Choosing a Non-Toxic & Sustainable Dollhouse
credit: Maquette Kids
I spent my childhood playing with dolls. I loved them and would spend hours with my sister transported into our own make believe world. Playing with dolls is not only fun but can be beneficial to kids as it helps
1. helps encourage imaginative play
2. process and practice emotions
3. foster cooperative play
Today, there are doll houses for all budgets, tastes and space constraints…. but as with so many toys, some could contain less than ideal chemicals that could cause long term harm to both your children and the plant.
When choosing a dollhouse these are the things to look for and things to avoid
LOOK FOR:
1. Wood. Solid wood is ideal, followed by formaldehyde free composite wood (also labelled as 'NAF' no added formaldehyde).
Less expensive wooden doll houses are usually made with composite wood (plywood and/or mdf). Composite wood requires adhesives that contain, and will give off, some level of formaldehyde. The US has the world’s strictest formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products, which is a great thing, however some low levels of formaldehyde WILL off gas. If you cannot buy a solid wood doll house, I would recommend NOT placing composite wood products in child’s bedroom and- if possible- allowing composite wood products to off gas any formaldehyde emissions in a well ventilated area before children play (up to a week).
2. Cardboard: Some cut out cardboard dollhouses can be another sustainable and non-toxic alternative to the traditional dollhouse
3. Metal free: Some dollhouses, like those that open and close, have metal parts (closures etc). Unless the company can provide you with heavy metal testing, it is really hard to know if metal pieces do not contain any detectible levels of worrisome heavy metals like lead, cadmium etc. When possible avoid metal parts. Stainless steel is safe.
4. . No paint (natural wood) or paint/ wood sealers that have Low or no VOCs (and are lead free as mentioned in #2)
5. . Plastic free
Here are some dollhouses I love -
Made with Formaldehyde free plywood (NAF)
Such Great Heights- Surf Shack #140
I love the boho beach style of this Australian company's doll houses.
Made of solid pine, rattan, not toxic sealer
Such Great Heights Surf Shack
Palumba Camden Rose 3 story dollhouse is made in the USA with solid cherry hardwood with maple hardwood floors. Finished with our organic All Natural Beeswax Polish
Plan Toys Victorian Doll house $371
very rustic doll house
made of solid wood, no phthalates, lead safe,
made of solid sustainably sourced wood, lead free and low VOC paint
Simple design made of chemical-free, kiln-dried rubberwood accented with non-toxic water-based dyes
22.6"H x 13.8"W x 24.6"L
kiko & gg Uchi Modular House $98
FSC-approved and responsibly-sourced beechwood, non-toxic paint
Elves & Angels Maine Dollhouse $265
A traditional dollhouse made of solid pine wood with a on toxic oil finish
30" x 24" x 24"
Koko CardboardsDIY Cardboard Doll House Pink $57
Made from recyclable, sustainable cardboard,
78 cm, Height : 79 cm, Depth : 39 cm.
Plan Toys Green Dollhouse with Furniture
MATERIALS : Chemical-free, kiln-dried rubberwood accented with non-toxic water-based dyes
18" x 22" x 22.5"
Plan Toys Victorian Doll house $371
This dream house is made of solid wood.
Quite large size: 25.2"x 28.7"x 12.6"
IKEA - FLISAT Doll house/wall shelf $34
It’s Ikea so you know it will have a modern design and a sensible price tag!
Made of Solid pine, Tinted clear acrylic lacquer
Magic Cabin Rustic Wooden Tree Fort $179
There is something so whimsical about this rustic tree fort- I think these are the type of dolls I would want to play with LOL
made of salvaged branches from hazelnut and alder wood trees