If you've only just remembered receiving an email and possibly a letter from your child's school about World Book Day a few weeks ago, and you need to get a costume sorted sooner rather than later because the kids are piling on the pressure, there's not need to worry, you've got time.
It's the same scenario every year, as parents, we secretly hope with each year that passes, that this one is going to be the one where your kid says "I'm too old, we don't do World Book Day anymore," - however, here we are.
So, on that note, if your creative skillset is close to zero, making a costume is out of the question, so you're going to have to buy a costume. Even that may feel like a bit of a chore, and with the cost of living, you may not be willing to spend big on a costume that will only get worn once as it will be too small next year.
So to help you feel like you're 'winning' in this situation, we've rounded-up the best World Book Day Costumes that are under £20, and that you can get hold of well ahead of Thursday, March 7.
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Best World Book Day kids costumes 2024
1. Pink Barbie-Style Kids Dress - £17.99
Next day delivery available
Okay, so it's not exactly representing a book, but with the huge success that was the Barbie movie in 2023, we are certain there are going to be lots of little girls wanting to rep their favourite Barbie, and you don't get more Barbie than this original look.
Not only that, you're guaranteed to get your money's worth, as there's no doubt this costume will get worn more than once. With next day delivery available, and less than £20, it's the perfect option.
It's available in UK sizes 3-10 years
Buy now from Amazon - £17.99
2. The Little Mermaid Kids Costume
Next day delivery available
It's definitely a book - phew! But The Little Mermaid was also remade and hit our screens last summer, so there will be plenty of Ariels, shuffling through the school gates on World Book Day. Best of off, you can get the full attire including the wig for £19.99.
Some sizes have already sold out, but you can still get hold of some sizes between ages 3 to 9 years, as soon as tomorrow!
Buy now from Amazon - £19.99
3. Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory Childs Costume - £21.63
Two-day delivery available
Available in UK sizes Small, Medium and Large starting from slightly more than £20,and starting at £24.99, this Wonka costume is sure to be a big hit with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fans and anyone who loved the Movie.
Buy now from Amazon - from £21.63
4. Matilda Kids Costume - £18.99
Next day delivery available
A classic Roald Dahl book and a successful film - both versions, and a great choice for Matilda fans. The costume includes the dress, a headband, a book bag, a library card and a bookmark.
It's available in UK sizes 3-12 and prices start from £18.99
Buy now from Amazon - £18.99
5. Super Mario Fancy Dress Costume - £12
Next day delivery available
It's not a book, but I think we'd all agree that it's a great costume for World Book Day.
It's now only available in UK sizes 3 - 4 years, so if this one is a favourite, you'll want to get your skates on.
Buy now from Tu Clothing - £12
6. Mary Poppins Costume - from £11.99
Next day delivery available
So it's probably not quite a story as it is a movie, but one that has stood the test of time - this Mary Poppins costume is distinct and recognisable and perfect for World Book Day.
It's available in UK sizes 3-10 years with prices starting from £11.99.
Buy now from Amazon - £11.99
7. Harry Potter Wizard Robe + Tie + Glasses + Magic Wand
Two-day delivery available
Harry Potter is always a popular option right across the board, so if this is one of your favourite characters you can snap it up as soon as two days.
It comes complete with the cloak, a wand, the glasses and a tie, so there'll be no mistaking exactly who this character is.
It's also available in UK sizes 4-12 years.
Buy now from Amazon - £13.90
8. Marvel Spiderman Costume - from £19.91
Next day delivery available
Available in a wide range of UK sizes from 3-10 years, this Spiderman costume is the perfect option for Marvel fans.
Judging by how popular this character is, which has certainly stood the test of time, there is no doubt that the costume will be a popular one on the day, and one that will get worn time and time again.
Buy now from Amazon - £19.91
9. Warner Bros DC Comics Supergirl Classic Fancy Dress Costume - £14.99
Next day delivery available
A great option for girls planning to take on the world and more, and it of course makes the perfect World Book Day costume too.
Included with your purchase you'll receive the removable cape, dress, and leg warmers to create the appearance of Supergirl's boots.
It's available in UK sizes 3-12 years and includes next day delivery, so there's no need to panic buy just yet as there's plenty of time.
Buy now from Amazon - £14.99
10. Encanto Mirabel Costume - £18.99
Next day delivery available
Encanto was a massive hit when it was released at the end of 2022, and it's a great option for World Book Day and beyond. The costume comes complete with all the accessories required to complete the look, from Mirabel's famous green-framed glasses, a pair of clip-on earrings and a bag.
It's available in UK sizes 3-9 years, and you can receive a delivery as early as tomorrow
Buy now from Amazon - £18.99
11. Where's Wally Costume - from £13.99
Next day delivery available
A fun costume for anyone who's a fan of Where's Wally, a book that has been around for a long time and that's still going strong.
The costume is available in sizes 5-10 years, and offers next day delivery.
Buy now from Amazon - from £13.99
To get your hands on Disney princess costumes that include Anna, Elsa, Belle, Tiana, Snow White, Belle, Rapunzel and more, head here. And for more options, Tu Clothing has 20% off fancy dress costumes ahead of World Book Day.
