Get Creative with a Fun Dress Up Chest!

As your little princess develops in her toddler years and begins to dress herself, mom and dad can start her very own dress up chest. This does not have to be an expensive undertaking. Here I will give you examples of what kind of things to include in a little girl's dress up chest and where to get these items.

You are going to need...

Chest-This does not have to be a fancy chest or toy box, a large Rubber Maid plastic tub will do just fine.

Clothes-Include dresses, costumes, fancy shirts and skirts, and pretty fabrics.

Shoes-Include dress up fancy shoes, sandals, cute socks, and slippers.

Accessories-Include tiaras, hats, sunglasses, masks, costume jewelry, gloves, scarves, hair bows, and cute purses and handbags.

You can get these items...

The Store-Sure you could get all these at the store, but I wouldn't recommend it because it would just get too expensive. Try to only buy these items from the store when they are on sale. A great time to buy this stuff is right after Halloween when all the costumes and accessories are on clearance. Also be sure to check out the clearance fabrics at Wal-Mart. You can make your child simple skirts and dresses or just wrap the fabric around her in a "toga" fashion.

Yard Sales-This is probably the best place to get items for a dress up chest. Don't forget to also be on the look out for items in your little one's next size too!

Thrift Stores-Slightly more expensive than yard sales, thrift stores offer up some great deals for a dress up chest. While at the thrift shop, also check out bigger sizes too!

Hand-me-downs-Sisters and cousins can also make contributions to a dress up chest. If your little princess is too small for the clothes, you can always put them on reserve for later or make a few simple alterations.

Closet at Home-Don't forget about the clothes your little one already has! Instead of leaving that Easter or formal dress hanging in the closet after the big event, put it in the dress up chest. Also, don't toss those pretty clothes with stains or holes. Let her dress up with them as is or get embellishments or fun fabric patches to mend them and create even fancier ensembles!

Don't forget to be creative and involve your child in putting the dress up chest together. She can help you decorate clothes with embellishments, patches and puff paints. She can help you choose what to get at yard sales and thrift stores. You and your child's imagination is the only limit!

Extra tip!

Don't forget to decorate the dress up chest! Use stickers, embellishments, and paints to make it even more special!