Double-Duty Dollhouse

The problem with kids isn’t just that they grow up so quickly, it’s also that they quickly outgrow the gifts you build for them. Here’s a dual-purpose project designed to pass the test of time. In “play” mode, you have a fully functional dollhouse with rooms sized to hold commonly available lightweight boxes. But this multi-colored mansion can easily serve as a bookcase when its dollhouse days are over. 

Like any good dollhouse, this one has enough architectural detail to inspire fun play time: brightly colored rooms, windows, doors, and multiple levels. Construction materials are pretty basic: plywood, iron-on edging, solid wood trim and a few pieces of clear acrylic.