug is a great option for those with limited play space that do not want a large dollhouse on display at all times. This set is available both in natural wood like the version shown here and in the pink and purple option shown below. The doors open and close, and the fold & go doll house design also features sturdy carrying handles. Included with this Melissa & Doug doll house are 11 pieces of wooden furniture and 2 dolls.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
What sets this dollhouse apart is how portable it is. It’s a great option for families that don’t necessarily have the space to have a dollhouse out on display 24/7. The handle and fully enclosed design that make it a fold & go dollhouse also make it a great to set to take with you on the go if you’re dropping the kids off at nana’s for the weekend.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (3)

View the pink and purple portable wooden dollhouse by Melissa and Doug.

It’s worth mentioning that there is also a neat Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Castle that is similar to these fold and go doll houses. It includes wooden play figures and horses.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (4)

2. Hape Wooden Doll House DIY Dream Play Set

Price Range: $$$ (50-100 dollars *when on sale.)
Dimensions: 28.5 x 11.4 x 22.4 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This Hape Dollhouse has a very open, modern design. Its open floor plan designmakes it easy to play with dolls inside the house. It also features magnetic walls and magnetic wall accessories that can be arranged in endless ways. Another unique feature of this Hape dollhouse is the backside of the dollhouse is a chalkboard. This dollhouse set includes six different room set-ups with furniture. It does not include dolls.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
The open concept design of this dollhouse makes the options for rearranging the furniture nearly endless which is half the fun of a dollhouse, in my opinion. The magnetic walls and furniture are another fun feature, and some of the wall hangings can even be personalized with photos, too!

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (5)

3. Plantoys Wooden Dollhouse

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 16.5 D x 24.6 W x 22 H in
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This simple, A-Frame style dollhouse is a classic dollhouse option. It is open on the sides and partially open in the front. It includes a balcony, sliding doors and four rooms. Furniture and dolls not included. Don’t let the small size of this house deter you – one feature of this dollhouse that makes it unique is that you can add onto it if you would like by purchasing an add-on basem*nt level that attached to the bottom and creates an additional level to the dollhouse.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
The A-Frame style of this dollhouse made it so we absolutely had to include it in our best dollhouses for toddler’s list. A-frame’s are a such a cute style of home. The open design of the dollhouse with open top sections make this dollhouse easy to play in from all angles. The fact that you can add on an additional level is a bonus, too!

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (6)

4. Tender Leaf Toys Cottontail Cottage Dollhouse Set

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 17.3 x 13.1 x 18.7 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

Unlike the other dollhouses in this list, this dollhouse looks like a fully enclosed space until the front of the cottage opens up to reveal the inside of the home. This feature makes this dollhouse more portable than other dollhouses on this list, short of the fold and go dollhouse (#1 on this list). Inside, it has an open concept style bottom floor and an attic style space that can be used as the bedroom. It includes a natural wood roof, cute shutters and windows, and a very cute, retro-style set of furniture. Dolls are not included.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
In comparison to the other dollhouses, this one is a fully covered home, which can be nice to view when not in use. It has a bit of an awe-factor too, in how it opens up to reveal the inside of the home.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (7)

5. Homi Baby The Modern Dollhouse

Price Range: $$$ (50-100 dollars)
Dimensions: 19.5 x 15.1 x 2 inches
Age Range: 1-year-old and over

The modern dollhouse is a very open-ended design, with space to use a variety of different dolls and toys. It can even double as book storage. The sleek, minimal design makes this dollhouse stand out. Made in the USA with ¼” birch plywood that has been ethically harvested. Furniture and dolls not included.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
This dollhouse design is so open and modern that is can be used for other things besides just dolls and doll furniture, adding another layer of versatility to it. We love that this dollhouse can be used as nursery decor then turned into a functional dollhouse as baby turns into a toddler, making the longevity and versatility of this dollhouse exceptional. The open design also makes it easy for little, clumsy hands to play in.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (8)

6. KidKraft Chelsea Doll Cottage Set

Price Range: $$$ (50-100 dollars)
Dimensions: 24.5 x 13 x 28 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

I wouldn’t really consider this 3-story dollhouse a ‘cottage’; I think it’s quite a large dolls house. It has a total of 3 levels that includes 5 rooms and a balcony. The windows all open and close. It has two staircases, and features detailed artwork on the walls of the house. It includes 17 pieces of furniture. No dolls included. Sized for 4-inch dolls.

