showering the world in costumes

As the babes get a little bit older they've become even more involved in the birthday gift-making and giving that happens around here. Often, it involves some kind of costume play. I'm thrilled that - at least for now - they get really excited about dreaming up ideas, planning, and executing the gifts we make for their friends. The past few weeks they've been planning this little project to give to a special four year old, who loves to visit the dress up rack whenever he's here. The boys instantly had grand plans of construction an entire dress up rack from wood, constructing him a pair of shoes, and sewing him a lion's costume. We compromised on this.

It's a vintage red suitcase I thrifted and cleaned up a bit.The boys each drew a few pictures of this little ones favorite costumes, which I mod-podged (yes, that's a verb) right onto the front, using Rick Rack as the 'frame'. And then we got a little nutty with the glue gun adding ribbon and buttons all over. Fun.

Inside is a start to his own dress up collection. A couple of pieces thrifted, a few from their own plethora of dress up, and a couple that we made just for Simon.  You know, the essentials the boys thought he would need to get started: a construction helmet, a boa, some scarves, a sherrif's badge, cape, safety goggles Santa hat and cat ears. The essentials.

Showering the world in costumes - one vintage suitcase at a time. I think that's their plan.

Comments

[Qalballah]

I wish WE had friends like this!

[Kristy]

We are starting our tickle trunk as well for the one year old crew that shakes up our house. We definitely need a boa though.

Manda, is that a barn in the background or a doll house? And where did you find it?

[greenemother]

I love the idea of using the rick-rack trim as a border. And the artwork of the superheros~!!! What a brilliant idea for a birthday present. So unique and and what a surprise it will be for the lucky bday child!

[Kelly]

what a great idea!

[OMSH]

Oh my! OH MY! I love this! I just found your site and am so excited! Need to order your book. Thank you for this idea!

[geek+nerd]

That's a really awesome gift idea!

[erin]

santa hat, cat ears, safety goggles...all to be worn together, right? i can see it now.

[Cat]

A lovely and brilliant gift idea! This blog is consistently jam packed with inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing it!

[brandie]

that is SUCH a great gift idea. you soule's are soooo clever! :) xoxo

[Jennifer]

Please tell your boys that they made me want to play dress up today! This is an awesome idea. I'm so glad to see you teaching your kids and the world about being thrifty and hand-made gifts. Things from the heart are always so much more meaningful!

[Mary-Heather]

I just love this gift idea!! Oooh my little niece better like dress-up... ;)

[AmandaMay]

wow, that is just the best! Your children are amazing!

[denise in c'ville, va]

that is heartbreakingly lovely

[Sleeping Mommy]

My motherinlaw used to put together costume kits like this. It's a great idea. We keep lots of costumes around our house for the kids to choose from.

[comfortablycrazy]

Too cool!!! I may have to borrow this idea for my niece. Would you mind?

[Liz]

What an awesome gift! That gives me some great ideas for the children in my life. :D

[Colleen]

Such a creative gift idea! I love it!

[Veronica TM]

and that is a beautiful plan!

[Rute Xavier]

Really love it!

[Carrie]

Having your kids make gifts for their friends is so inspiring! My daughter and I collaborated on an apron for her dad's birthday--and she's only 21 months. I am looking forward to your book's release. Thanks for the fun blog--I read it often.

[heidella]

Who are you?? I just stumbled upon your blog and I am so impressed and sadly to say jealous of all the amazing things you do. How do you stay focused on creating in our crazy, fast paced world?

[Shannon B.]

What a FABULOUS idea for a birthday gift! Tucking this little gem away for the next birthday party we're invited too!

[emma]

That's a great idea! And that little red suitcase is almost identical to my "hospital case", which I'll be using in about nine weeks time. Love it!

[melmo]

okay, so that is just ... AWESOME!

[Jamie]

That is the best idea! Love the idea of putting it in a vitage suitcase, too. I love how you decorated the outside.

[sarah]

I don't think I've ever posted before, but I've been reading about a year now. I love your blog, Amanda, so very much - but what I really wanted to say today is how incredible your children are! I am constantly struck by their creativity, enthusiasm, and most of all, their thoughtfulness. The world needs people like the ones you're raising, and how lucky all those whose lives that they'll touch in the years to come.

and I'd have given my eyeteeth for a dress up box when I was a kid (of COURSE I have one now!), what a lucky birthday boy!

[erika]

de-lurking --
When I was a kid, this was our de-rigeur birthday gift for other kids. (My mother parented right out of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle half of the time, so it's no surprise, really!) It always involved a trip to the local thrift shop, whose dear owner was my birthday twin. The lingerie rack usually added some fantastic flair to the box (purple satin bodysuit, anyone?). Just moved to upstate NY, where I've been delighted to find a junk store with drawers and drawers of vintage hats and gloves and ties and and and.... So glad to see I'm not the only mama who will be doing this with my kids!

[Steph VW]

What a brilliant idea!

[Shannon Hodgins]

Oh my gosh that's amazing!!!!! What an amazing gift. Shannon

[Lissilulu]

what a wonderful and thoughtful gift! :o)
Lori

[Cathy]

An absolutely gorgeous vintage case, so lovely the way you have this - thanks for listing my blog here, a pleasure to be in touch! best wishes Cathy novembermoon

[Lou]

Now I know what I am doing for Christmas, for my little 4 YO Friend! Thanks!

[saganaga]

dress up clothes in a suitcase---fabulous idea!

[Susan]

It strikes me that only someone who is very in-tune to the real interests, needs, and desires of children would think of a special red suitcase filled with things for dressing-up to give to a little person on his birthday. I really admire how you involve your children in the planning and making of gifts...It is so much more meaningful than simply running to the toy store and picking out a piece of plastic to wrap-up (but, making a special gift does take time). The plastic thing would be played with for an hour or a day...The red suitcase will become an important part of a little boy's life.

[alicia]

Cute idea!

[Carrie]

Your photographs are perfect. How clever of you to snap a picture while walking and holding Adelaide's hand! Thank you for sharing your intimate moments with us....
http://waitingforruby.typepad.com/

[Amber]

Oh, thank you for another great gift idea! I know a birthday boy that would love this...

[liz elayne]

fantastic! such creative souls they are!

[Amber]

yes yes yes yes yes yes YES!

[christina]

this is wonderful and that they were involved is great. my daughter received this same gift from one of my great friends for her second birthday. we have all gotten some great use out of it.

it is the perfect gift for kids of all ages. the drawings bring it all together.

[zoe]

we do a version of this every year. after halloween i stock up on clearance dress up "stuff" and make box's of it to give as birthday gifts through out the year. soooo much fun!

[Jamie]

Wow! Such a neat idea! Linked to your site at my blog!

[Mary]

What a great idea. I have a set of vintage suitcases just gathering dust and now... awaiting dress up!