- Dress-up accessories, such as headscarves, belts, or masks and magic wands help kids get more involved in pretend play. Everyday items around the house are easily customized to add an extra layer of realism. For instance, convert a set of headphones into a stethoscope for doctor games by taping the lid from a plastic bottle onto the jack. Provide bandages by tearing up old sheets into strips, and use the empty plastic casing of a pen as a thermometer.
- A very simple way to make an animal suit is to lay two large squares of fabric on top of each other, right sides facing in, on the floor. Choose the appropriate color for the animal you are making, such as green for a frog or tiger striped for a tiger. Get your child to lie on the fabric with her arms and legs spread out. Draw around the outline of her body, keeping the line about 6 inches out from the body. Cut out the shape and sew up all the seams, leaving holes at the ends of sleeves and legs. Turn the costume right side out, cut an opening in the back and fix hook and latch tape as closures.
- Use old curtains to create capes and cloaks for pretend play games that involve kings, queens or superheroes. Fancy brocade curtains or drapes with gold stitching are especially good for creating cloaks for royalty. Such items can often be picked up in charity or thrift stores for very little cost. To make a simple cloak, gather the top edge of a rectangle of fabric and sew the gathers onto a long strip of fabric, leaving long tails at either end to tie the cloak around the shoulders.
- Both boys and girls enjoy playing house, and you can help to fire their imagination by making accessories to go with themed play. For instance, aprons and pinafores modeled on adult styles (rather than those that look like a child's painting overall), or oven mitts and pot holders made from cut down dishtowels can help immerse a child in pretend play. Other items to make include bedding or blankets for a doll's bed, or baby doll clothes.
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