Miniature items were invented for adults

Originally, dollhouses were not conceived as toys. The first baby-houses of 17th century Germany and Holland weren't even for children. They were objects for wealthy adult women to fill with expensive creations.

The first "playing" dollhouses were kitchens with miniature pans and copper kettles the size of a thumb to teach small girls how to keep house. It was only when girls started having fun that it became an object of play.