| The earliest dollhouses discovered date back to as | | | | collection. To a senior parent, relative or friend, a |
| early 5,000 years ago. These miniature homes were | | | | dollhouse can be a calming and familiar sight. |
| made primarily of wood and included carved | | | | Dollhouses as collections |
| furnishings and images of people and animals. The | | | | Another reason why dollhouses are no longer just for |
| earliest modern versions of dollhouses became popular | | | | kids is that they have become increasingly popular as |
| in Europe in the 16th century. From there, dollhouse | | | | collectibles. From expensive antique little structures to |
| makers never looked back, making and building these | | | | limited edition models to the cutest, mass-produced toy |
| beautiful toys one piece at a time. Today, dollhouses | | | | homes, dollhouses can become a part of a new |
| are as popular as ever and while most people would | | | | collection. Each dollhouse can become a journey into |
| still see them as toys, they are as appealing to adults | | | | a wonderful world of discovery. Imagine being able |
| as they are to children. Lovely, unique and | | | | to look at a world so small that you can hold it in your |
| sentimental, dollhouses are simply not just for kids | | | | arms. Imagine, too the kind of fascination you or the |
| anymore. | | | | lucky recipient of your gift would feel at the sight of a |
| Dollhouses as gifts | | | | beautifully made dollhouse. |
| Dollhouses are commonly given away as gifts. As | | | | Dollhouses as hobbies |
| such, they are often brand new, slightly used | | | | Centuries ago, wealthy families commissioned artists |
| hand-me-downs or lovingly hand-made by the giver. | | | | and craftsmen to create dollhouses. These were |
| Dollhouses make excellent gifts for kids because | | | | works of art really and surviving models are now |
| these toys provide hours of fun, interactive play. | | | | worth a fortune. But there's really no need to spend |
| Children have very creative imaginations and with a | | | | thousands of dollars on these hard-to-find models. |
| toy as elaborate as a dollhouse, there's plenty of room | | | | Start your own collection, swap with other collectors |
| for productive games. For young teens, it can be a | | | | or rebuild and remodel older dollhouses. |
| lovely memorabilia, a reminder of their childhood, a gift | | | | Or build your own. There are countless resources |
| that when taken care of will increase in value over the | | | | you can find online, with most of the information |
| years. | | | | provided by hobbyists, collectors and clubs. With all |
| Dollhouses are also excellent gifts for adults and not | | | | these resources available for enthusiasts and fans, |
| just for kids. A dollhouse can be the perfect gift to a | | | | there's no reason why you can't start your own small |
| young bride about to start her own family so she can | | | | collection. Once you've started, you'll understand |
| also hand it down as an heirloom. It can also be a | | | | completely why dollhouses are not just for kids |
| great gift to house someone's extensive miniatures | | | | anymore. Be ready to get hooked. |