It's World Book Day on March 7, so schools and nurseries will be encouraging kids to celebrate a book of their choice by dressing up in a World Book Day costume. We know what it's like; you thought you had tons of time to get organised, but now the week has come, and you have nothing prepared. But fear not, because you can still get a costume delivered in time. Phew.
Amazon has a huge selection of children's costumes, so your tot will be spoilt for choice, and you can even get their World Book Day outfit to arrive the night before, as delivery is super speedy. But, with great choice also comes great confusion, so we've rounded up our favourite World Book Day costumes available on the website.
Kids may want to take World Book Day costume ideas from modern-day stories like Gangsta Granny or Harry Potter, or they may prefer characters from more classic books, such as Mary Poppins or a Dr Suess tale.
Rest assured, whatever their favourite tale is, Amazon is bound to have a costume for it. Shop the best World Book Day costumes below.
SHOP: Amazon Prime World Book Day costume ideas
Credit: Amazon This costume design captures the eccentricity and personality of the beloved Lewis Carroll character, the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. This show-stopping costume will give the impression that you've been planning World Book Day for months.
Credit: AmazonA very cute option for a much-loved children's book - The Very Hungry Caterpillar. If your child would rather not wear a costume all day, this is a great option because it can be worn over the top of their clothes.
Credit: AmazonThe Smiffys Julia Donaldson Gruffalo's Child Costume brings to life the beloved character from Julia Donaldson's enchanting children's book The Gruffalo's Child. This costume allows children to step into the adventurous world of the Gruffalo's Child as they embark on their own imaginative journeys.
Credit: Amazon Mary Poppins is a series of eight children's books written by Australian-British writer P. L. Travers. Despite its popularity from the classic 1964 movie, it remains a timeless and instantly recognisable costume choice for your little one to wear this World Book Day.
Credit: AmazonHarry Potter is the best-selling book series in history, making it a solid World Book Day costume. Whether your little one embodies the traits of the next dark lord or is as endearing as Dobby, this Hogwarts costume is a fantastic option. Complete with a robe, wand, and glasses reminiscent of Harry Potter himself, it offers everything needed to capture the magic of the beloved series.
Credit: AmazonIs there anyone more iconic than Little Red? After a quick Google search, we learned that there are almost 60 versions of Little Red Riding Hood, some 1,000 years older than the Brothers Grimm's tale. This costume features exquisite attention to detail, including a vibrant red hooded cape with a luxurious feel. The dress is adorned with delicate lace and ribbon accents, enhancing its charm and authenticity.
Credit: AmazonIf your kids' favourite book is Gangsta Granny, they'll be sorted with this costume. It comes complete with the pink and brown dress, eye mask and swag bag - you'll need to get the wig sorted.
Credit: AmazonGet that golden ticket at the ready for your miniature Willy Wonka. Your child will be fit for the Chocolate Factory in this costume.
Credit: AmazonCat In The Hat is a classic choice for World Book Day. An added bonus is that this Dr Seuss-inspired costume could very easily double up as a Halloween cat.
Credit: AmazonMake sure you get the camera ready to capture this seriously sweet Elmer the elephant costume. The first Elmer book was published in 1968, and since then, numerous titles have been added to the series. We love this book for teaching children acceptance but seriously, how adorable is this costume?
AmazonThere are so many books that have princesses in them, so your little one could use this costume for many characters. It'll be a staple in their dressing-up box, too.
Credit: AmazonThe same goes for dino-themed books for dino-mad kids - there are hundreds! It's so soft inside that they won't want to take it off.
What is the theme of the World Book Day 2024?
Whilst this year does not have a specific theme, this year's message is 'Read Your Way'. World Book Day website explains, 'World Book Day 2024 will celebrate that children are more likely to enjoy reading when their choices are championed and we make reading fun. Read Your Way calls on everyone to let go of pressure and expectations, giving children a choice – and a chance – to enjoy reading.' This is why some organisations are prioritising comfortable clothing like pyjamas over costumes this year.
Is World Book Day compulsory?
World Book Day is a fun event taking place in most schools and pre-schools in the UK to encourage students to get into books and reading. It is not compulsory for students to take part and you can make a costume from stuff you have at home, or dress your child in casual clothes like Greg in Diary of A Wimpy Kid.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.