How to Put Together a Dress-Up Box

A dress-up box filled with a selection of clothes, shoes and props can transform an ordinary afternoon into a magical adventure. What you add to the dress-up box depends on the age and interests of your child. The key is clothing that is easy for your little one to put on and take off and doesn̵7;t pose a risk of falling or tripping when walking. Other props, such as magical wands and swords, should also be child-safe to allow your wee one the freedom to play as he chooses.

Things You'll Need

  • Men's dress shirts
  • Fabric
  • Scarves
  • Halloween costumes
  • Props
  • Footwear
  • Hats
  • Accessories

Instructions

    • 1

      Add a selection of men̵7;s dress shirts in a variety of colors and styles. These can serve as dresses for little girls or as jackets for boys. Browse secondhand shops and yard sales for shirts in bold colors and designs, or clean out the closets and add some of your own.

    • 2

      Make sashes from strips of fabric or add a selection of women̵7;s scarves. Scarves and sashes function as belts to cinch the waist on those oversized shirts or as hair ties or shawls. A large square of fabric offers many options, from a wraparound skirt to a cape for your little super hero.

    • 3

      Collect old Halloween costumes to add to the assortment. You can often find these on sale after the holidays. Look for those with multiple pieces, such as pull-on pants, vests, shirts and skirts.

    • 4

      Incorporate props, such as a fairy̵7;s wand, a knight̵7;s sword, old pocketbooks, canes, crowns, badges or a warrior̵7;s shield. These all spark the imagination and encourage make-believe play.

    • 5

      Include shoes, slippers and boots in a variety of styles, and remember that, when it comes to kids' play, brighter is better. Those shoes in the clearance bin may send shivers up your spine, but discovering them in the dress-up box is likely to delight your little one.

    • 6

      Assemble a collection of outerwear, such as hats, gloves, mittens and jackets, to expand your child's options. Include funky sunglasses and floppy hats to stimulate the sense of play. Removing the lenses from old sunglasses will allow your youngster to pretend to wear real glasses without obstructing his vision.

    • 7

      Gather old costume jewelry for the dress up box. Think big, bold necklaces, bracelets and oversized rings with plenty of sparkle. Although you can buy play jewelry for dress up, many children delight in playing with the real thing.

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