How to Make a Dress Up Trunk for Boys

Many parents consider dress up trunks to be the exclusive property of little girls. However, building the imaginations and creativity of your little boys is just as important. And little boys love to play dress up just as much as little girls. But, it can sometimes be a little harder to build up and maintain a dress up trunk for a little boy. While girls can be happy with makeup, costume jewelry and some old dresses, a boy needs a little more. For a boys dress up trunk, use your own imagination! Boys love to dress up like superheros, firemen and daddy. The possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas for places to get items for a boys dress up trunk.

After holiday sales - Pick up monster masks and costume accessories at after Halloween sales. Also after Christmas sales can yield Santa hats and reindeer antlers.

Yard sales - Keep your eyes open for old costumes at yard sales. You can also find ties, briefcases, old clothes and other accessories at yard sales for cheap prices!

Thrift stores - Look for the same items that you might find at yard sales! Also look for Mardi Gras beads and even material for making costumes. Hats can be great finds at the thrift store!

Fire Station - Go to your local fire station and ask if they have plastic firemen hats to give away. Pick up several as they are easy to tear up.

Police Station - Ask if your local police station has plastic badges to give away!

Burger King - Get several of the paper crowns. If you turn them inside out, they are plain brown and perfect for decorating. Your "king" will have a blast coloring and pasting on items to make their crown a masterpiece.

Sew it yourself - Make a simple cape or cloak with little effort. Even if you do not sew, there are patterns available for no sew capes.

Dollar Stores - Look for cheap accessories at Dollar stores. Look in the toy section for cowboy accessories and toy guns (if you allow your child to play with guns). You can also sometimes find Indian Headdresses with the cowboy stuff.

Think about what your son is interested in. If they are in love with all things cowboy, make sure you have a complete cowboy outfit. If they love firemen, look for firemen accessories. If they love animals, then look for items to make animal costumes. The possibilities are wide open. Once you have your items, you need a container. I suggest a plastic bin with a lid. You, or your son, can decorate the outside of the bin. Just make sure it is big enough! You can make up the dress up trunk for your own child or make it as a gift for a nephew or friends' child. With plenty of time before Christmas, it would make a great gift for next year!