How to Make a Good Dress Up Trunk

For decades children all over the world have been mastering the art of imitation. Kids learn through play and often mimic what they see in their everyday life. Hence the reason why playing dress up is a time honored childhood tradition. Every child should have a dress up trunk for interactive play by themselves or with their friends. Creating a dress up trunk is simple and can be very inexpensive if it is done right.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. There are certain items that should be in every dress up trunk. Most of these items can be found in your very own closet, but the rest can be easily located at your local consignment shop. Getting together items can be done all at once or over time little by little.

2. Play House
   A good dress up trunk should always compliment a child who loves to play house. The trunk should include an apron for play cooking and baking. It should also include a big fuzzy robe and slippers. These are things our kids see us wear and use, so naturally they will have fun playing with them.

3. Accessories
   The pieces to a good dress up outfit are just as important as the outfit itself. Hats are a must have for every good dress up trunk. You should have baseball caps, fishing hats, fancy hats, straw hats and throw in a sombrero if you have one. Ties should also be included in the trunk, because boys like playing dress up too. Some other accessories to include would be shoes, boots, scarves, belts, shawls, jewelry, gloves and curlers. You should also include items like hair ties, barrettes and plastic flowers.

4. Outfits
   The bulk of any good dress up trunk is the actual clothes. Old dresses either from your closet or a second hand shop are a must. Blazers, button down shirts, hemmed slacks and suit pieces are great for boys. Look for old wedding dresses, prom gowns, tuxedos, work uniforms, raincoats, fancy coats, coveralls and jerseys. Halloween costumes make great additions to any trunk as well. Most kids get a new costume each year so they are a natural addition to the trunk. Halloween costumes can also be purchased on clearance post holiday.

5. The key to a good dress up trunk is variety. Clean out your own closet first and then hit the second hand stores for items that will complete the trunk. Your kids will have a great time wearing your old things and going out to shops to pick out new pieces on occasion.

[amylaine]

on 6/12/2008 How fun. My boys do this with their daddy's old cloths. They always come out with a big pair of sunglasses, a torn up flannel shirt, and big old work boots. They have a blast.