World Book Day is heading our way and to say we’re excited is an understatement. There are so many reasons why we love World Book Day! Maybe it’s the celebration of stories that have the power to change our lives, or perhaps it’s the warm, fuzzy nostalgia of dressing up as our favorite characters back in school (don’t pretend you didn’t rock a fairy princess wand and wings). Or maybe it’s just the simple joy of curling up with a good book and remembering why we fell in love with reading in the first place.

World Book Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a celebration of authors, readers, and the amazing power of books. And at Once Upon a Book Club, we’re all about celebrating stories in the most unforgettable way possible. Our book subscription boxes aren’t just about reading; they’re about experiencing a story as it comes to life through our world-famous gifts.

So, if you’re wondering how to turn World Book Day 2025 into an extraordinary reading adventure, we’ve got all the ideas (and book-shaped boxes) you need!

 

Why Celebrate World Book Day?

World Book Day began in 1995 as a UNESCO initiative to promote reading, publishing, and copyright around the world. It’s celebrated in over 100 countries, all with the same goal: to get people reading and talking about books. From pop-up bookstores in city parks to school costume parades and library storytelling sessions, it’s a day that makes books the star of the show.

But beyond the fanfare, World Book Day is a powerful reminder of how important literacy is — not just for education but for empathy, imagination, and global connection. It’s a day where we can all pause and remember that stories are what connect us across cultures, generations, and even genres.

Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just dipping your toes back into reading, World Book Day is the perfect excuse to pick up a book, gather your people (virtually or in person), and celebrate the written word.

 

Creative Ways to Use Book Subscription Boxes for Celebrations

One of the best things about Once Upon a Book Club boxes is that they’re ready-made for celebration. Each box is a mini party waiting to happen—with a brand-new book, secret gifts, and a story that is bound to whisk you away, you will be enthralled from the moment it arrives (our whimsical book-shaped packaging is just the start!) We can’t wait to share how our book boxes will take your World Book Day celebrations to the next level!

Host a Book-Themed Gathering

Who says book parties are just for kids? Host a cozy, book-themed get-together for your friends or family. Choose from our incredible ready-to-ship book boxes (Adult, YA, or Tween — we’ve got them all!) and build your World Book Day party around them.

Set up a reading nook with fairy lights, scatter comfy pillows everywhere, and set out snacks inspired by the book (bonus points for themed cocktails or mocktails!). It’s so much fun when you get to open the beautifully wrapped surprise gifts at specific page numbers marked in the book. Everyone can experience the story in real-time — it’s like a book club and a birthday party rolled into one.

Want to go the extra mile? Create bookmarks with your guests’ names, play bookish trivia, or even dress up as your favorite characters. It’s a celebration, after all!

Virtual Book Clubs and Read-Alongs

Can’t meet in person? No problem! Set up a virtual book club or read-along with your favorite bookish friends — whether they’re across the street or across the country, we’ve got you covered! With the magic of Once Upon a Book Club, everyone can experience the story together, even from afar.

Start a group chat or Facebook group, schedule weekly reading goals, and host live discussions or unboxings. Watching each other unwrap the surprise gifts as they hit certain pages is half the fun (and full of giggles and gasps). You can even stream a themed Zoom party where you talk plot twists, characters, and which gift was your favorite.

And hey, if you’ve ever wanted an excuse to wear a bookish T-shirt on a video call, this is your moment. Speaking of Facebook groups, we have a wonderful community you will definitely want to be part of!

Family-Friendly Reading Activities

Make World Book Day a family affair with activities tailored to every age. Our Tween boxes are especially popular for younger readers, featuring engaging middle grade stories, a coloring page, a book passport, and themed gifts that keep the story going even after the last chapter.

We love the idea of creating a family read-aloud session where everyone gets a turn to narrate. Set up a storytelling corner with themed snacks, and you can even add a scavenger hunt where clues are hidden within the pages of the book.

Include book-themed games, like character charades or literary bingo, and let the whole family vote on their favorite plot twist. With themed boxes for Adults, Young Adults, and Tweens, it’s easy to pick the right story for every age — and make memories that stick long after World Book Day ends.

 

Making It Special: Personalized Gift Experiences

You can even add your personal touch to World Book Day! Wrap the subscription book box in a bow and add a handwritten note about why you picked that book or what it means to you. You could even create a custom “reader’s kit” packed with fabulous goodies like hot chocolate, marshmallows, home-baked cookies, and some cozy socks for a special reading time treat.

But don’t take our word for how fabulous our boxes are!

These boxes create moments that are personal, emotional, and unforgettable.

Engaging the Community: Social Media Challenges and Contests

Sharing is caring! Why not share your World Book Day celebration with fellow book lovers? Head to social media and join in the fun by posting your unboxing reactions, themed decorations, or reading setups using #OnceUponABookClub and #WorldBookDay2025.

Creating content for your social media pages is so much fun. You can create your own bookish photo challenge — a week of themed prompts like “Favorite Character Monday”, “What I’m Reading Wednesday”, “Unboxing Thursday,” or “Shelfie Sunday.”

Social media isn’t just for selfies — it’s a place to connect with other readers, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of books together. Who knows? Your setup might even inspire someone else to start reading again.

 

How to Order and Plan Your Celebration

Ordering your Once Upon a Book Club box is as easy as flipping a page. Just head to our subscription collection and choose from Adult, Young Adult, or Tween options.

You can pick a one-time box or go big with a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription (because one book party is never enough). Want to make your celebration extra special? Check out the Buy a New Subscription, Get a Past Box Free offer (available until the 14th of April 2025 — perfect for sharing the love).

Order early to make sure your box arrives in time, then start planning your celebration with themed snacks, cozy corners, and all the bookish fun you can imagine.

Make sure to check out our blog, Setting the Scene: Creating an enchanting book-themed party, for some fabulous tips or our blog on 5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Book Subscription Box!

Conclusion

World Book Day is a celebration of stories, readers, and the magical moments that come from getting lost in a good book. Whether you're hosting a party, planning a family activity, or joining a virtual read-along, Once Upon a Book Club has everything you need to make it truly unforgettable.

So this World Book Day, let the pages come to life. Gather your book-loving friends and family, unwrap the magic, and celebrate the joy of reading — one surprise at a time. 

Here are some of our favorite ready-to-ship boxes:

• Ready-to-ship Adult Book Boxes: Chasing Waves and Waterfalls or Castle of Shadows

• Ready-to-ship Tween Book Boxes: A Daring Hunt for Clues or Finding the Ringmaster

• Ready-to-ship YA Book Boxes: Mirror World or Murderous Austen Mystery