The Dress Up Box

In an ideal world, every child would have a dress up box. Dress up boxes are amazing places where children can transport themselves to a world of superheroes, fire fighters, dragons, pirate ships, construction sites or theater stages.It is also an imaginative place where kids can explore and challenge themselves, and discover likes and dislikes. They can pretend what it’s like to be mommies, fire fighters, wild animals, accountants, superheroes, ballerinas, and so much more. Dress up play can even allow children to try some new things on for size to help them overcome shyness and build self-confidence.Every family is unique, and of course there are as many differences of opinion on dress up as there are families. The best rule of thumb is:  it doesn’t take a lot of money to make a great dress up box! Kids love using things that they’ve seen you use or wear, and sifting through it feels more like treasure! Depending on how you approach imaginative play, here are some ideas to talk over and consider:

The Classics:

Sunglasses/Hats/Scarves

Dresses/suits (a quick trim and hem works well!)

Ties/Belts

Tights/Knee socks

Boots/high heels

Jewelry

Purses/Wallets

Feather Boa

Curlers/Brushes

Accessories:

Cooking utensils/Bowls

Calculator

Phones (throw in an old-fashioned dial phone for fun if you can find one!)

Spiral pads of paper

Mirrors (unbreakable!)

Flashlight

Musical Instruments

Masks

Rope (lassos, belts, leashes for stuffed animals)

The Specifics:

Magnifying Glass

First Aid kit/Stethoscope

Sherriff badge

Stick on mustaches

Pre-designed costumes:  elbow length gloves, princess dresses, tiaras, nurse/doctor costumes, superhero costumes--many of these are over 50% off in the days after Halloween. Post-Christmas is also a great time to look for deals.

Pirate hats

Cowboy Hats/Handkerchief

The Creative:

Paper towel/Christmas tubes

Loofah sponges

Long pieces of fabric (various textures and prints)

Jewels (sticker or press on)A roll of painter’s tape (easy to use and won’t stick to walls)

Old sheets/blankets (for all kinds of imaginative scenarios-forts, beds, theater curtains)

Remember to check with grandparents or older relatives for things they might have to add!  Have fun!Leanne Powell, 2016