Book Week Party Supplies: Everything You Need for a Book-Themed Celebration

Every year, Book Week brings stories to life, and kids of all ages absolutely love it. So, whether you’re a parent planning a celebration at home, a teacher decorating a classroom, or a librarian organising a reading event, it’s the perfect annual opportunity to honour the many wonderful books that spark young imaginations. And the right Book Week party supplies can turn an ordinary space into a literary wonderland.

Here’s how to bring it all together, from decorations and games to food, costumes, and thank-you favours.

Decorations

To start and to make things easier, pick a literary theme. You might focus on a specific book (The Magic Faraway Tree, The Cat in the Hat, or Charlotte’s Web) or build a broad-theme party pulling elements from multiple favourites. Once you have a concept, it’s time to style your space with creative Book Week party decorations.

Try these ideas:

• Create a “storybook path” using paper footprints or quotes leading to key zones.
• Drape pages from old, damaged books across walls or hang them as bunting.
• Use vintage suitcases as centrepieces for a travel-through-books theme.
• Craft tree branches into a “Reading Tree” with character cutouts or handmade paper birds.
• Decorate corners with hanging clouds and stars to mimic dreamlike story settings.

Classrooms, libraries, or living rooms can all be transformed with a bit of imagination and themed Book Week party supplies.

Tableware

Extend the theme with coordinated tableware. Whether you’re setting up snack tables or activity zones, cohesive styling ties everything together.

Here are some thoughtful touches:

• Choose table covers printed with alphabets, quotes, or literary illustrations.
• Use character-themed plates and napkins—many are available in themed party packs.
• Create bookmarks as place cards with each guest’s name and favourite book.
• Fill small glass jars with coloured pencils or quote scrolls for decoration and use.
• Use upcycled books or mini easels as food label holders.

Layering textures (like fabric runners over kraft paper) and mixing colours from your story palette will make the table feel warm and playful.

Costumes and Dress-Up

Costumes are the highlight of many Book Week events. Encourage children (and even adults) to dress as their favourite character— whether that’s a wizard, wild thing, detective, or dinosaur.

To support those who don’t come in costume, offer:

• A DIY costume corner with capes, animal ears, or cardboard crowns
• A mask-making station where kids can colour and cut out printable templates
• A “Character Creator” area with basic props and suggestions to build their own persona

This ensures everyone feels included, and it doubles as a fun, creative activity.

Party Favours

Party favours can encourage continued engagement with books and creativity.

Here are some charming ideas:

• Personalised bookmarks printed with guests’ names and a reading quote
• Miniature books or book-themed stickers
• Reading logs or “My Next Reads” notepads
• Puzzle cards or story-starter prompts
• “Book Buddy” plush keyrings or small character figurines

Package these in kraft bags or envelopes stamped with “Thanks for Reading With Us!” tags. Keep the items age-appropriate and aligned with your party’s tone, playful for kids, more polished for older students.

Games & Activities

Interactive activities are key to holding young readers’ attention—and tying them back to books makes it even more fun.

Try a mix of energetic and quiet games:

• Book Title Charades: Kids act out titles without speaking.
• Story Stones: Painted stones with images (a dragon, a book, a ship) inspire on-the-spot storytelling.
• Treasure Hunt: Hide book-related items around the room, like glasses for Harry Potter, a toy spider for Charlotte’s Web.
• Story Dice: Each side has a theme (character, setting, problem, etc.) and kids build stories based on what they roll.

You can also include a book swap table, encouraging each child to bring a book they’ve read and exchange it for another.

Food & Treats

Story-themed food doesn’t need to be complicated—just clever.

• “Green Eggs and Ham”: Use food dye on egg whites and roll up ham slices.
• “Very Hungry Caterpillar” Fruit Cups: Serve rainbow fruit in clear cups with labels.
• “Pooh Bear’s Honey Crackles”: Classic honey joys with themed signs.
• “Mad Hatter Tea Sandwiches”: Mini sandwiches with quirky fillings.
• “Willy Wonka’s Lollies”: A colourful candy corner with gold coin chocolate and jelly beans.

Drinks can be served in “Potion Jars” or labelled with names like “Witch’s Brew” or “Jungle Juice.” Add food labels using cut-out book spines or bookmarks for an extra storytelling touch.

Invitations & Thank You Cards

Your invitations should give a taste of the adventure to come. Fun formats include:

• Fold-out “mini books” with the guest’s name on the cover
• Library cards with the date, time, and location in the “return date” field
• Puzzle invites where guests assemble a picture or message

After the party, send thank-you notes with a personal message or a photo from the event. A fun idea is to write a “review” of the party from the host’s point of view: “5 stars, best readers in the land!”

Educational Touches (Optional for Parties, Great for Schools)

If you’re hosting in a classroom or library, you might add light learning elements:

• A “Guess the Book” trivia wall with visual clues
• A reading corner with staff favourites or age-appropriate recommendations
• A quiet writing space where kids write “fan mail” to a favourite character

These additions help teachers tie the celebration back to curriculum goals in a relaxed, low-pressure way.

Conclusion

Book Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate storytelling and inspire a lifelong love of reading. With thoughtful Book Week party supplies, from decorations and costumes to engaging games and favours, you can bring your favourite tales off the page and into the real world.

Whether you’re hosting ten kids or a whole school of readers, Characterparties.com.au has everything you need to make your Book Week celebration as meaningful as the stories themselves. Get in touch with them today for all the bits and bobs needed for an epic Book Week event.