Stuff We Like: Dollhouses for Open-Ended Play

When I was little, my dad built my sister and me a dollhouse. I remember waiting rather impatiently as the three-floor structure slowly, slowly came together, and I can easily recall how my anticipation built higher and higher as my dad carefully glued on each tiny roof tile. I remember I thought it was beautiful, and I wished our real house looked exactly like it (now that I think about it, they were almost identical except that our real house was white and the dollhouse was blue--I guess that made all the difference in my 7-year-old mind).

What I can't recall exactly is what I did with the dollhouse once it was finished. I know I played with it constantly, but the clearest memory I have of that play is my sister and I pretending that a huge flood was coming and moving everything--every piece of furniture, every last doll and bear--out of the dollhouse and up to a safe place (the top of the piano, I believe). Then, of course, the "flood waters" receded, and everything had to be moved back into the house, preferably to the same exact position.

While this ritual now seems incredibly strange to me, I clearly remember having a blast while doing it--and that's what counts, right? Dollhouses are open-ended toys that encourage imaginary play, something that's important to development for all children and especially important for children on the autism spectrum, as it helps them develop language skills as well as a healthy imagination. (Read about one local mom's joy when her son finally began engaging in imaginative play, and get tips on how to help children with special needs develop imaginary play.)

If you're not one to build your own dollhouse (your kids' patience will thank you not to), check out some of our favorites that are available now:  

Big City Dreams

If you’re lucky enough to live with your family in a downtown space with your own elevator and garage (is it possible that this Brooklynite is jealous over a pretend parking space?), then playing with this Soho Townhouse from KidKraftwon’t be much of a stretch for your child. For everyone else, enter an imaginary world furnished with a disco ball chandelier, treadmill, 2 outdoor patio areas, and a piano that plays music at the touch of a button. (Ages 3 and older; accommodates fashion dolls up to 12 inches tall; $224.99; sears.com)  

To the Rescue

Fire! This red-hot set includes a fully equipped fire station (with gear lockers, control console, swivel chair, satellite dish, bunk bed, and, of course, a fire pole), a team of four firefighters, plus the engine (with an extending swivel ladder). Pieces of the Everything but the Dalmation Firehouse Collectionare also sold separately. (Ages 3 and older; $169 for complete set; landofnod.com)    

Home Improvement

Before he puts his dolls to bed, your little man gets to paint their houses! The tiny Lille City modular playhouse kitis meant to be decorated, and comes with a hand-painted family of four simple wooden dolls. Made from recycled paper with soy-based ink and front panels of Baltic birch, each house (there are four designs included) is recyclable and packs flat for storage. ($58; canoeonline.net)