It's World Book Day this Thursday so if you are panicking for last-minute ideas there are six classic, yet easy costumes which require little crafty sewing skills and can be put together in just minutes
It's that time of year again when millions of children will dress up as one of their favourite characters for World Book Day.
While some parents revel in the opportunity to help recreate their child's favourite book characters, others dread the occasion. If you've only just remembered receiving an email and possibly a letter from your child's school you now have less than 24 hours. This year's event takes place on Thursday, March 7. It's time to make the final touches to your children's costumes or quickly come up with a last-minute idea.
While many parents who struggle creatively opt for buying costumes and props, but amid the rising cost of living crisis it is another expense families could do without. There are several ways you can create fun, DIY costumes that will not cost you a penny. Education experts at Explore Learning have come up with six brilliant costume ideas that don't involve any crafty sewing skills, and are simple and easy to put together.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Charlie Bucket or Veruca Salt
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a popular and classic choice for World Book Day. You can create a quick, easy Charlie Bucket costume using any old or oversized clothing you already have at home.
You will need an oversized shirt, a cardigan, a scarf, a beanie or flat cap, and a satchel. Make or print off a homemade Golden Ticket, and have your child carry that lucky bar of chocolate for the perfect finishing touch.
An additional option from the same book is Veruca Salt - the iconic brat, posh kid who demands a squirrel from her father at the chocolate factory - classic. All you will need to recreate the character is a glittery outfit, a lollipop and a print-out golden ticket, you have a perfect Veruca Salt costume in minutes.
Harry Potter - Harry, Ron or Hermione
Classic Hogwarts outfits are some of the quickest and easiest to put together if you already have a school uniform to work with to recreate popular characters including Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
You will need to find a school uniform including a white shirt or black jumper and then dig out an old stripey tie or scarf. If you have a cape or witch hat from an old Halloween costume, even better. A stick will double up as the world's easiest homemade wand.
For Harry, you could add any spare glasses you have lying around the house, or make some with cardboard. Lipliner is a perfect tool for a DIY scar to finish the look. For Hermione, throw in some crimped or backcombed hair and a stack of books - easy.
Green Eggs and Ham - Sam-I-Am
A quick and easy costume for World Book Day this year could be Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am from Green Eggs and Ham. The main part of the costume you need is an oversized yellow t-shirt or dress - an old or cheap option is best; you can cut along the bottom to create a jagged, zig-zag shape.
If you have any red felt or cardboard lying around you can create a quick DIY hat. A pair of plain white leggings or tights will help finish the look. To tie the look together, make some homemade green eggs and ham from cardboard - you could use felt or playdough - and add them to a paper plate.
Where The Wild Things Are - Max
Recreating Max from Where The Wild Things are is simple. If your child has a hooded, light-coloured onesie, this costume is perfect. Alternatively, you can use a long-sleeved white t-shirt, white hoodie and white trousers or leggings.
For an extra effect sew pipe cleaners to the hoodie for DIY whiskers or draw on the face with an eye pencil for an even quicker option.
You can create a DIY crown with strong gold paper or cardboard and paint, while any kind of fluffy fabric can become a quick DIY tail. If you're feeling especially creative, sew felt claws onto gloves and/or slippers for a wild finish.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If you have a green jumper, top or dress at home, you can create a super quick caterpillar costume for World Book Day. To create The Very Hungry Caterpillar look you can use an old red beanie to recreate the caterpillar's head.
You can also use felt and pipe cleaners for eyes and antennas. For an added extra touch, you and your child can have fun creating cardboard or felt props of apples, pears, plums, strawberries and oranges to symbolise all the delicious snacks the caterpillar eats.
Do you have a story? Get in touch via Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.
