Dolls' house recommendations?

[Britishmum]

I want to buy a dolls' house for dd, for her third b'day. Anyone have any recommendations? I want a wooden one that will stand up to a few years' use for several children, but reasonable value for money.

Suggestions (and links) welcome!

[ladylee]

I got the portable wooden one from Melissa and Doug (the Lights, Camera Interaction people) for dd's Christmas this past year. The one I got was furnished, with two dolls--very simple, and at $50 the best value I could find.

Here's one that's a little more expensive (the good thing is that it's furnished-many other houses don't come furnished and it's $$ to get all the extra accessories. We get Plan toys accessories to add on-they go well with the house.)

http://www.littlekidstuff.com/meliss...house_set.html

OK-and I found a picture of the one we got:

http://www.1-toy-store.com/product+F...000067BID.html

DD loves it! The only thing I would caution you about is the roof of the folding portable one is pointed and sharp. You'd want to watch out for that.

[wemberly]

I bought the 100.oo plan toys house for Elliott last year on consignment for 40.00. Just after I did that, I saw the same dollhouse for between 30 and 50 dollars both online and in stores. It was a bit more to furnish and add dolls, but we are very happy with the simplicity of it.

[lula]

My daughter loves her plan dollhouse but we furnish and people it with Playmobil items. She really got excited about dollhouses at 2 1/2 and the detail of Playmobil combined with the open structure of the Plan dollhouse really worked for her.

[serenetabbie]

After much searching I got DS a Plan dollhouse that looks very much like the Melissa and Doug one in the above post. Since it was a floor model, it came with many accessories and a base for $50. I filled in the gaps with IKEA dollhouse furniture (all I had to get was the bathroom and livingroom). Dd is showing a big interest in it and I hope to get her her own for Christmas or her Birthday (she will be 3 in feb....gotta love those post holiday sales!).
I was really looking for one more like what I had, solid wood, very sturdy.....but I fear I would have to make my own as the ones I have found like that are $$! Anyhow, they have them at the Playstore I think it's www.playstore.com

[spero]

Pottery Barn Kids has the most beautiful dollhouse bookcase. It's pricey, but it's quite large & can be used for years. They also have a "puffy" dollhouse that is sososo cute.

[LunaMom]

I also got dd a wooden dollhouse at age 3, and I had quite a time finding one that wasn't really expensive. Then I found this one:

http://www.toystogrowon.com/display/...2712643&id=389

It's not as 'fancy" or detailed as some of the others, but the thing I like about it is that the entire front and sides are open, so it is very easy to play with, even for two children to play with together. The Plan house has outer walls and children need to do a lot more reaching around.

Of course, the best thing was that it came with about 40 pieces of adorable furniture, and the whole thing cost $100, which is what many houses cost without the furniture. We bought the dolls...they're soft and bendable and come in a few skin colors, as you can see in the picture.

It was easy to put together and has held up great, and I figure when she's older we can add wallpaper and carpet and so on as a huge art project!

[malamamama]

I've been looking for wooden doll houses too.
Luna Mom, that is a really nice one and a great price...with furniture!!
My friend bought one at Costco last Christmas that was similar, in size and look..also for $100. with furniture.
www.lakeshorelearning has one that is also $100.00 with furniture, but not quite so big, if space is an issue.
What I have found are that the ones for $50.00 seem to be much smaller. Dd has one now that size (plastic) and she has kind of played it out. Very little room to change things around and all.
Thanks for the thread and links mamas!

[MamaBug]

I just saw the cutest wooden dollhouse at BJ's wholesale club today and while the price escapes me I know that is was relatively inexpensive and it looked nice. It was by Batatt. ( sp) you might want to go and check that out!

[Britishmum]

Thanks for all the links! Keep them coming! (Although sometime soon I really need to make a decision: )

Costco had a great one including furniture a while back, and I wish now I'd bought it, but I hadn't done any research before then. Looking back, it was a great deal. Oh well......

[MamaBug]

Do have BJ's by you? It's basically the same thing, and sometimes they will give you a free one day pass to use. It is a really cute dollhouse with all the furniture AND the ppl! Every time I go there and see I think of this thread!:LOL

In fact here is the dollhouse
http://www.bjs.com/products/toys/

And here is the link to get a free one day pass

http://www.bjs.com/general/checkusout

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Britishmum]

SoccerMom, Thanks for the link - unfortunately there isn't a bj's here.

I've seen a few that look good, one that's like the Ryan's room but cheaper, I've emailed to ask the difference. It's fun shopping though!

[malamamama]

I just bought a Battat 3 story, completely furnished for $109. at our Costco. It might be a seasonal thing. Have you checked there lately?

[Britishmum]

I'll go back to Costco. They had them a couple of months ago, but I hadnt researched what was elsewhere, and wehn I went back,they'd all gone. Maybe they've got more in stock for Chrsitmas. Dd's friend has the costco one, and dd loves it - more than her friend! I wish I'd been quicker to make the decision. :

[MamaBug]

Well good luck I hope that you find it soon!

[hotmamacita]

We had the PLAN dollhouse and dd didn't like it. It wasn't open enough for her to get good access to it. We ended up swapping it and we had EVERYTHING!!!!!!! I am still looking for a good replacement.