My kids love to dress up, but I know so many who find it stressful and just are not a fan. Equally, I bloody love a craft, but many parents lack the time, energy, skills, desire and cordless hot glue gun. So! This quick list is for you! Here are some super easy World Book Day costumes, using things you might already have, or can get on Amazon Prime.
Where’s Wally (or Waldo if you’re in the States)
There’s a reason that this is often a theme for group dress ups – it’s super easy! Blue trousers or jeans, and a red and white stripey top. Add a red and white bobble hat and some fake glasses (or draw them on with eyeliner) and you’re good to go baby! If you haven’t already got the top, Amazon have a set with the t-shirt, glasses and hat for £8.16 right now.
Ruby & Garnet – Double Act
There are so many great characters in Jacqueline Wilson books (tragic, yes, but brilliant), however I have a soft spot for these girls because it’s a costume I did in year 3 with my best friend at the time. We both had plaits, and matching tshirts – it was that easy!
My eldest loves the Mr Men books and I think the easiest to do would be good ol’ Mr Bump. Dress your child in all blue, and wrap them in some bandages – et voila! If you don’t mind ruining the T-shirt, add some eyes on it.
We’re going super classic with this one – black trousers, a black and white striped t-shirt, an eye mask (or face paint), a flat cap and maybe a little swag bag. Again, this is another example where you might have the stuff in already (or be able to have a charity shop mooch), or Amazon has a set that includes all of the items.
This is a costume I made for my son and it was surprisingly easy to do. I already had a big floppy hat – I just (ruined it forever) stuck the sides up to make it the right shape and added a feather we already had. Then dark trousers, a white shirt, a black cape and a mouse mask – or face paint. I got everything from charity shops or our dressing up box.
Sure, you can buy some really sweet costumes for Matilda, but if you already have a blue dress and a red ribbon, you’re pretty much there. Take in some big ol’ books as a prop and you’re golden. If you have a black ribbon and a white apron, you’ve got yourself an Alice in Wonderland costume! Add a toy bunny or some playing cards and off you go.
Scarecrow – The Wizard of Oz
Scarecrow is a nice, easy costume. A plaid shirt, dungarees and a floppy hat. If you have any straw to stick on – perfect! Or do some cute faceprint.
Charlie Bucket – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Just put your child in whatever clothes they’re comfy in, and hand make a golden ticket. It doesn’t have to be perfect – why not let them make it themselves as a fun project?
Another top tip is look at what generic costumes you already have – A non-Disney princess? Great, Princess and the Pea! A policeman? Cool, Cops and Robbers! A fireman? You Can’t Call an Elephant in an Emergency! Literally any animal at all? Probably in one one the Oi Frog! Series!
My biggest thing about World Book Day (apart from making my kids stick to books that are not just based on TV shows and films – no, you can’t be Peppa Pig darling), is that it has to be a costume they’re comfortable in. If they can’t play at playtime, it doesn’t matter how cool they look, they’re probably not going to have a lot of fun. Yes, Captain Underpants might just wear undies and a cape but it’s March so you’re wearing a beige base layer lest you freeze/I get someone called on me!
This is the first year that I’m not making at least one costume for my kids. My eldest wanted to be Fantastic Mr Fox (he’s spent almost a year asking to be DogMan and at the last minute, we saw a Fantastic Mr Fox costume for £4 on Vinted so that’s the vibe now), and my youngest is wanting to be the Cat in the Hat. Again, I found a bargain on Vinted, so I’ve nothing to make!
I think my children’s school have a great balance. The kids can come dressed up as a character from any book, or just wear their PJs or simply bring in a book they love. That way every child has a way of joining in, no matter their situation.
World Book Day is supposed to be fun. It shouldn’t cause too much stress to parents or the child. If you little one would rather wear their uniform that dress up – great! They’re a school child from literally any book about a school. Don’t forget to check Vinted, for preloved costumes, or the supermarkets after the day (or post Halloween) for big sales.