This year World Book Day is on Thursday 7th March 2024. As well as being a celebration of reading and creativity, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore the world of your child’s favourite book. There’s no better (or more fun) way than dressing up as one of the characters, so here’s some ideas to get you started, and make sure that your child’s costume is a hit!
1. Make your own!
It might be more effort but it’s definitely worth it if you have the time. World Book Day have some amazing step by step costume tutorials with ideas ranging from How to Train Your Dragon to The Hunger Games and Where’s Wally. Find the full list here and get creative!
Got a young Potterhead? This house tie tutorial might be for you…
If you’re looking for a really last minute World Book Day costume, lots of outfits can be made out of household items. Our favourites are: the witch from “Room on the broom” with a bin bag, halloween hat and a broom; blue clothes and bandages (or toilet paper) for Mr Bump; and scruffy clothes and a yellow piece of paper to make an uncanny Charlie Bucket.
2. Check Amazon
If you don’t have the time or patience for homemade, and the day’s creeping up, then Amazon could be your saving grace – where else can you have a Horrid Henry costume sent to your door within a day? The selection at Amazon is huge, but costumes tend to be slightly more expensive than those available in supermarkets. It’s also worth noting that sizing could be an issue – take in look in the reviews to see how everything fits.
3. A super easy supermarket costume
Possibly the easiest and cheapest way to solve costume woes is to head down to a superstore near you or check out their websites. Tu at Sainsbury’s offer a great Gruffalo costume as well as Toy Story and Disney alternatives. George by ASDA also have a Gruffalo costume, as well as a large selection of other classic characters. LIDL is in on the act this year too and offering costumes from as little as £4.99, for classic fairytale characters. John Lewis has some fantastic home-made suggestions including sibling matching as The Smeds and The Smoos.
Whatever you land on, remember that the day is not a costume competition so there’s no need to fret — World Book Day exists to promote reading for pleasure and it’s just another chance for kids to be immersed in the world of storytelling.
