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Fancy Dress Props

Fancy dress props are the finishing touch that makes a costume click. A wand turns a black cloak into a wizard, a sword makes a knight, and a bloody knife adds a horror twist to almost anything.

Our collection of costume accessories includes toy swords, magic wands, Halloween extras, novelty headwear and a photo booth kit or two for birthday parties. Mix them with other fancy dress accessories to build a complete character on a budget.

Buying guide ↓ Fancy Dress Hats Novelty Party Glasses Face Paint & Halloween Make-up Masquerade & Party Masks Fancy Dress Wigs
Three young women with photo booth props
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Buying guide

Choosing fancy dress props for your character

Think about who you’re going as first, then pick the one item people instantly associate with it. Wizards need wands, pirates need cutlasses, knights need swords, police officers need a helmet, handcuffs and a badge. One good accessory usually beats a handful of small ones, and it gives you something to do with your hands in photos.

Also think about where you’re going. Large toy swords can be a pain in a busy bar, and some venues and events don’t allow anything that looks like a blade at all, so check first.

Swords and cutlasses

Plastic and foam swords are perfect for knights, pirates and warriors. Pair a cutlass with our pirate costumes or go medieval with a long knight’s sword. Stick to ones that clearly look like toys in public.

Magic wands

Wands are cheap, light and ideal for wizards, witches, fairies and magicians. A black and white wand suits a classic magician, and multipacks are great for kids’ parties and World Book Day costumes.

Halloween extras

Bloody knives, a scythe, a green witch’s broom and other creepy bits are the quickest way to add horror to Halloween costumes. Add some red fake blood from our face paint range for a proper zombie look.

Photo booth kits

A photo booth kit with moustaches, pink lips, speech bubbles, mini bowlers and glasses on sticks is a hit at birthday parties, weddings and hen dos. A larger kit, including plenty of spare pieces, is best for big groups, so everyone gets a go. See our hen party accessories for more bride-themed items.

Accessory typeBest forGood to know
Toy swordsKnights, pirates, warriorsLeave at home if you’re flying
Magic wandsWizards, fairies, magiciansMultipacks suit kids’ parties
Knives and scythesZombies, slashers, horrorCheck venue rules before you go
Photo booth kitsBirthdays, weddings, hen dosCard pieces can bend, so store flat
Novelty headwearSilly group photosOften one size and quite light

Making a costume go further

A single prop works brilliantly with simple outfits. A wand and a scarf make a wizard, a sword and a headscarf make a pirate. Add a hat from our fancy dress hats, a wig from our fancy dress wigs, masquerade masks for a ball, or party glasses and you’ve got a full fancy dress costume without buying a whole set.

Themed nights work well too. Light-up LED wands and glow sticks are great for raves and UV parties, as an LED prop looks brilliant in party photos. Oversized specs and fake moustaches are a quick win for 80s fancy dress and 70s nights. One shared costume accessory is often all a group needs to look coordinated.

Budget products are usually lightweight plastic or card, so they’re fine for a night or two but not built to last. Need more ideas? Browse shop by theme.

In this guide

  1. Choosing fancy dress props for your character
  2. Popular costume accessories to carry
  3. Making a costume go further
  4. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about fancy dress props: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

Browse all themes →
Can you take toy swords and knives to a party venue?

Usually, but some venues and events ban anything that looks like a weapon, especially realistic ones. Check the rules first and stick to obviously fake, lightweight items.

What’s good for a photo booth?

Kits with moustaches, lips, glasses, mini hats and speech bubbles on sticks are the classic choice. Choose a bigger set for large groups so there’s plenty to go round.

Are toy swords safe for kids?

Foam and soft plastic swords are the safest choice for children. Supervise play, and avoid hard or pointed toys for younger kids.

Can you fly with toy swords and knives?

Even plastic ones can be refused at airport security. If you’re travelling for a stag or hen do, pack them in hold luggage or buy them when you arrive.

What’s the easiest accessory for a last-minute costume?

A magic wand, a toy sword or a novelty hat can turn everyday clothes into a recognisable look in seconds. Pair it with something from our fancy dress wigs for extra impact.

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