Small settings are ideal for early imaginative play and a dollhouse has always been a hit for beginning pretend. This is an update of a classic with some really neat features. There's a doorbell at the working front door, a laundry with a 'swish-bzzz' sound, a 'whoosh' when the toilet is flushed, a 'brrring!' from the phone, and a  'Splish, splash' when baby is in bathtub. It comes with 3 chunky figures, and plenty of furniture for moving about.  There is a lot of cause and effect here as will as fine motor tuning needed for opening and closing doors. Best of all this is a safe and sturdy setting for early pretend play that develops language and the satisfaction of being in charge. They say 1-4, we'd say 2-4 is more like the right number.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements.  We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

SNAP IDEAS: Along with the pretend play and fine motor skills needed, this is a great toy for developing language. Knowing and naming the pieces of furniture and the rooms they go into is just part of the built-in vocabulary. Add the concept words that talk about position as in upstairs, down stairs, inside and outside. You can also play an I Spy game, encouraging children to find something you are thinking of with some hints that you offer. Keep the clues simple to build a sense of success. "I spy with my little eye something you sleep on." In time your little player may give you some riddles to solve.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.