Tag Archives: Sleepover Ideas

Unleash the Fun with the Ultimate Sleepover Handbook

Are you ready for a night of unforgettable adventures and giggles galore? It’s time to dive into the ultimate sleepover experience! Whether you’re a seasoned host or a newbie to the slumber party scene, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Plan the Perfect Guest List: Choose your sleepover squad wisely. Invite friends who get along well and have a similar energy level. A mix of personalities can make the night even more exciting!

Create a Theme: Turn your sleepover into a magical event by choosing a fun theme. Whether it’s a pajama party, a movie night, or a tropical paradise, let your imagination run wild. Decorate the party space accordingly for an immersive experience.

Set up a Cozy Camp: Create a comfortable sleepover space by setting up sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows. Add twinkling fairy lights or colorful lanterns to set the mood. Don’t forget to provide extra blankets for those who might get chilly during the night.

Snacks and Treats: Keep the hunger at bay with a variety of delicious snacks and treats. Set up a snack station with popcorn, chips, and a mix of sweet and savory treats. Consider dietary restrictions and have options for everyone to enjoy.

DIY Pizza Party: Take the culinary fun up a notch by having a DIY pizza party. Prepare dough and an assortment of toppings, and let each guest create their own culinary masterpiece. Bake the pizzas together and savor the delicious creations.

Get Creative: Spark the creativity of your guests with arts and crafts activities. Set up a crafting station with supplies for making friendship bracelets, painting mini canvases, or creating personalized dream catchers. Encourage everyone to unleash their inner artist!

Epic Games Night: Plan an epic games extravaganza to keep the energy high. From classic board games to lively dance-offs or karaoke competitions, let the games begin! Provide a selection of games suitable for different interests and group sizes.

Movie Marathon Madness: Create a cozy cinema experience with a movie marathon. Take a vote on which movies to watch or have a themed movie night. Set up a comfy viewing area with bean bags, blankets, and dim lighting. Don’t forget the popcorn and refreshing drinks!

Midnight Snack Adventures: Elevate the midnight snacking experience with a DIY sundae bar or a make-your-own waffle station. Let the guests unleash their culinary creativity and indulge in delicious treats. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Capture the Memories: Don’t forget to document the fun! Set up a photo booth area with props and costumes, or encourage guests to take candid shots throughout the night. Create a digital album or print out the photos as a keepsake for each guest to cherish.

Remember, the most important ingredient for a successful sleepover is a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Encourage kindness, respect, and friendship among all guests. Embrace the laughter, silliness, and late-night chats. With this ultimate sleepover handbook, you’re bound to create a night that will be talked about for years to come. So get ready to unleash the fun and make your sleepover an experience to remember!

Planning the Perfect Kids Sleepover

Kids’ sleepovers are fun events that not only bring old and new friends together but also teach children to practice good manners and hospitality. From feeding and cleaning up after others, to comforting a homesick sick child, children can learn valuable life skills by making a meal or playing games with their guests.

The key to planning the perfect kids’ sleepover party is making sure you are well prepared and involve your kids in the entire process so that the night will run smoothly. Read on for more!

Invite

Limit the number of guests. One of the most important things to consider when planning a sleepover is the number of guests you will have. If for instance your child already struggles with play dates, it’s best to limit the number of guests to two or three. From there, you can work up to three or four and so on. Be sure to invite an even number of guests as the odd kid out effect can be very frustrating.

Encourage matching pajamas. The kids should have matching pajamas so letting them know in advance will assure they are not without.  If they don’t have them, you can always order them before the party begins so that they can change into them as they arrive. It’s a sure way to make the sleepover a success!

Sweet Bar

Create a Sweet Bar. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make kids’ sleepovers fun, consider creating a sweet bar!  The kids will love decorating their desserts with fun toppings and creating their own signature flavors.  Be sure to start the party early in the evening so that the sugar has time to leave their system before bedtime. Some fun activities for them to do after the sweet bar helps burn that sugar right off.

Toothbrushes

Provide toiletries. Always make sure to have extra toiletries on hand for the guests. It’s almost inevitable that someone will forget a toothbrush, toothpaste, or other hygiene products, and kids don’t always think of these things. Make sure that they are visible and displayed in a way that your guests will not be embarrassed to ask and know they can use them.

Photobooth (1)

Build a photo booth. Creating a photo booth for the sleepover is a simple but fun activity. You can set up a photo wall with fun items, like hats and beaded necklaces, or even purchase some gear online to make your own DIY photo booth props. Your guests can pose with these props to get some fun pictures. You can also send photos home as party favors.

Ice Breaker

Break the ice. Consider an icebreaker game as the first activity. It’s a fun way to get everyone acquainted with one another and help shy kids feel comfortable. As an example, have everyone write down two fibs and one truth about themselves. Once everyone has written down their items, they share them with the group who then decides which one is true. It’s a great way to lighten the mood of the evening.

