| Dollhouses are wonderful gifts for both children | | | | electricity or other possible hazards. |
| and adults. Children love the interactivity of this | | | | When purchasing a dollhouse for an older child, |
| fabulous toy. A toddler's imagination will run | | | | take care to provide a dollhouse that reflects |
| rampant, inspired by the familiar backdrop of | | | | their sense of personal style. But do not be |
| home and family. Older kids see a dollhouse as a | | | | offended if the the child repaints and redecorates |
| fashion statement, a chance to play with the | | | | the dollhouse several times. Provide a reasonably |
| emerging roles of adulthood. A dollhouse provides | | | | complete and furnished dollhouse, but leave room |
| a safe place to role play adult responsibilities, as | | | | for personal expression. |
| well as a wonderful backdrop for expression of | | | | When buying or building a dollhouse for an adult, |
| self and decorating tastes. Young adults often | | | | focus on the recipient's interests and sense of |
| view dollhouses as collector's items, the first real | | | | style. Remember that a person's current home |
| item of lasting value that they will acquire. In | | | | does not necessarily reflect all of his or her |
| middle age, dollhouses begin to take on a | | | | interests, so do not be afraid to move beyond |
| somewhat nostalgic air, as changing life roles and | | | | the person's current style into the realm of his or |
| empty nest syndrome may lead middle-aged | | | | her imagination. Nonetheless, the dollhouse will be a |
| adults to use the dollhouse as a psychological | | | | stylistic focal point for the room in which it is |
| remembrance of when things were different. The | | | | displayed, so be sure that your design will work |
| elderly love dollhouses for a variety of different | | | | with the furnishings already in that room. |
| reasons, ranging from nostalgia to a hobby that | | | | Ultimately, there is no right answer as to which |
| they can share and pass on to grandchildren. | | | | style or design of dollhouse will make the perfect |
| While dollhouses hold a universal fascination and | | | | gift. Take the person's age and stylistic |
| appeal, the specific dollhouse that you give as a | | | | preferences into account, but put your personal |
| gift will depend on the recipient. A dollhouse for a | | | | stamp on the dollhouse as well. Remember to |
| young child should be sturdy and not easily | | | | consider the amount of room that the recipient |
| damaged. Small parts should also be avoided, due | | | | has available to display the dollhouse. If surface |
| to possible choking hazards. Keep a child's | | | | space is at a premium in the recipient's home, a |
| dollhouse simple, allowing a neutral backdrop to | | | | taller, narrower custom design might work the |
| fuel the child's imagination. Some experts believe | | | | best. Whatever design decisions you make |
| that bright colors are best for children's toys, | | | | regarding the dollhouse gift, keep in mind that it is |
| while others feel that a neutral decorating scheme | | | | truly a labor of love. A handcrafted or kit-built |
| will provide the maximum opportunity for | | | | dollhouse will be much more meaningful than an |
| children's imaginations to fill in the details. A child's | | | | already finished off the shelf model. |
| dollhouse should be simple in design, without | | | | |