Big Boys toys.

Byline: By David Williamson

Our parents select our names, our children control our finances, the weather determines our political opinions but, as David Williamson finds, we can choose which costumes we want to wear at the weekend

Easter bunny

Being chased by a giant bunny was a regular feature of your university days, but you put that down to your dorm facing the chemistry department.

Re-create those days with this rabbit costume. The success of film Donnie Darko, featuring a mysterious bunny, proves people want to see more rabbits. If you think your boss may have enjoyed the film, consider arriving at work in such a costume.

What is great about this costume is that items can be worn separately. If in need of luck, wear a foot cover, and when at an embassy reception, don the bow tie. $99.99

Dress like a king

If forced to choose between a past in which either the pioneers of penicillin or Elvis Presley were erased from existence, the dilemma would be so great that many people's heads would explode.

True, penicillin has made day-to-day life less uncomfortable for many, but Elvis is now credited by historians as the man who discovered the pelvis.

By dressing in clothes the great man wore, you may begin to understand how his unique mind worked. Donning a superlative costume should result in your being crowned new king of rock and roll.

Inferior costumes, little more than sparkly blouses, are in circulation.

But this jumpsuit features flared pants with a red sequin inset, a gold glitter eagle crest and detachable cape.

Ultra-deluxe cowardly lion

If your career in the working world has so far not been the supernova of success which your careers advisor and grandmother were certain it would be, take comfort in the fact The Wizard of Oz was a flop when first released.It is now regarded as one of the greatest works of art to emerge in the western hemisphere.

Remind yourself that all of us are on a journey through life, in which we are beset by unique personal challenges, by dressing as the initially- cowardly lion who ended up having such fun with Judy Garland.

The plush bodysuit will also double as winter pyjamas which should help you survive the rigours of the imminent month of February.

Toga revival

Classical revivals begin at home. So, after work, throw off your grimy suit and jump into a toga.

Eat an olive slowly while concentrating on a postcard of Mount Olympus and you'll feel like the Dr Zeus of 2004.

$17.50 www.hollywood-costumes.com