Magic Doorbell Playhouse
by Little Tikes
(Click here)
Product Summary
Manufacturer: Little TikesToys and Games Reviews of Magic Doorbell Playhouse
Customer Review: Structure is a bit flimsy
Summary: 3 Stars
Any parent who does their research on playhouses knows that they cost an arm and leg. We hunted everywhere for a decent sized house that wouldn't be outgrown in one year, and one that didn't require a small loan to afford! This Little Tikes Magic Doorbell house came close to our requirements.
I give it just an "OK" rating because compared to others we looked at, the walls of this house are very flimsy. In fact, while we were assembling it, I could literally have bent in the sides of it if I pushed slightly harder than my toddler would have done. I didn't return it for this reason since once they laid eyes on it, it was love at first sight.
Here is our rundown of the features:
1. The colors are gender-neutral so boys and girls alike will be drawn to it;
2. The play phone, microwave and stove are cute, the stickers are realistic, but if you plan to keep the structure outdoors, don't be surprised if the stickers dry up and peel off within a few months of exposure to rain and sun;
3. We have ours on concrete in the yard and placed colorful foam playmats under the whole house to provide the kids with padded footing. If you put it on a lawn, it will most likely be messy for them to play inside without some kind of protection under their feet. Most home stores will sell you a weather proof padding.
3. The dutch door opens OUTWARD so for those reviewers who mentioned it falling out, if you remind your kids not to push it in, you might not have this problem.
4. Another mention that the assembly is quick IF you remember that Little Tikes does not pre-drill holes for the screws. Your electric screw driver will do the trick very easily, just pay attention to the angle you are drilling when attaching the roof so you don't accidently hit the side of the house where the screw will puncture right through.
5. This house is a HIT with our 2 little girls and since the height is generous, I don't see them outgrowing it anytime soon. The roof is very wide so forget about bringing it indoors unless you have double doors. There is NO WAY to get this through a standard sized doorway. If you build it oudoors, keep it there till you're ready to unscrew the roof and bring it inside (for winter time play).
6. I think the price was a bit steep. Though this doorbell version has a cordless phone and the buzzer makes a few different sounds, I don't think this justified the extra cost. Had they excluded the doorbell and just put in a few other built in extras like a fold down table or molded in seats, this would have made the house just perfect. Plus seats and a table are more functional than a doorbell.
7. The molded in fireplace is all but un-noticeable since there is no color to it whatsoever. There's also a molded in houseplant inside, a wall clock and a mail slot in the dutch door.
All in all this is a decent playhouse, but I think if you have the extra bucks to spend, invest in one that is slightly more expensive and get a sturdier structure with more useful extras.
Description of Magic Doorbell Playhouse
Anyone home? With the Magic Doorbell Playhouse, new friends can announce their arrival by leaning on the electric doorbell. (Requires three AAA batteries, not included.) Once through the red half-door, they'll find a cozy play space that has all the comforts of home, including a kitchen corner with stove, microwave, and cordless phone. Forty-four inches high internally, the house has a pleasing blue "tile" roof and tan exterior walls that are half "masonry," half "board," as well as a lot of nice touches, like a pointed blue lintel over the front door. The all-plastic exterior measures 48 by 32 inches; adult assembly is required, but it snaps together quickly and easily. --Richard FarrSports & Outdoor Play Toys
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