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Remember How You Begged For Barbie's Dreamhouse? Tag. You're It.

by Anjerika Wilmer
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Originally Published: 
Hape Wooden Kids Dollhouse

Getting your first dollhouse is sort of like a rite of passage. C’mon, tell us you didn’t beg for Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse (pretty please with sprinkles on top) at some point during your childhood. Beyond the materialistic nature of such extravagances (really Barbie, you need a garage and jacuzzi?!), dollhouses help develop fine motor skills and encourage role play. By playing house, children are able to use their imagination to brainstorm creative scenarios with their dolls that can be applied to real life. (And it beats the kids staring at an iPad screen all day!)

RELATED: The Best Play Houses For Sparking Imaginative Play, Both Indoors & Out

With that being said, they sure as hell don’t make dollhouses like they used to. And by that, we mean that they’re bigger, better, and more “extra” than ever. If your child isn’t into overly pink and girly things, then fear not. You’ll find everything from a contemporary chalet to Hape’s All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse (it’s an award-winning dollhouse for a reason, people!) to pique their interest. And don’t for a second think that you have to spend a fortune to snag prime real estate for your kiddo’s bedroom. Ultimately, it comes down to their wants and needs. If they’re a toddler, an interactive playset will do. Vice versa, wooden dollhouses—although a bit of a splurge—are a great investment for kids who love their dolls.

Keep scrolling for a list of the best wooden and plastic dollhouses for kids that will inspire hours of play. Sure, the assembly aspect can be a b*tch, but that’s where the vino (or hubby) comes in for moral support.

Looking to invest in more amazing toys? We’ve got ’em all.

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