Playmobil vs. Sylvanian Familes - which one?

[Earlybird]

DD is almost 5, and I am trying to decide which characters/house would be better for her.

In my opinion, Sylvanian wins hands down on charm, but I can see that the versatility of Playmobil might have it's positives too. DD, by the way, isn't a destructive child, so doesn't break things usually.

Looking for practical advice from experienced mums who've been there first and already made this hugely difficult decision....

well, I find Sylvanians quite expensive. Dd asked for a set for her birthday and even just a little family is £12. The houses, schools etc. are also quite expensive (£30 upwards).

Playmobil is quite versatile - although it's also fairly pricey, I feel you get a lot more for your money (and v easy to pass down to siblings whether boys or girls, don't know if this is a factor). You can also add on additional sets.

Sylvanian appeals to little girls and has lots of tiny accessories. I think if she's a very girly little girl, then Sylvanian is probably the way to go. If she's into building and things other than dolls, ponies, babies, unicorns, then playmobil is a safe bet.

should say that although dd has some Sylvanian families, I haven't gone the whole hog and got her the house, school etc. because I feel she can use some of her other toys for that (like her doll's house).

Ds got some playmobil for his birthday and I find dd plays with that as much as she plays with the Sylvanians (not much help am I!).

My dd 6 loves Sylvanian families and the detail is great. We have St John's school and it's so sweet. Trying to get anything over xmas is virtually impossible as most places have sold out. Even second hand on Ebay they sell for over the selling price.

Well, I'm wrapping presents at the moment....and I got both for dd. Couldn't decide between them, so ordered both, and plan to return one.

I've got the playmobil portable "take along" doll house (the one that closes into a case with carrying handle). And, I've got the Sylvanian Country Home with a family and furniture for bedroom, sitting room and kitchen.

DD doesn't have a full sized doll's house (and we won't get one) due to cramped living quarters in a flat. So, one of these little houses will be our substitute.

I'm sitting here staring at both of them, and I honestly don't know which she'd prefer. She would like Sylvanian because they are so cute, but don't know if she could actually do more with Playmobil.

Choices, choices, choices.....and right now, my brain is fried, so thought I'd ask you lot! Any more thoughts from anyone?

foxinsocks is right, it depends on how girly dd is - my dd (who is 5) likes ds's Playmobil (which is quite gender-neutral stuff) fine in a take it or leave it way - but coos and raptures over Sylvanian anything. We are having Sylvanian white mouse baby twins for Christmas.

Dd adored Snowman, by the way: sat up like a little entranced hypnotant whenever The Ballerina, Mummy was on. (Ds put his coat over his head.)

Think I'll go with the Sylvanian set. TBH, I think she'd like both of them, but since DD is quite girly, I'll follow your suggestions.

Thanks for helping me think it through. I'm a bit cross-eyed atm, as I'm giving my first ever family Christmas Eve party and am having 23 over tomorrow night. I'm not exactly thinking clearly!

binkie - saw the video of The Snowman (25% off, even!), so got it for dd. Know she'll be thrilled to find it under the tree. Thanks again for your wonderful suggestion.

well to be honest i think they are BOTH great but playmobile is my favoutite.... and you can get so many 'little' bits and add and add to it, much more so than with sylvanians

hope your party goes ok!

I'm sure your dd will love the Sylvanians.