A house for children to put in a garden is a great source of fun for the youngest members of the family. The main quality of these games is that they are child-sized, so it becomes a refuge for our children. In these cozy houses, they can play alone, with friends, sit and read or simply rest.
This type of structure makes children feel more independent and important. They can invite whoever they want and if they close the door, adults must ask them for permission to enter.
They are the hosts! If you like the idea and are looking for a house for children, read our guide. We will help you find the most suitable according to your needs.
Here we had selected some of the best models of playhouses for your child that are given below.
Buyer Guide to Choose Playhouses
The garden sheds for children are great games in which the little one will want to spend a lot of time. For this reason, it is important to keep in mind some aspects in order to choose the most appropriate house. Below we answer the most frequent questions asked by those who, like you, want to buy a children’s house.
Do the Children’s Houses Resist All Types of Weather Conditions?
Children’s houses are, in principle, designed for outdoor use. So usually they are made of materials that resist not only the passage of time but also all kinds of weather conditions. However, rain or intense sun could end up deteriorating garden houses in the long term.
To make sure that a house lasts as long as possible, make sure it has been made of durable and stable materials, such as plastic or wood. If you opt for wood, it is important that it is thick, for example, fir or pine, and that it is properly treated to withstand the weather.
What Are the Advantages of Children’s Playhouses?
The garden houses are not only very decorative and offer fun hours for the little ones who play with them. They are in fact solutions that have significant advantages also for growth. They stimulate the imagination and creativity of the child, who must and wants to create different play situations.
They are also excellent for promoting their independence. The garden sheds will allow him to enjoy moments alone, both for playing and for reading, among other things.
In the same way, he can ‘furnish’ it as he prefers and he can invite other friends or relatives to enter ‘his house’. Last but not least, they stimulate contact with nature.
Are Garden Sheds Easy to Assemble?
In general, assembling children’s houses is quite simple. Do not forget that they are toys that, once assembled, are exploited like this forever, they are not to be disassembled and reassembled often. Generally, it is sufficient to follow the instructions, maybe make sure they are in Italian. Assembly tools are also usually included.
The lighter models (those that are made of fabric, for example), could also be accompanied by bags to be transported. In these cases, assembly is much easier than with wooden or plastic houses.
Are Children’s Playhouses 100% Safe?
Safety is a non-negotiable factor when we talk about children’s items. Especially when it comes to toys that, due to their size or weight, could cause serious damage because of poor quality.
For this reason, the ideal is to ensure that they have the CE marking and, therefore, comply with European regulations. It is also necessary to ensure that the materials are suitable for children’s play. No material that easily splinters and breaks. In addition, edges and external parts must be rounded, to avoid hurting the little ones.
A safe children’s playhouse must:
- Do not have edges or protruding edges
- Be free of chips or elements that could cause cuts
- Ensure solidity and stability
- Be made of materials suitable for children (e.g. methacrylate)
Purchase Criteria
In order to select the most suitable garden shed for children, there are several criteria you should have in mind. The recommended age for use or production materials are some of these. Below we tell you what are the main aspects to evaluate for a successful purchase.
- Age of use
- Manufacturing materials
- Design
- Dimensions
- Assembling
Age of Use
Depending on the design or size of the garden house, it will be recommended for one age group or another. There are recommended models for children aged 2 years and up. Others, because they have more details, may be suitable for older children. We could say that an optimal age would be after 5 years.
Until adolescence, children are fascinated by the idea of having a private shelter. In it, they can play quietly, sit down to read, rest or think, for example. In general, the recommended age for use is shown on the product packaging, so check the directions carefully.
Manufacturing Materials
It is essential to take production materials into consideration when selecting a children’s playhouse. In this regard, you need to think about where you will position it and how much it will be exposed to weather conditions. If it rains a lot, it is convenient to opt for anti-corrosive or plastic materials.
Wood is one of the most appropriate materials for this type of product, especially the more resistant ones, such as spruce. Wood supports the warm climates to perfection. However, the ideal is that it has been treated for a longer duration. In any case, make sure the finishes are optimal.
House Material Advantages
- Wood Nice and natural design.
- Great solidity and stability.
- Plastic Suitable for the rainiest climates. Resistant and simple assembly.
Design
The garden shed should be attractive to the child. This means that his tastes and preferences will have to be taken into consideration. On the market, you can find design models and infinite colors. In addition, they are available in all types of formats: square, triangular, or asymmetrical, among others.
In this sense, you should keep in mind who his favorite characters are. For example, Mickey Mouse, Peppa Pig, or Cars, just to name a few. In this way, the child will feel familiar with the house from the beginning. Consider including other accessories such as a terrace, casement windows, a slide, or a mailbox.
Dimensions
The size of the children’s home is closely related to the age of the baby. If you are thinking of a gift for a 2-year-old boy, for example, a house about one meter high could be perfect. Also, if it is wider, multiple children will be able to get in and out and play at the same time.
It is therefore vital to consider the stature of future users of the children’s playhouse. If you want to use it for longer, think big. A larger model that can last you for years will save you money in the long run, although it will cost more in the beginning. Make even more sure of the quality of the materials, since you plan to use it for many years.
Assembling
Lastly, it is important to take into account the ease of the assembly process. Normally it is the parents, with the help of their children, who are responsible for assembling the children’s houses. There is always your child’s safety at stake.
Usually, such a product is accompanied not only by the corresponding parts but also by the tools, when necessary. That way, you won’t have to look for other tools. In practice, in most cases, the help of a professional will not be necessary to assemble this type of children’s items.
Conclusions
For the characteristics it has, the children’s house is a toy that is always appreciated. Children are hopelessly attracted to it, excited to have their own home. They may feel like their parents in a place to consider a refuge in which to feel calm and safe.
In general, they are suitable for children of all ages. So, there are models suitable for the little ones, as well as for pre-teens. There is no doubt that your kids will love any cottage you choose for them. However, try not to make a mistake, following the instructions we have given you will find it easier to find the correct one.