Ways to Save This World Book Day
Written by: Eliza Macinnes
Published on 27 March 2025
World Book Day 2025
How to Save Money on World Book Day in the UK
World Book Day is a fantastic event that encourages children to develop a love for reading, but it can also come with extra costs—whether it’s buying books, costumes, or participating in school fundraising events. Here are some budget-friendly ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.
Claim Your Free £1 Book with a World Book Day Voucher
One of the easiest ways to save money on World Book Day is by using the official £1 book voucher. Each child in the UK and Ireland will receive a £1 token through their school or nursery, which can be redeemed for a specially selected £1 World Book Day book at participating bookshops and supermarkets.
Alternatively, the token can be used as a £1 discount off any full-price children’s book worth £2.99 or more. This means kids can enjoy a brand-new book without spending much (or anything at all!). The vouchers are valid for a limited time, so be sure to use them before they expire.
Save on Non-Uniform Day Costs
Many schools host non-uniform days on World Book Day, often requesting a small donation for charity. If multiple fundraising events happen throughout the school year, these can add up. To keep costs down, consider setting a budget for donations or reusing an old costume from a previous event. Some schools also allow children to wear book-themed accessories (like a homemade badge or a simple paper hat) instead of a full outfit, making participation more affordable.
Budget-Friendly Fancy Dress Ideas
Fancy dress is a big part of World Book Day, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on an expensive shop-bought costume. Instead, opt for DIY outfits using items you already own. A striped top and glasses can turn your child into Waldo (Where’s Wally?), while a white shirt and red tie work perfectly for Matilda or Harry Potter. If you're short on time, simple cardboard props (like a golden ticket for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) can instantly transform an everyday outfit into a bookish look.
Charity shops are also great for finding low-cost pieces that can be repurposed into a creative costume. By making the most of free book vouchers, keeping non-uniform day costs in check, and getting creative with fancy dress, you can enjoy World Book Day without overspending
The Offical Low-Cost Dressing Up Pack
The World Book Day organisation understands that some parents don't have the time or resources to spend for this school event, so they have released their very own low-cost dressing-up pack pdf that is filled to the brim with interesting ideas.
World Book Day FAQs
When is World Book Day 2025?
World Book Day 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, 6th March in the UK and Ireland. This annual event promotes reading for pleasure and encourages children and adults alike to discover new books.
How can I get a £1 World Book Day book?
Children in the UK and Ireland receive a £1 World Book Day token through schools and nurseries. The token can be exchanged for a special £1 World Book Day book at participating bookstores or used as a £1 discount on any book costing £2.99 or more.
What books are in the £1 deal?
There are a variety of books included in the deal, with different storylines to appeal to a variety of young audiences. To see exactly what books are included in this deal, along with a quick synopsis, you can check out the official information sheet. The downloadable online sheet also comes with information about the author and some games you can play with your little ones to encourage their active imaginations!
How long is the £1 token valid?
The tokens are valid for 10 days, from Thursday 13 February until Sunday 23 March 2025.
What books are available for World Book Day 2025?
Each year, a selection of exclusive £1 books is released for different age groups, including picture books, early readers, and young adult titles. The 2025 book list will be announced closer to the event, but it will feature well-known authors and exciting new stories.
Why does the UK celebrate World Book Day on a different day?
Ever wondered why the UK celebrates World Book Day in March while the rest of the world sticks to April 23rd? Blame Shakespeare! Well, kind of. UNESCO picked April 23rd because it's the death anniversary of literary legends like Shakespeare and Cervantes, but in the UK, that clashed with Easter and St. George’s Day, so we moved it to the first Thursday of March.
How can I celebrate World Book Day?
You can celebrate by:
Dress up as your favourite book character.
Visiting a local bookstore or library.
Participating in World Book Day events at schools, libraries, and online.
Share your favourite books on social media using #WorldBookDay.
Encouraging children to swap books with friends or family.
Can adults take part in World Book Day?
Absolutely! While the event mainly focuses on encouraging children to read, adults can also participate by supporting literacy charities, reading with their children, or picking up a new book to enjoy. Many workplaces and bookshops also host World Book Day activities for grown-ups.
How can I get my children excited for World Book Day?
World Book Day is a great opportunity to get your children excited about daily reading and often acts as a gateway to more frequent reading at home. Getting kids excited about World Book Day is all about making reading fun, interactive, and rewarding! Here are some engaging ways to encourage them If you're struggling to get your little ones motivated to read, here are some tips and activities we suggest:
Dress-Up Magic: Encourage kids to dress up as their favourite book characters, whether it’s Harry Potter, Matilda, or the Gruffalo! Schools often hold costume competitions, which add extra excitement.
Let Them Pick Their Own Books: Give kids the freedom to choose what they love; comics, fantasy, adventure, or joke books. The £1 book token helps them get something new for free!
Make It a Game: Create reading challenges with fun prizes, like a sticker chart or a “book treasure hunt” where they discover clues in different stories.
Story Time & Role-Playing: Act out scenes from books or have a dramatic read-aloud session with funny voices!
Bring Books to Life: Watch movies based on books, bake food from stories, or do crafts inspired by characters.
Where would you like to save?
All Shops from A to Z