Make your own dress-up box

Dressing up and imaginative play are important parts of children's development.  Creating your own dress-ups box eliminates mess and frustration and lets them dip in and out as they choose.    

What you need:

• Cardboard box
• Scissors
• Old magazines
• Glue
• A variety of dress-up clothes and props found from around the house

Number of players:
1+

Activity:

Spend the morning decorating your dress-ups box. Your child can cut out pictures from magazines and collage them all over the box.  While they are doing this, collect the clothes and props to put in it.

Talk to family members – older members may have some terrific hats, gloves and brooches to donate. A visit to the local op shop can also be a fun activity. You'll find loads of cheap shoes, beads, dresses and even ties and suits in a good op shop.

Make sure you choose clothes and accessories that can be put on and off easily. You may have to take up hems or thread elastic through waistbands, so have that sewing basket at the ready.

It's also a good idea to replace buttons and tiny fasteners with velcro if you are particularly savvy with a sewing needle.

The dress-up collection can include:

• necklaces and bangles
• clip-on earrings
• shorts and t-shirts,
• coats and jackets
• ties, belts, dress and skirts (the frillier the better)
• handbags and purses
• scarves, shawls and glasses including sunglasses

You can add to the box over the years with store-bought dress-ups as well. But homemade items and items from Granny are always the most treasured and unique.