Easy and budget-friendly book costumes

• Start with what you have in the house: You’ll be surprised at what you’ve got floating around. Put together some bits and bobs like DIY crafts and plain clothes and then choose a book from what you find.

• Grab a bargain at the charity shops or on Vinted: You can find some real gems here. It’s handy to have an idea of who they want to be before you begin the search. 

• Look through everyone’s wardrobe: Dad’s tie, grandma’s cardi or an old apron can be transformed into all sorts of costumes.  

• Adapt a PE or sports kit: Those plain sweat shorts and white t-shirts can be customised into sooooo many different costumes. 

• Get creative with cardboard: There’s almost nothing you can’t make with some cardboard, scissors and a good idea.

• Make a simple mask: Paper plates are great for making simple masks. You can turn your child into pretty much any book character with a little crafting.

• Make the most of accessories: Start with accessories which you either have or can find easily from charity shops, Vinted or borrow from a friend. 

• Swap with friends: Instead of making another costume or spending money on a new one, get your child to swap costumes with a friend. That way, two children have a new book costume to go in, win, win!

So with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of our favourite DIY costumes to match their favourite Tonies and books.

Matilda

A simple dress along with a pile of books and hair ribbon, and hey presto, they’re transformed into Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

What you’ll need: 

• Matilda Tonie and book

• A blue dress

• Red hair ribbon

• White socks

• Black shoes

• Small pile of books

Paddington

This one is beary easy to recreate and can be even easier to find in their wardrobe or charity shops. 

What you’ll need: 

• Paddington Tonie and book

• Red hat 

• Bear ears to colour in and stick to the hat

• Blue coat or blue clothes

• Red socks

• Suitcase

The Stick Man

Collect some leaves and twigs on your next walk and simply glue your nature finds over some brown clothing. Easy-peasy.

What you’ll need: 

• The Stick Man Tonie and book

• Brown clothes

• A couple of twigs and leaves 

• Glue gun

• You could make a mask out of cardboard and felt tip pen too

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie Bucket is your ticket to ease! Find some old, slightly-scruffy clothes (a sure thing with kids) and make a golden ticket or Wonka bar to carry.

What you’ll need: 

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tonie and book

• Scruffy clothes or an old jumper 

• A golden ticket - use some yellow or gold card and write ‘Golden Ticket’ on the reverse

• Or a Wonka bar - you can print the label off and stick it to an ordinary chocolate bar

101 Dalmatians

Did you know 101 Dalmatians is based on a book by Dodi Smith? Customise their outfit with plenty of spots, add a mask and ears, and look! You’ve got your very own pup. Just watch out for Cruella! 

What you’ll need: 

• 101 Dalmatians Tonie and book

• White t-shirt 

• Black marker pen or paint for spots

• White and black face paint

• Black and white fabric for ears on a headband

Peter Rabbit

A rummage in the wardrobe or charity shop and you’ve got a super-quick Peter Rabbit. This could also double up for Easter just around the corner, savvy, hey! 

What you’ll need: 

• Peter Rabbit Tonie and book

• Blue jacket

• Brown trousers

• Face paint or eyebrow pencil to draw on bunny whiskers 

• Bunny ears

• Cotton wool for a tail

• Bag of carrots

Tom Gates

Liz Pinchon’s Tom Gates books and Tonie are a huuuuge hit with older kids. And the good news is, they make for a really easy costume. 

What you’ll need: 

• Tom Gates Tonie and book

• White t-shirt to doodle on

• Black trousers

• White card with Tom’s face drawn and cut out. Add elastic to wear round their head, or attach a lolly stick to hold it up.