*Note: be sure to take a look through the reviews on this dollhouse. Although most of the reviews are positive and the dollhouse has a 4-star rating, some reviews mention that the dollhouse pieces don’t fit together properly.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
Kidkraft dollhouses are very popular, and it’s easy to see why. The detailed cartoon-style artwork on the walls of this dollhouse probably resonates well with toddlers.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (9)

7. Melissa & Doug HiRise Dollhouse Set

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 13 x 23.8 x 30 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This modern hirise Melissa & Doug dollhouse is an open-sided dollhouse which makes it great for families with multiple children that will play in it at the same time. It has four levels of play areas on one side, and three on the other. It includes 6 rooms, a functional elevator and a garage. It features a fun, bright color scheme and patterns. It comes with 15 pieces of furniture and three dolls.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
Similar to the Hape All Seasons dollhouse below, this Melissa & Doug dolls house is modern, colorful, and open, making it great for a little one’s playhouse. We especially like the garage and elevator details.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (10)

8. Hape All Seasons Dollhouse Set

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 23.6 x 11.8 x 28.9 inches
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

The Hape All Seasons Dollhouse is 3 stories tall, is constructed of wood, and features six rooms, four of which come with furniture and accessories (master bedroom, family bathroom, media room and kitchen furniture sets are included). The roof is removable (and also doublesided), the rooms are open on the sides and front, the doors open, and the pulley functions.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
This dollhouse is colorful, well-made, and very open. The moving parts give this dollhouse an added level of functionality. We love that it’s gender neutral too, making this a great choice for both boys and girls since all little ones like to pretend play house.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (11)

9. Melody Jane Lundby Classic Dollhouse

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars + additional $55 for shipping)
Dimensions: 29.5 x 10.2 x 15.3 inches
Age Range: 4-years-old and over

This Lundby dollhouse is a unique and thoughtful dollhouse design. What sets it apart from other dollhouses, is its unique shape, large rooms, and attention to detail with adorable wallpaper prints and thoughtful flooring textures. This dollhouse does not come with any furniture or dolls.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
This classic dollhouse is a very unique shape in comparison to other dollhouses in this list and on the market in general, and we like that. Although it has a heftier price tag than some of the other dollhouses, it’s unique and thoughtful design makes it worth the price tag, especially as a dollhouse that will remain on display. What really sets this dollhouse apart, though, is the thoughtful wallpaper and flooring details.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (12)

10. Hearth & Home by Magnolia Wooden Dollhouse Set

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 29″ H x 23 13/16″ W x 12 7/8″ D
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This gorgeous wooden dollhouse is so real looking I think I’ve driven by it In the past. The front of the home looks like a real enclosed house, and the backside is open with enclosed sides. It is a 3-story tall dollhouse, with a juliette balcony on the top floor, a functional front door with a front porch, two staircases, and 5 rooms. The dollhouse and 10-pieces of included furniture feature green, white, and wood accents and the dollhouse has black shutters and a black roof. Note: this dollhouse is available through third-party sellers on Amazon only. Some offer free shipping.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
This timeless dollhouse design is just stunning, both inside and out. I would buy this as a home if it were lifesize. Love the fully enclosed front side and the open backside design, too.This dollhouse would be a really great choice especially if it looks like your real house.

