Searches for ‘World Book Day Costumes’ spike by 1,814%
Education expert shares costumes you can make using items you already own
With World Book Day taking place on Thursday 5th March, searches for ‘World Book Day Costumes’ have surged by 1,814% in the past month, sending parents scrambling for ideas. But, for children with special educational needs (SEN), the change in routine, new fabrics and unfamiliar outfits can sometimes become overwhelming.
Education experts at Explore Learning have shared 10 costumes parents and carers can make utilising what they already have at home, meaning children will feel more comfortable, with the added bonus that parents avoid spending money on new costumes.
Here are 10 budget-friendly costumes parents and carers can make this World Book Day using items they already own:
- Charlie Bucket, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie wears everyday clothes, meaning no sensory-heavy fabrics or tricky accessories. A simple jumper, plain trousers and jacket create the look, and for the finishing touches, make or print off a homemade golden ticket — the chocolate bar is optional!
- Sophie, The BFG
Sophie wears a simple pink nightie, meaning the soft, familiar clothing associated with bedtime avoids discomfort or sensory overload. If it’s suitable, a small jar for dreams can be added as a prop to complete the look.
- Marcus, The Breakfast Club
To recreate Marcus’ character, a simple yellow zip-up hoodie along with a white t-shirt and light blue jeans are needed. A blue or black backpack completes the costume, along with a torch, if available.
- Asiya, The Proudest Blue
For students who wear a hijab, you might choose to dress as Asiya from The Proudest Blue. To recreate Asiya’s character, you’ll need a yellow jumper, black trousers, white trainers, a black backpack and your hijab.
In the story, Asiya’s sister Faizah wears a red and white striped top with black trousers and orange trainers, which could make a great joint costume if friends would like to take part together.
When choosing a character, please ensure that religious clothing or cultural dress is only worn by those who wear it as part of their everyday life. Items such as a hijab are expressions of identity and faith, they are not costumes or fancy dress. We want everyone to feel respected, represented and safe.
- Animal character onesies
Costumes such as a tiger onesie inspired by The Tiger Who Came to Tea, or a black and white polka dot onesie influenced by 101 Dalmatians are instantly recognisable and create a sense of comfort and familiarity.
- Greg Heffley, Diary of a Wimpy Kid
All that’s needed for a Diary of a Wimpy Kid costume is a basic white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and black trainers. If parents, carers or kids are feeling particularly creative, they can outline the white t-shirt in a black marker to create the cartoon-style look. Depending on whether the school allows it, a mask of Greg can also be made to finish the look.
- Matilda
To recreate the famous Roald Dahl character, parents and carers will need to source a light or dark blue dress and a red bow for the hair. For the footwear, simple trainers or shiny red shoes complete the look. A mason jar with water and a plastic lizard is optional!
- Michael Jordan, Little People, Big Dreams
To recreate the famous basketball player’s outfit, a red, white, or black jersey and matching elasticated shorts are needed. Parents and carers could also make a gold medal to hang around their child’s neck as a finishing touch.
- Aurora, Lightning Girl
Aurora, the star of Lightning Girl, is well-known for her striped t-shirt, jeans, trainers, and backpack. Her signature piece of jewellery is the lightning-shaped necklace in bright yellow.
- Ronaldo and Mary Earps, Little People, Big Dreams
A simple but effective costume, children can use their P.E. kit (or the actual football strip) as their chosen outfit. Whether a Ronaldo or Mary Earps fan, a football kit is easily recognisable and also comfortable. Shin pads not included!
Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning, adds: “World Book Day allows children’s imaginations to run wild as they dress up as their favourite fictional character. For some children (and parents and carers scrambling for costumes!) they can find the day overwhelming. By finding a character they cherish in an outfit they feel comfortable in, this allows the day to be equally accessible and the joy of books to be unlocked for all”.