
Brand Spotlight: Great Pretenders
Brand Spotlight: Great Pretenders
At The Rocking Horse, we’ve carried many brands over the years, but few have become as beloved as Great Pretenders. For over 15 years, this Canadian brand has been a cherished part of our store, continuously inspiring children’s creativity and imagination. Based in Sarnia, Ontario, Great Pretenders has set the standard for high-quality, open-ended play, making it a perfect fit for our shop. We’ve always adored their beautifully designed costumes and accessories, and we’re especially excited about their newest addition - their kid-friendly nail polish line, which brings even more fun and creativity to dress-up time!
Why We Love Great Pretenders
Great Pretenders isn't just about dressing up - it’s about teaching kids that anything is possible. Their costumes encourage children to open their imaginations and step into endless worlds of possibility. Whether they dream of swimming as mermaids, healing as veterinarians, roaring as dinosaurs, soaring as astronauts, or leading as superheroes, Great Pretenders helps bring those dreams to life. From pirates and unicorns to doctors and construction workers, their designs show kids that they can be anything they want to be. Through play, children build confidence, develop creativity, and discover that the only limit is their imagination.

Joyce Keelan, the brand’s founder, started Great Pretenders over 35 years ago when she struggled to find toys that encouraged creativity rather than reinforcing outdated roles. Today, her vision has grown into a globally recognized brand that ships to boutiques and toy stores worldwide - yet it remains proudly Canadian at heart.
A Commitment to Quality, Safety & Sustainability
One of the things we admire most about Great Pretenders is their dedication to producing safe, high-quality, and sustainable products. Their costumes are made to last, with machine-washable fabrics and adjustable sizing, so they can be loved and passed down for years. Here’s what makes them stand out:
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Safety First: Every costume is rigorously tested to meet Canadian, North American, and European safety standards—including flammability testing, so your little dragons can breathe fire worry-free!
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Built to Last: Unlike fast-fashion costumes, Great Pretenders’ designs withstand years of dress-up adventures. They’re durable, comfortable, and made for real play.
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Eco-Conscious: The company continues to evolve its sustainability efforts, always looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining the magic of dress-up.
Family Connection: A Tradition of Dress-Up

Anyone who has shopped in person at our shop, knows that one of the greatest joys in my life is the time I spend with my nieces. Over the years, we’ve created a tradition that feels just as magical as the costumes they pick out. When they come to visit me in Kingston, they get their own after-hours shopping experience at The Rocking Horse. The moment we step inside, their eyes light up as they race to pick the first costume to wear for the night. It’s never just about trying something on - it’s about stepping into a new adventure. They’ve twirled in princess dresses with hoops, cackled as spell-casting witches, nursed stuffed animals back to health as veterinarians, and dashed around the store as fearless superheroes, saving the day. Seeing them completely immerse themselves in these roles, lost in their own imaginative worlds, is something I cherish beyond words.
Because my family lives a few hours away, I’ve found ways to keep this magic alive between visits. Holidays have become an extension of our dress-up tradition, with carefully curated care packages filled with toys like Great Pretenders costumes and accessories arriving as little reminders that adventure is never far away. But our most treasured ritual is the Halloween costume selection. As the crisp October air sets in, they excitedly plan who they’ll become that year - whether it’s a shimmering mermaid, a fierce dragon, or a daring pirate. Their anticipation builds as they make their choice, knowing that when I visit for Thanksgiving, their special costume will be in my hands, ready to bring their dreams to life.

The moment they unwrap their costume is pure magic. Their excitement is infectious - wide eyes, eager hands, and an instant transformation into the character they’ve imagined. Watching them disappear into a world of make-believe, where they can be anything they want, is a reminder of how powerful play can be. These small moments, filled with laughter and wonder, create memories that last a lifetime.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Great Pretenders has a way of turning everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. Their costumes ignite creativity, encouraging kids to dream big and explore endless possibilities. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon of dress-up at home or the thrill of picking the perfect Halloween costume, their designs make every experience special. If you’re looking for high-quality, thoughtfully designed dress-up costumes and accessories that inspire joy, Great Pretenders is a brand that brings the magic of childhood to life.