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (13)

11. Tender Leaf Toys Bluebird Villa Dollhouse Set

Price Range: $$$$ (100+ dollars)
Dimensions: 16.14″ x 15.55″ x 26.54″
Age Range: 3-years-old and over

This 3-story, 8-room large dollhouse is made by Tender Leaf Toys. It has a classic framing style and includes 15 doll furniture pieces. The house is open on all sides, either fully or partially, and has a swivel base so the dollhouse can be swiveled around while in play. Made of renewable rubberwood.

Why we like this dollhouse at Happy Little Tadpole:
The balcony detail and the fun, modern wallpaper accents make this dollhouse a dream for little ones. The open design and swivel base also makes it easier to reach into and play in, especially with more than one child playing in the dollhouse at one time.

Our favorite dolls house doll sets and accessories

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (14)
11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (15)
11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (16)
11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (17)

Why Dollhouses are Great Toys for Children and Their Adults

There are really only a select few larger toy sets that I as a future parent will want to buy for my children: play kitchens, some type of building set, and a doll house.

  1. Longevity – These types of toy sets generally get years and years of use, making them sets worth adding to and investing in.
  2. Interactive Play – Dollhouses are toys that encourage interaction. They help children connect with other children, their parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, you name it. They are also a great play set for verbal development through interactive playtime.
  3. Hands-On Play – They are a hands on toy set that shed light on how a child things about family and their family, while building pretend play skills and role-play.
  4. Open-Ended Play – Another thing we love about dollhouses is that they encourage open-ended play, which is another reason they are played with for years as children create endlessly different scenarios.
  5. Fine Motor Skill Development – Beyond all of the creative play benefits dollhouses provide, they also help toddlers and little ones develop their fine motor skills in how they manipulate and move the small pieces around the homes.
  6. Fun – Last but not least, dollhouses are simply fun to play in! I love playing with my nephews and niece in their dollhouses, and seeing what scenarios unfold and what characters would come out to play. It’s a really fun activity for little ones and the adults they play with!

What is the best age to gift a dollhouse?

I would say that 3 and 4-year-old children are at a great age to be gifted a dollhouse. If age three, you may want to save any very small parts that come with some dollhouses and doll sets for when they get a little older, due to choking hazards, and/or more actively supervise doll house play. Gifting dollhouses to 3 and 4-year-olds makes it so children will have years of play both as toddlers and little kids. Some children play with their dollhouses until they are 9-10 years old!

Why do we focus on wooden dollhouses?

At Happy Little Tadpole, we make it a point to share more sustainable toys. Not only are wooden dollhouses a more sustainable doll house option, but in our opinion, they are both more pleasant to look at, and will probably last longer than cheap, plastic toys. Doll houses are often a toy that is left out and displayed in a toy room, so why not choose a more natural looking toy set that’s both more sustainable and more pleasing to the eye than a plastic dollhouse?

Dollhouse Considerations

Before buying a dollhouse, do your research. It’s a big purchase, and one that you will most likely invest more into by adding furniture sets, additional dolls, and maybe even additional levels to make the dollhouse larger if it becomes a playroom staple in the child’s home. We recommend taking a look at the dolls, furniture, and accessories that will fit in the dollhouse. How much are they? How are their reviews? Read the descriptions for the dollhouses and make sure you understand what comes with it since some houses come with furniture and dolls, and others come with just the dollhouse itself.

Pin It!
11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (18)

If you liked this post, you may want to check out some of our other posts, like the related posts listed below:

11 Best Wooden Dollhouses for Toddlers - Happy Little Tadpole (2024)

FAQs

Are dollhouses good for toddlers? ›

Aside from being entertaining, playing with dollhouses helps young children develop. While they may seem like simple playthings, dollhouses offer a variety of benefits that can help your child learn and grow in ways you may not have expected.

What is the best age for a dollhouse? ›

So what age is good for a dollhouse? Almost any child pre-teen or younger can benefit from dollhouse play, but the sweetest spot is often between four and nine years old. Their imaginations are going full steam, and they're always looking for new ways to pretend.

