21 Easy DIY Book Character Costumes for Halloween
These bookish costumes will appeal to readers of any age.
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From a very early age, we've all had a children's book that's pulled on our heart strings. Whether it's Where the Wild Things Are, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, or another engaging book, the pages make a huge impression on our young minds. And if you're an educator or parent yourself, you've probably also shared the books that meant so much to you with your students or your own child. So it may feel inevitable the characters from your beloved childhood books will become your go-to inspiration for a super-creative DIY book character costume and a memorable Halloween.
Many of these fun Halloween costumes for kids and adults start with a few pieces of clothing from your child's closet (and that means creating a last-minute Halloween costume that’s close to free!). Or, you can use some of the tutorials here to work your very DIY magic. Either way, we guarantee your children will have grins on their faces when they go trick-or-treating and tell everyone about the book characters they're dressed up as.
By the way, kids shouldn't get to have all the fun. As an adult, you likely still have those books that have remained special to you throughout your life, so we have costume ideas for you as well. And if you see a character you like that's only made better by their counterpart or best friend, team up on a group costume. Below, get inspired by some of our very favorite ready-to-wear and DIY book character Halloween costumes!
Are you craving more Halloween holiday content? Visit our gallery of 100+ GENIUS HALLOWEEN IDEAS to find plenty of costume ideas (for kids, adults, and pets!), party recipes, games, scary movie roundups, and much more!
DIY Nancy Drew Costume
Take inspiration from our favorite teenage detective. Pair a yellow cardigan—this one’s the perfect shade—and a white collared shirt with a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Accessorize with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of vintage Nancy Drew books.
DIY Waldo Costume: Where's Waldo?
If you're an avid crocheter (or want to become one), this DIY Waldo hat is easy to crochet. Pair with a red-and-white striped shirt and round black glasses for the complete look.
Get the tutorial at Repeat Crafter Me.
DIY Musketeer Costume: The Three Musketeers
Round up two more neighborhood kids and whip up three of these easy costumes!
Get the tutorial at Adventure in a Box or get for a ready-to-wear musketeer costume.
SHOP MUSKETEER OUTFITS
DIY Baby Max Costume: Where the Wild Things Are
Let the wild rumpus start! With this DIY book character costume, your baby will look just like Max, roaming among monsters and other fearsome creatures.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
DIY Katniss Everdeen Costume: The Hunger Games
Although she won’t be running into the Cornucopia anytime soon, your tween can look just as tough and strong as Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Add a faux bow and arrow set to finish the look.
Get the tutorial at Simple As That.
DIY Hedwig Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Whooooooo can make this seriously sweet Harry Potter Hegwig baby costume? Because it's no sew, the answer is everyone, that's who!
Get the tutorial at Make Life Lovely.
DIY Mr. Fox Costume: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Download blogger Rachel Faucett's printable mask template, grab your sewing machine, and start crafting this classic costume based on the beloved book.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte.
SHOP FOX MASKS
DIY Tin Man Costume: The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz was a book long before it was a movie, and your child can represent a story that’s lasted the ages with this Tin Man costume. Silver spray paint and cardboard lend ingenuity to this iconic getup.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & a Princess.
DIY Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
There's no one sassier in the Harry Potter series than Luna Lovegood, and this costume based on her character doesn't disappoint. With her copy of The Quibbler and larger-than-life sunglasses, your girl will go from a Muggle to a Hogwarts student in a flash.
Get the tutorial at My Poppet Makes.
DIY Giving Tree Costume: The Giving Tree
This book is certainly a tear-jerker, but you can celebrate those warm fuzzies by partnering up with your little one for Halloween. As the boy and the tree, all you need is a small pair of overalls, and for you, an all-green outfit covered in felt leaves.
Get the tutorial at the House That Lars Built.
DIY Pippi Costume: The Pippi Longstocking Collection
Pippi Longstocking is one of the most cherished book characters of all time. Your child can mimic her one-of-a-kind look with top-to-bottom stripes and those famous flyaway braids.
Get the tutorial at Positively Splendid.
DIY Hansel and Gretel Costumes: Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Things may have not gone so great for Hansel and Gretel in Grimm’s Fairy Tales, but we have no doubt that your kids will have a much better outcome this Halloween. Dress them up in these storybook-inspired costumes, complete with delightful hats and old-fashioned attire.
Get the tutorial at Live Like You Are Rich.
DIY Lorax Costume: The Lorax
Here's a Halloween costume that's perfect for your pint-sized planet protectors. If they can't stop reading Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, outfit them with orange shirts, furry glasses, and signs that proclaim, "Save the Truffula Trees!"
Get the tutorial at the Mom Creative.
DIY BFG Costume: The BFG
Roald Dahl’s The BFG convinced us that giants are indeed friendly, and this costume is just as heartwarming. With those sizable ears and "dream-catching net," it’s sure to put smiles on people's faces wherever your child goes trick-or-treating.
Get the tutorial at Desert Chica.
DIY Willy Wonka Costume: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Are you a big kid who can't stop eating candy (even though you're trying to eat more kale)? Then represent the sugar-coated whimsy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by transforming yourself into Willy Wonka himself.
Get the tutorial at Hello Rigby.
DIY Wocket in Pocket Costume: There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!
Dr. Seuss seems to inspire so many charming Halloween costumes, and this one is no exception. Drawn by the quirky creatures seen in the book There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!, your child can capture the book’s wordplay with this easy costume.
Get the tutorial at Julie Ann Events.
DIY Dorothy and Glinda Costumes: The Wizard of Oz
If you haven't read The Wizard of Oz book series, now is the time to start! Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch make magical costumes for best friends. Follow the Yellow Brick Road!
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair.
DIY Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy
This adorable costume will remind your adventurer to never grow up!
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
DIY Anne: Anne of Green Gables
Your child can capture the vivacious, untamed spirit of Anne Shirley with this sweet Halloween costume. Dress her in an adorable green dress, straw hat, and pigtails. Just don’t call her Carrots!
DIY Tween Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Another take on Luna Lovegood, this costume is perfect for the tween set. Let her raid her own closet for mismatched clothes, and she can help make the felt scarf.
Get the tutorial at This DIY LIfe.
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