Kind of play

Dress-up & costumes

Choose dress-up sets by fit, comfort and the actions they enable. A costume for repeated pretend play needs to be easy to move in and put away, while a one-day outfit may have a different brief.

Before choosing from this collection

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Use garment measurements

A costume age range is not a substitute for chest, length or other listed measurements. Compare them with the child and allow for intended clothing underneath. Check closures and whether the child can manage dressing with the help normally available.

Count useful props

Role-play accessories matter when they make an action possible, such as carrying tools or running a pretend shop. Check what is included rather than assuming everything in a scene photo arrives. Separate wearable sizing from the age guidance on smaller accessories.

Plan care and repeat use

Read the cleaning instructions and consider where the outfit will hang or fold between sessions. For outdoor events, check movement and visibility and follow the product guidance. A costume that works indoors may need a different plan when worn over seasonal clothing.

Compare 3 examples from this shelf

Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Costume Set

Sized for ages 3–5

Choose it for: The child wants to act out a rescue, and the current garment measurements fit.

Skip it if: You need protective clothing or a costume sized for an older child.

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Melissa & Doug Doctor Costume Set

Sized for ages 3–6; check measurements

Choose it for: A child who wants to act the role personally, with pretend tools kept separate from real care equipment.

Before buying: Sized for ages 3–6; check the measurements. The stethoscope uses two AAA batteries, not included. All instruments are pretend-play props. Check fit before the gift date; age labels do not guarantee garment fit.

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Melissa & Doug Construction Worker Costume Set

Sized for ages 3–6; check measurements

Choose it for: The recipient already invents worksites and wants to become the builder inside the story.

Before buying: Sized for ages 3–6. The hat, goggles and tools are pretend props and offer no real workshop protection. Match the vest measurements before buying. Check fit before the gift date; age labels do not guarantee garment fit.

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For a closer comparison: Dress-Up Costumes for Halloween and Everyday Pretend Play →

Gift ages 3–5

Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Costume Set

Firefighter jacket, helmet, badge, pretend extinguisher, sound-effect bullhorn and name tag.

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupModerate noise

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Gift ages 3–6

Melissa & Doug Doctor Costume Set

Doctor coat, mask, pretend medical tools, sound-effect stethoscope and reusable name tag.

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupModerate noise

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Gift ages 3–6

Melissa & Doug Construction Worker Costume Set

Construction vest with tool belt, hard hat, goggles, pretend hammer and saw, and name tag.

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

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Gift ages 3–6

Melissa & Doug Police Officer Costume Set

Police jacket, cap, badge, whistle, toy handcuffs, sound-effect walkie-talkie, ticket and name tag.

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupModerate noise

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Gift ages 3–6

Melissa & Doug Veterinarian Costume Set

Veterinarian jacket, cap, mask, pretend medical tools, bandage, name tag and small plush puppy patient.

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupModerate noise

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Dress-up & costumes

Before choosing from this collection

Use garment measurements

Count useful props

Plan care and repeat use

Find and compare gifts in this collection

Help choosing between the options