How to choose the right dollhouse? ›

How to Choose The Best Dollhouse for Toddlers
  1. Durability: Can it take the toddler treatment?
  2. Doll size: Who's living there?
  3. Safety: Does it have small pieces?
  4. Size: How big is a dollhouse?
  5. Look: What's your style?
  6. The little things: What makes your toddler beam?

What are some fun facts about dollhouses? ›

Early dollhouses were seen more than 400 years ago as baby house display cases in Europe. Smaller dollhouses that looked like real houses on the outside appeared in Europe in the 18th century. Early dollhouses were hand-made. After the Industrial Revolution and World War II, doll houses were mass produced.

At what age do Toddlers play pretend with dolls? ›

Between 2 and 3, your toddler will use their growing thinking skills to play pretend. With props, like a doll and toy bottle, she will act out steps of a familiar routine—feeding, rocking, and putting a doll to sleep. As your toddler learns to use symbols, imaginary play skills will grow more complex.

What is the most appropriate toy for a toddler? ›

Some of my very favorite toys for toddlers include:
  • blocks.
  • nesting toys.
  • sand and water play toys.
  • puzzles.
  • shape-sorters.
  • crayons.
  • play dough.
  • dress-up clothes.

What is the best wood for a dollhouse? ›

Dolls House Materials

Birch Ply dolls houses are generally regarded as being of superior quality and they are often hand made (not to be confused with cheap, imported dolls houses made from very thin ply). Wooden dolls houses made from either MDF or Birch plywood are generally very sturdy and should last a lifetime.

What makes a good doll house? ›

The best dollhouses are durable, attractive and safe, but more importantly, they expand children's imaginations during playtime.

What is the most common size dollhouse? ›

The most common miniature scale is 1:12. This scale is popular among miniaturists because it allows for a good balance between detail and size. In a 1:12 scale, a typical dolls house room measures approximately 6-7 inches in height, making it easy to display and move around.

Why do kids love doll houses? ›

The Benefits of Playing with a Dollhouse

Playing pretend is a staple for children. It fosters imagination and creativity—skills that will benefit your kiddo throughout school and life. Playing dollhouse gives children a chance to create stories, learn life, organizational, and classification skills.

What is the lesson of a dolls house? ›

A Doll's House explores the ways that societal expectations restrict individuals, especially women, as the young housewife Nora Helmer comes to the realization that she has spent her eight-year marriage, and indeed most of her life, pretending to be the person that Torvald, her father, and society at large expect her ...

What do dollhouses represent? ›

In the same way, there is evidence that dolls' houses act as symbols of family and generational affection and function to connect family members across time. Most obviously dolls' houses are often converted into family heirlooms that link generations.

Can a 2 year old play with a doll house? ›

The ages of 2 to 5 seem to have more fun playing dollhouses as they love exploring the sound effects and the dolls included. Additionally, you can notice them arranging the pieces of small furniture inside the dollhouse and making storylines. A simple but sturdy dollhouse will be perfect for them at this age.

What are the benefits of playing with dollhouses? ›

The benefits of doll's house play
  • Social skills. ...
  • Emotional intelligence. ...
  • Spatial reasoning. ...
  • Classification. ...
  • Making aesthetic choices. ...
  • Fosters open-ended and imaginative play. ...
  • Fine-motor skills. ...
  • Small and portable doll's house.

Are baby dolls good for toddlers? ›

One of the most significant benefits of doll play is social development. Playing with dolls allows children to practice social skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. By role-playing different scenarios, children can learn how to interact with others, negotiate and compromise.

When should I get my toddler a doll? ›

Dolls are important to children between the ages of 1 and 2, as they help them to act out their experiences in pretend play. Dolls provide a connection to people, which is an important part of life at this age. It's a lot harder to act out hugging, kissing, and bedtime with blocks.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 5869

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.