TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Boys´ Pretend Play Apparel

By Kristin Abraham
March 2005

In the world of toys, dress up and pretend play pushes children into the active realm. Participants get to create the story and its characters, while stretching their imagination in the process. Active play helps kids develop their abstract thinking abilities, which are integral to every aspect of development.

Firefighter by BRAND NEW WORLD

Firefighter by BRAND NEW WORLD Brand New World lets little heroes come to life as they act out rescue fantasies. This award-winning series of dress up items encourages children to explore the professional world.

- The manufacturer designed this product to promote the ultimate in child safety and durability while maintaining a realistic appeal.
- It was awarded Director’s Choice Recognition by Early Childhood News Awards.
- The Fireman is the top selling item in this line according to Kathy Palker, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Brand New World.
3/3/2005 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: 3 to 6)

Get Real Gear - Jr. Air Force Pilot suit by AEROMAX INC.

Get into the military action with this one-piece Air Force uniform by Aeromax. It includes custom patches and a helmet with retractable shield.

-- The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal was awarded to the entire Get Real Gear series.
-- It is an IParenting Media Award Winner.
- This item is listed as the most popular children’s costume on MySimon.com in March, 2005.

This item is expected to trend up as online parenting groups have already recognized it and individual parents will soon follow. 9/1/2004 (MSRP: $49.95; Age: 2 to 14)

Bob the Builder by DISGUISE INC.

This costume is perfect for the little handyman who wants to help Dad and imitate his favorite construction man, Bob the Builder, at the same time.

-- It is the only Bob the Builder costume endorsed by Nickelodeon and sold on NickJr.com.
-- This dress up set, without clothes, is a top seller and sold out on eLearning.com.
-- Since his debut, Bob has ranked number one in preschool television programming in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Bob the Builder has left Nickelodeon and is now airing on PBS. This may adversely affect his popularity and you may see this product trend downward. 2/14/2005 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 2 to 6)

Astronaut Helmet by ELOPE INC.

Astronaut Helmet by ELOPE INC.

Space helmets by Elope take little ones to the ultimate heights of their imaginations. This astronaut hat comes with a NASA logo, American flag and a microphone.

-- Elope Inc. is a winner of the IParenting Media Award for 2004.
-- The Astronaut Helmet was a top seller on Amazon.com in the costume division.
-- “It has been on the top five best seller list for all of our products in the years 2001,2002,2003 and 2004.” According to Grace Moore of Elope, Inc.

This item is expected to trend down as other companies enter the career arena with costumes that cover a child from head to toe. 2/14/2005 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 to 11)

Blue's Clues: Joe Shirt and Pants Set by WEAR ME APPAREL

Blue

Blue’s Clues’ Joe dress up set includes a long-sleeved top with embroidered characters and matching pants with cargo pockets on each side.

-- This outfit is a best seller on Nickjr.com.
-- The producers of Blue’s Clues say they put as much thought and research into their clothing lines as the Blue’s Clues TV shows.
-- According to Family Screen Scene, Blue’s Clues is Nickelodeon’s top rated preschool show in the United States.

Expect this product to trend down as SpongeBob and Dora take over Nickelodeon. 2/14/2005 (Age: 2 to 4)

Harry Potter Dress Up Boxed Set by RUBIE'S COSTUME COMPANY

Magical fun is included in this authentic licensed box set with cape featuring the Gryffindor crest, wand, and eyeglasses.

-- It is rated as a top seller for costumes on Amazon.com
-- The first five Harry Potter books have reached sales topping $250 million worldwide.
-- According to the Kid’s Window Costume Shop, “The success of the Harry Potter books has led to a massive demand for Harry Potter gifts and merchandise.”

Another book is on its way to market and the popularity of Harry will ebb and flow accordingly, so expect this item to trend up. 2/14/2005 (Age: 4 to 10)

Power Rangers Role Play Set by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

Power Rangers Role Play Set by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

Kids can morph into their favorite Power Ranger with this role-playing kit by Bandai, which includes mask and accessories.

-- Power Rangers are the number one boy’s action figure brand according to Bandai´s public relations representative at Rogers & Associates.
-- The Power Rangers were in the top 10 Halloween costumes for kids in 2004, according to the National Retail Federation.
-- Power Rangers are one of the longest running children’s action shows with a history that spans 12 years. 2/14/2005 (Age: 4 and Up)

Billy and Bonnie: Basketball by M.O.G. KIDS, INC.

Billy and Bonnie: Basketball by M.O.G. KIDS, INC.

Additional Entry
M.O.G. Kids helps parents teach sportsmanship with this dress up costume including headband, wristband and basketball. The kit comes with one girl’s costume and one boy’s costume.

-- This series has earned nine Preferred Choice Awards from Creative Child Magazine.
-- An interactive CD-ROM and a hard cover book are included with these costumes.
-- This product not only encourages physical activity but also promotes sportsmanship, reading and learning, according to the M.O.G. Kids, Inc. Web site.

This series of dress up items will likely trend up as parents catch on to M.O.G. Kids’ concept of costume with accessories, a CD-ROM and hardcover book teaching children about their favorite professions and activities. 2/14/2005 (Age: 3 to 6)