But we all know how we feel. The fear of sinking of realizing your child is the only person who does not appear at the gates of the school or has no books, so it is not a fancy dress. It could be an expensive day between buying an outfit and copying a book (yes, we should all already have, but it could have been a library book, we're not where it's, or it's a book inspired movie).
Either way, bringing it all together doesn't have to sacrifice a lot of money – all of these costume ideas are quick and easy, and the books are all second hand, just a few of the new prices. If you feel crafty, you can even make some of them.
Luckily, Playdale's educational play experts have 10 best DIY World Book Day outfits that can be put together in under five minutes. It has items that are likely to be home already.
1. Where is Wally?
Still a seriously cute and very simple outfit – just give your little one a striped top and black rimmed glasses. If you can find a striped hat with poms on top of the bonus points, or stick a ball of cotton wool on top.
This costume has the advantage of being inherently ordinary clothing. This means that your child will rarely become uncomfortable or overheated with an overly complicated outfit.
Worly of Books' Where Books is currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3 you will get 3 free, so work with your parents friends to get a large amount.
2. Miss Trunchbar
From the book Matilda by beloved Roald Dahl, Miss Tranchibal is the perfect character to dress up like the World Book Day. She is an iconic character in the story, so your little one can enjoy playing the parts, and her clothes can be put together really easily.
All you need is black pants, a gray sweatshirt and a huge belt. Put your child's hair back into tight, low panties and add a grumpy look to complete the look.
Roald Dahl's Matilda is currently available from £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
3. Mr. Men and Little Miss
This famous series offers endless opportunities to make world book day costumes easier. Whether your little one is a perfect Mr. Growdy, a sunny little Miss Sunshine, or a typical Mr. Messie, you just need to decorate your head toes with the dominant colours of the character you choose.
Mr. Bump can wear all blue with some bandages tied around his head and arms, but Little Miss Shy can wear all blue with bright pink blaster dust on both cheeks. Mr. Happy can be fully dressed in bright yellow – with a big smile as the only accessory you need.
MR Men books are currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
4. Violet Beauregard
We are particularly thinking of violet before she becomes a huge blueberries! Another Roald Dahl invention, this time the fame of Charlie and the chocolate factory, Violet's character became known for her bright blue tracksuits she sports in the 2005 film version.
To finish off the look, grab a purple or blue eyeshadow, a bit of dirt on the child's nose and cheeks, mimicking the moment the violet began to turn the violet.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
5. Questioner
A wonderful series of books by Andrea Beaty gives us multiple world book day costumes. Let your little one person dress up Ada Twist, a scientist with a red and white uneven dress, white socks and black shoes. You can also add yellow hair accessories to truly complete the look.
You can also go to Rosie Libya, an engineer with a white dress and a red and white uneven scarf. Or dress up Iggie Peck, an architect with a black and white patterned jumper, black pants and a distinctive pencil behind her ears.
Questioners can currently get it from £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
6. Peter Rabbit
This classic Beatrix Potter character makes for a very simple costume. Dress up small things in neutral colors – perfect for white or brown pieces – and add a blue button-up jacket on top. Finally, add rabbit ears to complete the look.
If you have face paint in your home, you can even decorate your child's face with a cute bunny nose and whiskers.
Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
7. Broom Witch's Room
Do you have an old Halloween witch costume that collects dust somewhere? Reuse your pointy hat, cloak, black skirt or dress to turn your little one into a kind witch from the glorious room of Julia Donaldson on the broom.
If your child has long hair, style it on a single forehead and fasten it with a cute bow. Bonus points if you have a toy cat or a sparkly cane that can be carried.
Broom rooms are available now starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
8. Princess Pal
Another Julia Donaldson piece, Princess Pearl, is a really easy DIY costume, especially if your child already has a doctor or nurse dress-up set! All you need is a red dress, a long white coat and a toy stethoscope.
Like a princess pal, add blue shoes, white tights and green headbands to make an effort.
Zog is currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
9. Harry and the dinosaur in the bucket
This lovely Ian Whybrow book gives us another wonderful world book day costume idea. To reflect Harry's outfit on the book front cover, dress your little one in blue jeans, a sweatshirt, a striped top and a red coat. Or have them wear their favorite dinosaur themed outfit.
Then put all the toy dinosaurs in a plastic bucket so they can carry them all day long.
Harry and the Bucket Dinosaurs are currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
10. Mog
Judith Kerr's iconic cat is another great character that your child will dress up – go to the grey from head to toe and add cat ears. Bonus points if your clothes have gray stripes or if you can reuse an old onesie.
You can also tie a gray scarf to your waist to mimic the tail to complete the look. If you have face paint at home, add a cute pink nose and a simple whisker.
Mog and Me is currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
How to make a World Book Day costume for £1
Joel Pickering, head of branding and marketing at Hobbycraft, has a very quick, easy and effective costume idea when it comes to spice up simple outfits on a budget.
“With some simple craft supplies, you can create Harry's distinctive round glasses using a black pipe cleaner (1 pound in 12 packs of Hobbycraft). Shape two circles, connect them with a small bridge and add arms.
“Without a wand, the wizard is not complete. You can make it yourself using wooden chopsticks and knitting needles. Add texture to the top with a hot glue gun, then let it dry, then paint the brown for a real feel.
“To complete the look, Gryffindor tie can be fashioned from a sheet of red felt before layering the stripes at an angle. You're already wearing a white shirt or t-shirt you've got at home. Visit one of the local hobby shops and collect all the items you need.
Harry Potter books are currently available starting at £3.50. If you buy 3, you get 3 free.
What is World Book Day?
It's a day to advocate for the joys of reading. Reading for fun is the single greatest indicator that your child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life. It's more than your family situation, your parents' educational background, or your income.
Statistics show that World Book Day is more necessary than ever. A 2024 survey found that one in ten children aged 5-18 in the UK does not own a book, and only one in three children aged 8-18 actively enjoys reading, a decline of 8.8% over the past 12 months.
However, with recent figures showing that our 24 million people are below the lowest income standard (MIS), affecting almost half of all children living in the UK, it's no surprise that books-like items are forgotten in favor of essentials.
But you don't have to sacrifice a lot of money.
What if I forget World Book Day?
If you go out to the gate and remember only the World Book Day when your child is already wearing school uniforms?
Tell them to say they are Matilda, Mallory Towers, St. Clair, or the most rude series characters.
There is a reason many great books are set in schools.
