Who needs Halloweento get dressed up? These products inspire role-playing and imaginative play all year long.
Top This!
I’m willing to bet you’ll have a tough time deciding on just one design from the wonderful array of handmade felt crowns from Scarlett Dalila Felt Better—and I’m reasonably sure your child will have plenty of pretend personas to go along with each. In addition to the blue lightning bolt and lavender snowflake crowns pictured, there are whimsical flowers, a bluebird, shark, star, autumn leaves, and more. Just what will your royal kin crown herself? ($25; greenmomguide.com)
Wild Thing
If nature speaks more loudly to your little one than superheroes do, why not let her go wild with these soft handmade costume sets? The wool felt masks, mittens, and tails were designed exclusively for Michelle Romo for Land of Nod and come in tiger, fox, rabbit, bear, and panda styles (ages 3 and older; $24.95; landofnod.com).
To the Moon and Back
Whether your child dreams of being an astronaut or a zookeeper, he can try on (literally) 11 different specialties with My First Career Gear outfits. The shirts have a simple hook-and-eye closure, making slipping into new identities a breeze. In addition to the six careers shown, designs include a chef, doctor, firefighter, police officer, and road crew worker. (Fits most ages 3-5; $13.95 for each shirt; hats sold separately: $9.95 for racing cap; $4.50 per hat for other designs; aeromaxtoys.com)
Everyday Magic
Most children need only a little prompting to enter a world with a whole lot of imagination. Help them get in character any time by lacing these wings or lightning bolts onto their shoes. Your kids can “fly” home from school or tap into their “thunder god” powers at any moment (now those are fantasies waiting to happen!). These so-called Shwings are among an array of imaginative dress-up items from Garnet Hill, including a variety of acrylic mohair hats (practical and fun!). (Available Oct. 1; $7.50 per pair of Schwings, or $6 each for 3 or more; $39.50 per hat; garnethill.com) Also see: Dollhouses for Open-Ended Play
