Best Sainsbury's Tu World Book Day Costumes 2026

Getting the kids ready for World Book Day often feels like a bit of a military operation, doesn’t it?

Between the school newsletters and the sudden realisation that they’ve outgrown last year’s outfit, it’s a lot to juggle.

This year, World Book Day falls on Thursday, 5th March 2026. It’s set to be a big one, especially as it’s celebrating its 29th anniversary. While the heart of the day is all about that £1 book token and encouraging a love of reading, we know that for many little ones, the "fancy dress" part is the absolute highlight of the week.

If your "make it from a cardboard box" skills are a bit rusty, the Sainsbury’s Tu range is a total lifesaver. We’ve headed down the aisles to find the best ready-to-wear costumes available in-store and online right now. From classic Roald Dahl characters to the latest heroes from the 2026 book list, here are the top Tu clothing picks for every budget.

For fans of the classics, the Matilda blue dress and the Alice in Wonderland tea-party outfit are lovely options, featuring sweet details like book-print hems and lace-trimmed aprons. If your little one wants something a bit more magical, the Wizard of Oz Dorothy dress comes with its own red bow headband and tiny glittery slippers printed right onto the skirt. For the toddlers or those who prefer to stay extra comfy, the Room on the Broom pyjama set is a genius alternative to a full costume, making it perfect for schools having a "bedtime story" themed day.

If you have a little one who is obsessed with Julia Donaldson, the Gruffalo collection at Sainsbury's is absolutely brilliant for a more low-key or practical World Book Day look. Instead of a one-off polyester costume, these bits are actual clothes they can wear long after March is over, like the printed puddle suits and sturdy wellies that are perfect for a "deep dark wood" walk. There are some lovely, soft sweatshirts and striped tees featuring the classic Axel Scheffler illustrations, which are ideal for kids who find traditional fancy dress a bit scratchy or overwhelming. I especially love the borg-fleece zip-up jacket with the little claws on the pockets; it is a super cosy way to dress up that will actually keep them warm during a chilly 2026 school run.

If you’re looking for something that works well beyond the school gates, the Sainsbury’s Tu Gruffalo collection is a brilliant shout for 2026. Instead of a traditional costume, these pieces are practical enough for everyday wear while still letting fans of the deep dark wood dress the part. You can pick up a sturdy patterned puddle suit and matching wellies for a wet school run, or go for the ultra-cosy borg-fleece jacket that features cute little claw details on the pockets. It is a great way to invest in World Book Day without buying an outfit that will just sit at the back of the wardrobe for the rest of the year.

For those little Julia Donaldson fans, the Sainsbury’s Tu range has some lovely character pyjamas that are ideal for a "bedtime story" theme in 2026. The Tabby McTat set is a sweet choice for cat lovers, while The Highway Rat pyjamas, featuring the famous "Give me your pastries and puddings!" quote, are perfect for nights spent relaxing or a comfortable day at school. These sets are made from 100% cotton for all-night comfort and offer much better value than a one-off costume since they can be worn as regular nightwear long after the celebrations are over.

For parents looking to keep things comfy and casual, this selection of Sainsbury’s Tu character tops and sweatshirts is a brilliant way to join the World Book Day 2026 fun without the fuss of a full costume. These budget-friendly pieces feature fan favourites like Stick Man, Little Miss Chatterbox, and Tabby McTat, making them ideal for kids who might find traditional fancy dress a bit overwhelming. I love that these are practical enough for the playground but still feel special with their bright colours and fun ruffles. Since they are essentially everyday clothes, you'll definitely get your money's worth well beyond the school celebrations on 5th March.

Hopefully, that’s given you a bit of inspiration and saved you a frantic late-night search for a glue gun! At the end of the day, World Book Day isn’t about who has the most elaborate outfit; it’s just about getting the kids excited to pick up a book and have a bit of fun.

The Sainsbury’s Tu collection is a reliable shout because the quality is great and the prices won't break the bank. Whether they’re heading into school as a classic Matilda or a brand-new character they’ve just discovered, the main thing is that they feel comfortable and ready to celebrate.

Don't forget to tuck that £1 book token somewhere safe; you can swap them for the special 2026 World Book Day books at the Sainsbury’s book aisle from mid-February through to late March.