
The dollhouse is like a childhood rite of passageโand even if you think your little ones are too young, it won't be long until pretend play consumes their imagination. Typically "the dollhouse" is a playtime staple before toddlerhood comes to an end, but it'll clock even more play hours throughout the years.
When I was a kid, there were two basic types of dollhouses: The big Victorian masterpiece, with real shingles and an "I'm too pretty to play with" aura, or the bland plastic houses that were inevitably spruced up with markers and Lisa Frank stickers.
But today? Man, today's dollhouses are cooler than ever:
For Modern Tots
All Season House
With six rooms, a movable staircase, and a reversible summer-to-winter exterior, this brightly colored playhouse is far more modern than the traditional Victorian dollhouses of yore. And, in Hape tradition, the All Season House is made with sustainable bamboo and water-based color.
To buy: Hape, $135, furnished
Modern Dollhouse
Keep your little one's dollhouse in sync with your own personal aesthetic โ crisp lines, minimalist styling, and modern design. This dollhouse โ in unfinished birch plywood โ features sliding "glass" floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor terrace, in a design that any modern-loving parent will envy.
To buy: Land of Nod, $349, furnished
For Eco-Minded Tots
The Green Dollhouse
Not only does The Green Dollhouse instill a normalcy about eco-conscious, energy-efficient practices (the dollhouse has a wind turbine, solar panels, rain-collecting barrels, biofacade, and recycling bins), but the entire house is made from natural, recycled materials, with vegetable and soy dyes.
To buy: Plan Toys, $166, furnished
Bamboo Sunshine Dollhouse
Eco-conscious features include fully functioning solar panels (which power working LED lights, naturally), renewable bamboo floors, and sustainable materials like birch plywood.
To buy: Hape, $340, furnished
For Builder Tots
Cinderella's Castle
My son actually has and loves this Cinderella's Castleโand not only does he change up the castle's design on a weekly basis, but he uses it as a dollhouse for ALL of his little figurine characters.
To buy: LEGOยฎDUPLOยฎbricks, $40
Olivia's House
You'll need to help your little one build this LEGO playhouse (or maybe an older sibling?), but it's an intricate dollhouse for your kids to grow into.
To buy: LEGOยฎDUPLOยฎbricks, $75
For On-The-Go Tots
Mini Dollhouse Set
This toddler-sized wooden dollhouseโcomplete with furniture, play people, and even a dogโhas a thick rope handle to tote from room to room and house to house.
To buy: Pottery Barn Kids, $39, furnished
For Traditional Tots
Cozy Wooden Dollhouse
This three-floored, traditionally designed dollhouse is big enough for full-size dolls, and includes intricately painted walls, oversized furniture, two staircases, and a balcony.
To buy: Imaginarium, $97, furnished
My First Dreamhouse
A super-sweet cottage-like dollhouse with functioning windows and shutters, a glittery roof, and all of the furnitureโincluding a dining room set, kitchen sink and stove, children's room furniture, and a baby nursery.
To buy: Le Toy Van, $165, furnished