Best Book Week 2025 costumes you can buy - from magical quests to classic adventures

No time to DIY? These ready-made Book Week 2025 costumes are fun, affordable and full of adventure - perfect for this year’s epic theme.

There’s something special about Book Week in Australia. The excitement. The costumes. The chaos. The last-minute scramble to turn a pillowcase into a wizard cape. 

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a wide-eyed little reader, Book Week is a core memory locked in - a nostalgic blur of hot-glue guns, cardboard swords and photo-day smiles.

This year, Children’s Book Week 2025 runs from Saturday 16 August to Saturday 23 August - a full week of storytelling magic and creative costume-making. And it’s extra special because it marks the 80th anniversary of celebrating children’s literature across Australia.

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This year's Book Week theme, is “Book an Adventure!” Image: Getty

“Book an Adventure!”

The theme, “Book an Adventure!”, invites young readers to jump into books that promise wonder, curiosity, and bold journeys - from fantastical quests and wild expeditions to big feelings and brave first steps.

And if you’re short on time (or craft skills), there’s good news: you don’t have to sew a thing. We’ve rounded up some of the best Book Week 2025 costumes you can buy, ready to wear and full of adventure.

Best Book Week 2025 costumes you can buy (no hot glue required)

Costume: Wicked Elphaba
Why it suits the theme: Elphaba’s journey from misunderstood outcast to powerful witch is a spellbinding adventure that turns the Oz story on its head - perfect for this year’s theme.
Where to buy: Target
RRP: $19.00

Image: Target

Costume: Bluey 
Why it suits the theme: For little adventurers who love Aussie bush escapades.
Where to buy: BIG W
RRP: $34.95

Image: Big W

Costume: Where’s Wally 5 Piece Costume
Why it suits the theme: Everyone loves the classic search-and-find adventure - wander into Book Week as Wally with minimal effort!
Where to buy: Kmart
RRP: $20.00

Image: Kmart

Costume: Pippi Longstocking
Why it suits the theme: She’s strong, cheeky, independent and lives life as one big adventure.
Where to buy: CostumeBox
RRP: $59.99

Image: CostumeBox

Costume: Spiderman
Why it suits the theme: With great power comes great adventure.
Where to buy: Big W
RRP: $20.00

Image: Big W

Costume: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Why it suits the theme: A colourful transformation adventure for the littlest readers.
Where to buy: CostumeBox
RRP: $54.99

Image: CostumeBox

Costume: Matilda by Roald Dahl
Why it suits the theme: Her superpower is her mind - and standing up to the Trunchbull is no small adventure.
Where to buy: Big W
RRP: $45.00

Image: Big W

Costume: Indiana Jones
Why it suits the theme: Dusty temples, hidden treasures, and danger around every corner.
Where to buy: Costume Supercentre
RRP: $19.90

Image: Costume Supercentre

Costume: Hermione Granger 
Why it suits the theme: Brains, bravery and magical misadventure. She’s the true heroine of Hogwarts.
Where to buy: BIG W
RRP: $30

Image: Big W

Costume: Bilbo Baggins
Why it suits the theme: A reluctant hero, a long journey, and one ring to rule them all.
Where to buy: Costume SuperCentre
RRP: $39.90

Image: Costume SuperCentre

Costume: Alice in Wonderland
Why it suits the theme: Tumble down the rabbit hole into a world of surreal adventure.
Where to buy: CostumeBox
RRP: $29.99

Image: CostumeBox

Costume: Harry Potter 
Why it suits the theme: Flying lessons, dragon battles, secret chambers - it’s the ultimate magical adventure.
Where to buy: BIG W
RRP: $20

Image: Big W

Costume: Dorothy Girls Costume
Why it suits the theme: Follow the yellow brick road - Dorothy’s journey is a timeless adventure classic.
Where to buy: DiscountPartySupplies
RRP: $29.99

Image: DiscountPartySupplies

RELATED: What can you do if your child hates reading?

Book Week is more than a dress-up day 

Book Week is a reminder of the stories that shaped us. Whether your child chooses to be a hungry caterpillar, a magical mischief-maker, or a fierce little feminist in braids, this year’s theme is an invitation to “book” an adventure - literally.

And if all else fails… there’s always the classic “wear pyjamas and say you’re from a bedtime book” trick. We won’t tell.

Originally published as Best Book Week 2025 costumes you can buy - from magical quests to classic adventures