to the Tall Trees area at the charming boutique festival,  levels of excitement reached fever pitch as eager children swarmed the array of dressing up delights, eying up the costumery on offer.A style report from our fashion experts confirmed that the long

1 Set reasonable rulesLet children know when and where superhero play is allowed. Give safe limits, such as “Only in the garden” and “No jumping off the shed”.2 Encourage the creative aspectsHelp your child make her own superhero costumes rather than buy ready-made acrylic suits;...

their lights switched off – they will either be out, or just trying to avoid trick or treaters!4. Prepare a party pieceInstead of just turning up in costume and demanding gifts, ask your children to learn a few spooky jokes or songs to perform in return

months, your child's hand-eye co-ordination will be advanced enough for her to do some of the simpler actions, such as holding her arms up as you put on her dress. With your help, she'll also be able to pull up her pants, trousers and socks, or pop her

Friends Forever Pudsey And Blush £59.50Or Bears £15 each, Dress And Pyjamas £10 each, Shoes £4.50 per pair all by Build A Bear Workshop

Wrapped up in a super-soft lambswool fairisle dress with a pom pom scarf and a saucy wink, this new rag doll is the perfect blend of cute, cuddly and cheeky for your child...Wink Knitted Dolly, £34.95 by Sally Nencini at FollyDon't miss... Junior

1. SortingGather a collection of small objects such as buttons, pennies or paper clips and ask your child to sort them into piles.2. DressingLet your child help to get herself dressed in the mornings – clothing fastenings like poppers, zips, buttons

1 Dress up Create a dress-up box. A doctor, a dragon or Darth Vader… pretending to be something or someone else will let your child’s imagination run riot.2 Stimulate sensesYour child will love exploring different textures and scents. Gather leaves

Golden ProspectsJanuary 3Nottingham Castle’s new family gallery exhibition offers an interactive look at journeys and exploration through dressing up, and exciting quests.Famers MarketJanuary 4For a tasty treat, head to Birmingham’s Upper New Street

their wares. Local authors will also be giving talks throughout the day.Medieval Dressing UpOctober 23–31Sort the princes from the paupers at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire with a day of dressing up in medieval finery. Aspiring nobility can try