The “big business” of toys did not start until the advent of the Steam Age after the 1830s when steam powered manufacturing and delivery systems were able to distribute toys across the country. Before this time, parents would create simple toys for their children at home. For example, mothers would sew cloth dolls from fabric scraps and worn-out clothing. Fathers might create a hobby horse or simple wagon for kids to amuse themselves with. Today, our youngsters have playrooms overflowing with toys; toys based on the good ole basics and shiny, flashy electronic toys whirring will buttons and gadgets. Many modern toys are based on popular culture and the reigning movies and television shows geared toward children. Flashback to your childhood or indulge your kid’s current passion, by suiting up in a fun toy costume for a Halloween party or a special birthday celebration.
A popular feature film that features lots of toys is the computer-animated movie, “Toy Story”. Premised on a room-full of toys that belong to a child named Andy, this movie has a toy costume for everyone. There is a toy costume resembling the character Woody, a friendly cowboy that sports retro western wear. Buzz Lightyear is another popular toy costume from this movie with a white spacesuit, faux retractable wings, and a toy costume jet pack to take you to “infinity and beyond”. Slinky Dog, Pig, Bo Beep, and the Army Men are all other choices for a toy costume based on this fun children’s movie.
Little girls will love to get dolled up in a toy costume that looks just like their favorite plaything – a doll. From storybook inspired dolls to more modern diva dolls, there is sure to be a lovely toy costume that makes any little girl’s fantasies come true. A toy costume based on Raggedy Ann features a blue calico dress, a white pinafore smock, and the signature red yarn wig and red-and-white striped tights (plus, there is a coordinating Raggedy Andy toy costume for brothers). You can call the Barbie a “doll’, but really she’s the ultimate modern single woman who has had many professional careers that have funded her sassy pink corvette and fashionable townhouse. There are many selections in a toy costume based on Barbie but perhaps the most iconic is to dress in a strapless zebra-print dress, high-heels and long blonde wig to bring back her very fist look in 1959.
Boys who are into things that “go” will be revved up for a toy costume based on their favorite mode of transportation. From the much-loved preschool “Thomas the Train”, your little one can dress up as this cheeky little blue engine in a toy costume that displays the train’s features on a front and back sided toy costume. Or, if your guy is into cars, there is more than one toy costume that looks like a 3-D race car that suspends around the race as if the wearer is actually driving. Other ideas for a car-inspired toy costume come from Disney’s movie “Cars” with a Lighting McQueen toy costume and a Tow Mater toy costume as well as the Hot wheels brand of toys.
A toy costume inspired by Christmas-time toys is to dress up as Santa Claus or a workshop elf. Every year this jolly old man in a red plush suit delivers sack loads of toys to children all around the world with the help of his helper elves. You will certainly be a popular guy when you show up to a holiday party in a Santa toy costume and a sleigh wagon overflowing with toys.
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