LEGO® Friends - Creative Dollhouse Suitcase 42697

The LEGO Friends Creative Dollhouse Suitcase (42697) is a 355-piece playset built around a portable case format: the dollhouse opens out for play and folds back into a suitcase that can be carried by its handle. It was part of the LEGO Friends summer 2026 assortment, reaching US shelves on 1 August alongside the rest of that wave.

Play, then pack away

The suitcase design solves the problem most dollhouses have, which is that they occupy a permanent corner of a room. Here the whole scene closes up, which makes it practical for smaller homes, for travel, or for taking to a friend's house.

Because the case is the structure rather than an accessory, nothing needs dismantling before it packs away.

Why the case format works

• Everything stores inside, so pieces are less likely to go missing
• Carry handle makes it genuinely portable for a child
• No permanent floor space required between play sessions
• Opens out to a larger footprint than the closed size suggests

Part of the LEGO Friends world

LEGO Friends builds are set in Heartlake City and use minidoll figures rather than standard minifigures. Furniture and accessories carry over freely between Friends sets, so this dollhouse can be furnished with pieces from elsewhere in a child's collection.

The LEGO Builder app supports the build with 3D instructions and progress saving.

Set specifications

• Set number: 42697
• Piece count: 355
• Theme: LEGO Friends

Who this set suits

Well suited to families short on display space, and a strong option for holidays or long journeys. It also works as a self-contained gift, since it does not need other sets to be enjoyable.

What to expect from the build

The case structure goes together first, with the interior furnishing added afterwards. That order means a child sees the shell take shape early and can start arranging rooms before every last piece is placed.