Dressing up keeps kids entertained for hours and that is a win-win.

My children Tommy and Chloe and their friends love to dress up. When the kids have friends over it is the first thing they go to. It is great because it is something that pleases all the kids.

Everyday can be dress up day as costume-like clothes are making their way into kid’s wardrobes.

Whether it is a hoodie or hat with bunny ears, a sparkly tutu or a t-shirt with a detachable superhero cape, animal onesies or sleepwear with skeleton designs that glow in the dark, kids’ fashion makers are tapping into children’s magical feelings about dressing up.

Kids and parents love the quirky touch and cuteness that can turn an ordinary outfit can turn into something less ordinary – there is something about these items that enchant kids and parent too.

I have done some research on kids dressing up and was happy to find out that the there are huge benefits of kids playing dress-ups.

Dressing up and imaginative play is an important part of children’s development. Playing dress-ups allows for experimentation, role-play and fantasy which enhances their emotion, cognition, language and sensory motor skills.

When role-playing, children use their imaginations. Role-play encourages children to practicing speech and language, taking turns and cooperation, which develops their social skills.

The imaginative play lets them explore different aspects of their personalities, it helps them understand and process their own emotions better.

They can go from princess to firefighter or superhero and then mermaid. Younger children are open to trying out all the different costumes and not worried about gender stereotypes. Dressing up promotes independence and the best bit is when children play dress-ups they are learning how to dress themselves and for parents that is win-win to be able to get out of the house quicker.

We keep the box on the floor in Tommy’s bedroom for easy access. Our dress up box includes an odd assortment store bought and found items, from chunky costume jewelry, bags, retro print aprons, old sunglasses, masks, shawls, stick on moustaches and crazy hats and headgear and vintage bits and pieces.

You do not have to spend too much money either- Grandma’s house can be a great source of things put away from the 70’s and 80’ and visiting the local op shop can be a fun activity and a great source.

A blanket becomes a cape, an elastic waist skirt becomes bride’s veil, long gloves, sparkly strands of beaded necklaces and to finish off the look sunglasses add grown up glamour and make an outfit look super cool.

For stockist on the Plum Bunny Ear Hoodie visit www.plumcollection.com.au and for more great dress-up ideas visit www.facebook.com/plumbabywear

The following are websites have a good variety of costumes for kids.

http://www.etsy.com/au/browse/kids-category/costumes

http://www.costumebox.com.au/kids-costumes.html

http://www.letsdressup.com.au/

http://www.kidscostumeshop.com.au/