Wings in Folklore & Imagination – Why We Love Dressing Up!

There’s something special about wings. Whether it's fairies, angels, or make-believe creatures, wings always seem to spark joy and wonder. For children, they open the door to magical adventures — and for us grown-ups, they bring back memories of childhood play.

Wings in Storytelling and Folklore

Wings have always had a place in the stories we tell. Think of Icarus flying too close to the sun, or faeries in Irish folklore flitting between worlds. Angels are symbols of light and protection. And who can forget Tinkerbell or the Tooth Fairy?

When kids put on wings, it’s not just a costume — it’s the beginning of a new story.

Why Wings Matter in Play

Wearing wings can transform a child into:

A butterfly flitting through a garden

A fairy queen ruling a magical land

A superhero with the power to fly

A forest creature on a woodland adventure

This kind of imaginative play is brilliant for building confidence, creativity and storytelling skills. It helps children explore ideas, feelings and characters in a playful, safe way.

How We Make Our Wings

All our wings at A is for Alice are handmade in our Birmingham garden workshop. We use soft felt and comfy elastic straps — so little ones can move freely and happily. They’re UKCA tested and designed for ages 3–7.

You can choose from a full rainbow of colours — and match them with crowns, masks and wands to make your own special set.

A Fun Game to Try:

Let your child design their own set of wings, and give them starting points:

“Who might wear these?”

“Where are they off to?”

“What are their wings made from?”

You’ll be amazed at the stories they come up with. A simple costume can unlock a whole magical world.