Our four favorite feathered heroes, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private, are back in Penguins of Madagascar. And this time, they’re getting their flippers dirty as secret agents taking on a soggy madman (aka purple octopus) who goes by Dave. Your mission should you choose to accept it: get your own pint-size master of disguise into the spirit with an easy (promise!), inexpensive DIY spy kit made of items found around the house (or the discount store). This message will self-destruct in 3, 2, 1...
The Props
You’re bound to have at least some of these at home. I raided the hubby’s closet and found a fedora, and I had the cuffs left over from my college days (it was a costume party, people). I found silly glasses in my Ghosts of Halloween Costumes’ Past prop trunk. Other accessories you may want to add: gloves, walkie-talkies, a magnifying glass, headphones, or better yet, an earpiece. But, now, let’s get to the root of any master disguise: the mustache.
The ‘Stache
Though it’s a much simpler solution, resist the urge to go for the goofy glasses/big nose/mustache contraption. Instead, try this. It’s super easy. Trust me.
What you’ll need: template, pencil, Stick-It craft felt, card stock, scissors, sticks (optional).
How to: Print a mustache template onto card stock (you can find tons online). Then, cut it out and trace it onto the felt. Then cut that one out and adhere them to each another. Feeling a bit more girly? Glitter-bomb it! To affix the ‘stache to your little’s face, use double-sided tape. Too sticky? Tape the ‘stache to a stick. Easy-peasy.
Take it up a notch: Add a beak. (Get the how-to here.)
The Tools
No secret spy is complete without super-high-tech equipment. Fill his toolbox with binoculars, a decoding and lock-picking kit, and a fingerprinting kit. Here’s how.
The Binoculars
What you’ll need: two cardboard rolls, hole puncher, kitchen twine, construction paper.
How to: Dress up the cheap cardboard with construction paper. I chose black (it goes with everything), but you can be bold and go with a bright color or even camo. Once covered, glue (or tape) the rolls together. Punch a hole on either side, thread the twine, and you’re done.
Take it up a notch: Throw in a small notebook for findings. I added a Confidential label for good measure.
The Decoding and Lock-Picking Kit
No, there’s nothing to actually decode. And, no, there’s not really any chance your tot will actually pick locks. But there’s no secret to the oodles of imagination that will be set free with this dandy kit.
What you’ll need: two pieces of manila card stock, Q-tips (and their case), bobby pins, index cards, small bottle.
How to: Fold each piece of card stock in half to create file folders. I added an “Operation: Stop Dave,” label. Use the plastic Q-tip container as the case itself. Then, fill it with bobby pins for picking locks, Q-tips for decoding, and some cut-up index cards for notetaking.
Tip: I folded and sized an index card to act as a divider between the pins and the tips. As for the decoding liquid, I used a mini bottle of saline solution, covered the label with construction paper, then affixed a “Decoding Liquid” label.
Take it up a notch: Add an invisible ink pen. I found an old stain stick, covered the label with construction paper, and voila!
The Fingerprint Kit
He’s decoded the secret messages, unlocked the safe, and captured his suspect. Time to book him.
What you’ll need: dusting powder, brush, ink pad, index cards.
How to: This is really more of a scavenger hunt for you, Mom. For the dusting powder, look to your cosmetics case. I found eye shadow, but any loose talcum powder does the job. Sacrifice one of your contour brushes, steal an ink pad from Grandma’s stamp collection, and add some index cards for the thumbprints.
Take it up a notch: Frame them. Those teensie fingertips are growing as I type this.
The Finishing Touches
Even the best agents get hungry tummies. Keep his focus keen and pangs quiet with the penguins’ snack of choice — Cheezy Dibbles (just use generic cheese puffs, obviously, but don’t tell them that). Throw everything into an old briefcase and hit the road. Happy spying!
DeAnna Janes is the former Entertainment Editor of DailyCandy and lives in New York City with her husband and two cats -- who still watch Frozen on a loop (yes, the cats). She has been published on a variety of entertainment sites. When she's not screening a film or writing about one, she's running to a film's soundtrack.
