Hobbies And Interests
Around Home
Boys and girls can play dress up just by going through closets around the house. They can put on their parent's work clothes and pretend to be grown-ups for the day. Add a computer, paper and pencil and old phone and kids can set up their own office. If mom or dad wears a uniform instead of a suit, they can imitate that workplace and its activities.
Children can try on their family members' formal wear and have a dinner party with each other, friends or favorite toys. Undergarments or pajamas and large bath towels can become superhero costumes on a moment's notice.
They can wear their own clothes but change for the climate as they take a trip around the world. With beach towels, swimsuits and toys, they can swim in the ocean or vacation in the tropics. With parkas, hats and a mountain of pillows and sheets, they can climb Mount Everest.
At Shops
Retail stores have offered princess dress-up items and kits for decades. Some now offer boy-oriented or gender-neutral ones as well. Boys and girls can play out a range of scenarios with these kits such as a career day when they try on outfits associated with different professions like doctor or chef. They could pretend to be everyday heroes and put on firefighter and police officer uniforms. They could even be king or queen for a day and hold court with their subjects (friends or toys) or capture wild beasts (stuffed animals or good-natured pets).
Some craft and hobby stores also sell kits for making dress-up clothes and accessories. The kits are often designed for children to use with some parental supervision. They also allow for one-time themed games. For instance, use construction paper and felt to make a stovepipe hat and beard for Presidents Day. Transform paper mache masks into animal costumes.
Online Action
Virtual dress-up games are available online that are very similar to customizable paper dolls but on a computer screen. Websites like Nickjr.com lets children dress up their favorite characters from the network, such as Dora and Blue. At akidsheart.com, children can choose different figures to dress up. Supervise young children whenever they use the computer and limit their time in front of one.