If I had a dime for every time I walked into what was once a clean den or bedroom to discover it's been colonized by tiny pillow forts and sheet palaces, well, then I could buy one of these awesome, animal-shaped HULKI playhouses instead. After a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, they are now ready for preorder and I imagine a lot of kids -- and parents -- will be thrilled.
Related: 15 of the coolest playhouses for kids, from DIY to major splurges
Dutch parents Jasper Janssen and Brigit Span created their whimsical playhouses as an alternative to large plastic ones that tend to be loved for a moment (or a year) then quickly dispatched to the nearest landfill. HULKI toys, in contrast, are made of 100% recyclable materials, easily broken down when outgrown. And the shapes are so charming! Especially for toddlers and preschoolers. And one of the best parts? Assembly doesn't seem too crazy. I watched the how-to video on their website and the only unrealistic instruction was, "start with a large, clean space free of things."Related: The ultimate birthday gift guide: The coolest gifts for 5-year olds.
So, yes, they are expensive, and for those of you who'd prefer to make your own playhouses out of cardboard boxes and have the construction skills to pull it off, this is not for you. But for the rest of us, a creative, pre-made hideout that serves as a little reading nook, a nap-time snuggle fort, or just a place to hide from older siblings, these playhouses are perfect companions. You can preorder a HULKI playhouse shaped like a whale, turtle, or owl from the HULKI website. Items ship from the UK, but if you order two, the shipping is free. Est ship date is August 2006.
