Things You'll Need:
- storage box or suitcase
- old clothing
- accessories
- Halloween costumes and props
- cosmetics
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Step 1
Rummage through the closet and clear out things no longer wanted. Put these in the dress up collection. Little girls love parading around in out-of-fashion bridesmaid's dresses and other fancy attire. Save old curtains for veils and capes and trains.
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Step 2
Boys like different hats like fireman, police, king, and cowboy. A cape turns them into Superman and a sword transforms them into Robin Hood, Zorro or the Three Musketeers.
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Step 3
Keep an eye out at yard sales for interesting props like hats, ballerina skirts, magic wands, sun glasses, and costume jewelry. Scarves have dozens of uses in imaginative play.
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Step 4
Left over Halloween costume parts will get year-round use here. Save ones the family has and pick up additional ones at yard sales. Think of all the fun a plastic sword can be or other Halloween accessory.
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Step 5
Save lipsticks, powder and blusher for little princesses to play with.
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Step 6
Store the clothes and props in a toy chest if you have room. If space is limited, keep the items in a suitcase in the garage or basement. It's easy to bring out when the children visit. If you need to take a trip, empty the dress-up clothes temporarily from the suitcase.
Comments
Noncents said
on 12/10/2008 Great to include dress up for boys also. We go to Goodwill, and Salvation Army stores to search for these kind of items. I ended up with a crown and wand from a office party joke gift. You are right, the holloween clothes can be used as play clothes year round. Hit the after holloween sales. Claire's is also a reasonable price place to buy little princess and fairy items. Boys will go for superhero pj's.
Thanks for sharing!
JMKnudson said
on 9/23/2008 We had the dress-up chest when my daughter was little. You're right garage sales are a great place for props.
bakers16 said
on 9/22/2008 Great article with excellent examples. Thanks for sharing!