Posts Tagged ‘dress-up’

Magnetic dress-up games are very thick on the ground because they make such quiet, handy toys, particularly for long trips. The only problem is that the clothes usually found in said games veers close to the Barfy Princess Category. Mudpuppy’s magnetic dress-up sets are cooler. There are the fashion sets (chic City Girls, Retro Chic, Vintage), aspirational sets (Musical Diva, Supermodel, Ballerina, High School), and even one for girls who like sports. There are also a couple of less girlie models, dress-up robots, pirates, and monsters.

Each set comes in its own tin (no little pieces scattered around!) and will last through several generations of eager players.

Mudpuppy Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls, $19.99 per set

Even parents who shell out for organic cotton rompers and unbleached diapers usually fall down in the dress-up department. Yes, when a plastic pirate sword or sparkly cape your kid clamors for costs $7 at Target, it’s tough to say no–unless you realize that gorgeous, eco- and labor-friendly versions of the same items are online. The extra money is worth the lowered guilt. And the Earth, and the people on it will thank you for playing green.

Fairy Finery should be on your bookmark list for pretend play. Costumes and accessories are made in the U.S. by an ethical company that uses quality materials. Particularly choice: Fairy Finery’s soft toy sword, a cushy version of the plastic staple of pirate, knight, and “bad guy” games. Let the kids whack each other all they like with these soft swords, which have gorgeous, comfortable handles and natural wool blend felt over a sponge interior.

A Toy Garden is another bookmark to hold onto, with an inspiring collection of fairy costumes, princess hats and dresses, and capes, including this gorgeous dragon cape. Like all of Toy Garden’s wares, this cape is sewn by manufacturers certified by the Fair Trade Federation, and shipped in recycled packaging. The work-at-home mom who runs A Toy Garden even admits to dumpster diving to get packing materials. Many of Toy Garden’s goods are bought directly from the artisans who make them. This one is made in Sri Lanka, but you can be assured that it was made by workers making a fair wage and working fair hours.

Nova Naturals has a selection of stuff from the usual suspects (Sarah’s Silks, who makes a very popular line of princess wear and play silks), as well as more unusual accoutrement. Like this hand-crocheted “chain mail” hood, constructed of cotton yarn by artisans in Nepal. It’s soft and cozy yet looks fierce and warlike. That same kid you got the soft sword for will be over the moon.

If your daughter had her way, she would wear her ballet recital costume every day. Unfortunately, last year’s tutu is too too worn out.

Restock her dress-up supply at Tutu Girl, a virtual warehouse of tulle and satin ribbon. A wide selection of sizes (for babies and up) in more than 50 colors ensures years full of fluffy frill. Whether she’s a prima ballerina or a princess, there’s a style just right for the next birthday party, holiday or play date.

Enjoy the priss and pouf.

Available at tutugirl.com.

Your mini-monarch is low on her pink and sparkly supplies, but you can’t bear to buy another tutu. Always thinking ahead, you’d like to prompt her toward more sophisticated taste.

Zid Zid Kids imports the gorgeous little babush, a handmade Moroccan ballerina-esque leather slipper. The limited-edition cult faves are perfect for dress-up, but totally chic (and sturdy) enough to wear outside the playroom. These shoes typically sell out faster than you can say “Marrakech,” so snatch up a pair before the gold and silver booties are gone.

Unless Princess Jasmine, Jr. already put in a pre-order.

Available at milkshop.com.