Dollhouse: A home for stories they make up

Give their stories somewhere to live

A dollhouse gives everyday stories a setting: someone is coming home, the furniture needs moving, or every character has been invited to dinner. Choose a play house with rooms they can reach into, rather than a delicate miniature craft kit built mainly for display.

Start with the dolls, then the house

Find out whether the child already has dolls or figures they want to use. A house for small wooden figures may be far too short for a fashion doll, even if both are described as dollhouses. Compare the stated doll size or scale with the rooms, doors and furniture. Pictures alone are unreliable guides to fit.

Agree on a place before buying

Measure the space where it will stand, including room for the child to sit and reach the back rooms. A tall house can be an exciting present and a surprisingly permanent piece of furniture. The grown-up needs to welcome its footprint, assembly and storage before it arrives.

Check exactly what comes in the box. Furnished doesn’t always mean dolls are included, and a big accessory count can hide lots of tiny pieces. Follow the age guidance for the complete set and consider younger children who share the play space.

Make Christmas morning about play

Allow time for adult assembly and follow any securing instructions. If the house has lights or sounds, establish battery needs; those extras aren’t necessary for making up stories. An accessible layout, a few compatible figures and usable furniture can matter more than another floor.

For a smaller storytelling gift, a hand puppet set offers characters without giving them a permanent address.