Bond And Build: These DIY Miniature Dollhouses Are The Perfect Family Gift This Christmas

Parents with older kids know how hard it is to distract kids from gadgets, but one way to keep them entertained and unplugged is to find a hobby that you can do together. And we found something we’re sure you and your big kids will enjoy: putting together miniature houses and music boxes!

These beautiful, tiny rooms were imported to the country by married couple Charles and Joanna Tan, who fell in love with the idea of building miniature dollhouses from scratch. It’s a unique hobby that is not yet widely known in the country, so the two thought of opening Lil’ Haven to make DIY miniatures more accessible to curious Pinoys.

 While the miniature models are pretty to look at, there’s also a thrill (and a challenge!) that comes with trying to put it together. That’s why apart from enthusiasts, most of Lil’ Haven’s customers are parents who want to distract their kids from screen time. “It’s a great way to bond and a nice alternative to gadgets,” Charles tells SmartParenting.com.ph.

DIY miniature dollhouses and music boxes

Each miniature dollhouse or music box comes with a kit that contains the materials, tools, and an instruction manual to help you assemble the product. Rooms start at Php650 and can go as high as Php5,650 for the more detailed dollhouses (one even has a pool!) The music boxes start at Php1,000 and can go as high as Php1,950. Some of the music boxes are enclosed in a glass dome and rotate!

The prices are definitely not cheap, but Charles says they have customers who buy a miniature room just to try it, but then end up coming back because they had so much fun building it. “They like putting it on their cabinets or displaying it in their home,” he says. You can even use some as inspiration for your future room or house!

Here are some of their best sellers:

Ferris Wheel Music Box, Php1,099

Anne's Loft, Php1,850

Simon's Coffee Dollhouse, Php2,200

Flower Shop Set, Php3,500

The dollhouses can be intricate, so Charles suggests giving these to older kids who are 11 years old and up. But if you will be doing these with your kids, younger kids can also try their hand at it.

Lil' Haven has kiosks in SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia. You can also purchase their kits online by visiting www.lilhaven-ph.com. 

Want to try making your own tiny rooms instead? Click here to see how one Pinay mom came up with a miniature dollhouse for her daughter!