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A kids playhouse is one of the best big gifts you can surprise your little ones with this Christmas. This can mean more hours spent outdoors and less time on screens, along with years of fun playtime with their siblings, friends, and even parents.
It’s always a good idea to start looking for the best playhouse early to avoid the last-minute rush. In this buying guide, we’ll break down the different types of playhouses available to help streamline your decision-making. Find which would suit your child’s secret hideout, fairytale castle, or pirate fort.
Grab your pen and notepad, and let’s get started!
The Perfect Playhouse = The Perfect Christmas Surprise
Most playhouses are made from timber, and wooden playhouses are considered the standard for outdoor playsets. The material is known for its durability and longevity, as well as how natural-looking it is in the outdoor setting.
Playhouses made from tongue and groove construction, for instance, guarantee maximum weather resistance, a feature available from stores like Garden Buildings Direct. This makes wooden structures more suitable for outdoor use compared to plastic ones, which are often designed for indoor setups.
Outdoor wooden playhouses come in a variety of designs and styles. Below, we highlight the popular options and explain their concepts:
Log cabin playhouses
A log cabin playhouse takes on a modern twist on a traditional playhouse. The construction mainly uses lighter-coloured but no less high-quality European-sourced timber. For reference, check out our very own Junior Log Cabin Playhouse.
It retains the shape of typical playhouses, resembling small houses or cottages. But as the term suggests, it features a hint of a log cabin-like structure. While it is furnished with classic elements like planters and faux window shutters, the overall appearance still fits well within a modern setting.
The thick wood of a log cabin playhouse also means that it will be warmer inside. While your children will still need their coats on, they will have a great time playing over the winter season.
Tip: If you decide on a two-storey playhouse with bunks, consider ordering it in advance to ensure it’s ready for Christmas. A large red bow on the door will make it feel like a special gift for your child. Just make sure to keep the installation a secret until the big day!
Two storey playhouses
If you have growing kids or want to add even more outdoor play potential, a two-storey playhouse might be the perfect choice for your family. The design introduces a new dimension with an internal bunk, giving your little ones a dedicated space to relax after a day of play.
The BillyOh Gingerbread Max Playhouse is a great example. Its two-storey design provides ample room for play and can accommodate friends for a Christmas tea or a post-Christmas party — the space won’t be an issue, after all. If you can’t set it up this year, you’ll have plenty of time to plan and prepare for the next holiday season. With enough headroom and space, you could even set up a mini tree inside.
Tower playhouses
A tower playhouse is ideal for older children who can manage themselves without supervision. Plus, to those who love climbing or dream of having their mini castle or superhero den. Thanks to the elevated structure, they can access the playhouse via a ladder or stairs. While it’s not as high as a treehouse, it still turns playtime into an adventure.
Tip: Consider adding a slide on the other side to give them a thrilling way to descend back down.
As a Christmas present, a tower playhouse offers something your children can enjoy throughout their childhood. Imagine all the happy memories they’ll create while feeling like they’re on top of the world!
Wendy houses
Wendy Houses resemble traditional houses but in a miniature version. What makes them more fitting for the holiday season is their dreamlike origin, which is sure to excite children.
The name ‘Wendy Houses’ traces back to J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale, ‘Peter Pan,’ where Wendy Darling’s home inspired them. In the story, after Wendy is wounded by an arrow upon her arrival in Neverland, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys build a small shelter to protect her from the cold.
This sweet story sparked the imagination of many and made Wendy’s tiny home famous. It also gives rise to the term Wendy houses for children’s playhouses. So, what better way to make your child’s Christmas wish for a fairytale cottage come true than by delighting them with one, such as the BillyOh Lollipop Max Playhouse?
Where to Order?
All the playhouses mentioned above are available here at Garden Buildings Direct. Our range of Christmas kids’ playhouse deals includes free delivery offers (*terms and conditions apply). They come with easy-to-follow instructions so you can have them assembled before the clock strikes midnight on the 25th of December.
Up next on your reading list: The Complete Playhouse FAQ – All Your Questions Answered!
