Guest Author - Karen Blakeney

Imaginative play is an important part of childhood…and kids love to dress up just as much as adults do! Pre-stocked costume boxes are getting increasingly popular at toy stores, complete with large price tag! Make your own for a fraction of the cost and 100 times the cool!

The Box:

An old trunk is wonderful if you happen to have one. But a plastic tub, an old suitcase, or even a cardboard box will work just as well…use what you have on hand! Let the kids help decorate it. You can paint them, add stickers, glitter, or glass pebbles for “jewels”!

The Contents:

Kids can use just about anything as a costume. Keep your eyes open around the house and at thrift stores and you can have a stocked costume box in no time!

Old Halloween Costumes: Thrift stores sell these usually for just a few dollars each, especially out of season. I’ve bought several fun costumes in the 2-3 dollar range to stock my costume box. Also check out yard sales and retail stores the week after Halloween!

Grown Up And Older Sibling Hand Me Downs:: Shirts can be worn as dresses; Hats, scarves, slippers, and purses are always appreciated; and hand me down sports uniforms are a perennial favorite! Don’t discount socks either…strategically cut holes can turn a long sock into an opera glove!

Scrap Yards Of Fabric: Kids can turn anything in to an outfit! Any fat quarters in the fabric box that you will never be using? Let the kids drape and wrap themselves in to something new!

Bandanas: Like scarves, bandanas are a favorite in my house. You can be a cowboy, a scullery maid, or Little Red Riding Hood with just a jauntily placed bit of bandana!

Tablecloths, Napkins, and Curtains: Like other bits of fabric…tablecloths and napkins can find a new home in the costume box. Lacy bits make wonderful bridal veils!

Costume Jewelry: Mardi Gras beads are cheap and plenty this time a year…and a wonderful addition to the costume box. Any baubles you have that you don’t use can be well loved…even broken bits can be glued on to old hats and purses for a fabulous costume look!

Beads, Buttons, and Glass Pebbles: Like the broken jewelry mentioned above…these are all things that can be sewn or glued on to other pieces for a whole new piece!

Wigs and Hairpieces: Finding some fake hair to play with used to be hard to do. With faux braids and curls available at every discount superstore these days, you can usually find some fun pieces to play with!

Combs, Brushes, Hair Accessories, and an Unbreakable Mirror: Because a kid’s gotta know how fabulous they look!

Household Accessories: If you have room, and have the extras, old throw pillows, lap blankets, plastic dishes and tea sets make a great addition to the costume chest. They make wonderful set props for all the magical gatherings that will be taking place…and keep your good stuff from being “borrowed” from the living room!


Have a wonderful time playing dress-up! And who knows? You may be cultivating the next generation of reenactors! Check out BellaOnline’s Crafts For Kids for more fun ideas!

How To Make Costumes Articles