Nightlight (1)

Practice safety. Know in advance if any of the kids need to take medications, have allergies, or have fears of certain things. Also, make sure that when they go to bed they know where your bedroom is so they can easily find you if they need something. Make sure to leave hall lights on and place nightlights in the bathrooms.

Organizing a sleepover can be a tricky task but it’s a great opportunity for creative kids to run wild and shy ones to come out of their shell. Your kids will have fun, you will have fun, and tons of memories will be made!

 

 

 

11 Best Summer Sleepover Ideas

11 Summer Sleepover Themes

School is out and the kids are home! By now you have probably compiled a list of summer boredom busters or are desperately searching for easy ideas to entertain your kiddos. Whether they are at home or bouncing in between daycare or summer camp, you’re going to have to burn that energy every weekend!

The best way to get kids to wear themselves out is with each other. Why not team up with other parents and take turns hosting sleepovers throughout the summer? The kids will have a blast and the parents will get a break. Here are a handful of simple summer sleepover ideas for guaranteed pajama fun!

Big Feet Kids Pajamas for Sleepovers

Kids Dinosaur Union Suit from Big Feet Pajamas

Best Summer Sleepover Themes

1. Under The Sea

Do you have a “Little Mermaid” at home? If so, you can’t go wrong with a classic princess theme with an under sea twist. Strategically hung blue, green, and gold streamers will create a magical kelp forest. Play Caribbean music and games, like limbo. Give the kids crowns and tritons so they can pretend to have underwater adventures! Of course, when it’s time for a movie, only one will do.

2. The All-American

What’s more American than hot dogs and apple pie? Baseball. Set up T-ball for little ones in the backyard and serve up dogs, fries, and apple pie (store bought is great — we won’t tell!). After the kids put on their pajamas, pop in The Sandlot for evening entertainment. Good all-American fun.

3. Christmas in July

Kids love this surprising, topsy turvy theme! Great for a heat wave, pull out some Christmas decorations and embrace winter in July. Lower the A/C and pull out lots of snuggly blankets, twinkle lights, and hot chocolate. Have the kids watch Elf or Frosty the Snowman in their flapjacks — a guaranteed giggle fest!

4. Roughing It

Kids love to play pretend. Set up a tent in the backyard so they can “go camping.” Roast marshmallows over the grill to make s’mores. Play flashlight tag and tell scary stories. When movie time rolls around, have them bring their sleeping bags inside and watch Open Season.

5. Berry Bake-Off

Berries are finally in season! Take the kids strawberry or blueberry picking or just pick up a few cartons in the store. Look up an easy no-bake recipe for little ones to try, like whipped cream berry parfaits, or make hand pies with older kids. The goodies will be a fun treat to enjoy during an evening showing of Ratatouille.

Munki Munki Goldfish Pajamas for Sleepovers

Goldfish Long John Set by Munki Munki

6. Waterpark

Create a water park in your backyard using sprinklers and a slip n’ slide. The kids will wear themselves out quickly running around in the sunshine. They’ll be more than ready to curl up in their pajamas and watch Finding Nemo at the end of the day!

7. Garden Party

If there’s one thing kids love, it’s getting their hands dirty! Inexpensive pots, soil, plants, and seeds will provide lots of gardening fun! Pick up popsicle sticks and have the kids make and decorate tags identifying the name of their plant. Consider fall plants that the kids can start sprouting now and plant later at home. After they’ve washed their hands and put on their PJs, pop in Zootopia (the main character’s parents are farmers!) or James and the Giant Peach.

8. Moana Dance Party

Two themes in one! It’s hard not to boogie to the incredible Moana soundtrack. Create a Pandora station based on the music and the station will automatically play similar kid-friendly tunes. Throw in grass skirts, leis, glow bracelets (for bioluminescence in the “Realm of Monsters”) and you’ve got yourself a super fun dance party! Be sure to show the movie at the end of the day after the kids settle down.

9. Pirates of the Caribbean

Kids love a scavenger hunt! Set up a pirate themed treasure hunt in your backyard. Consider small toys and chocolate gold coins as the big prize! “Capture the Flag” is another great option. The kids will have a blast swashbuckling in pirate hats with foam swords. When it’s time for bed, show Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean or for little ones, the animated classic, Peter Pan.

10. Pool Day

For the tween set who is “too cool” for themes, consider a “pool day.” There are many inflatable pool options that are great for lounging in. Set up magazines, sunblock, music, water guns, or nail polish for a relaxing day of fun in the sun. Depending on age, movie options could include Hotel Transylvania, Dunstin Checks In, or Blue Crush.

11. Frozen Karaoke Party

For the kids who can’t get enough music, how about a karaoke party with a Frozen theme? Kids karaoke machines are relatively inexpensive or you could just play fun Disney soundtracks on Pandora or Spotify. Once the kids are in their jammies and tucked in for the night, play Frozen for one more round of sing-along fun.

For more ideas for summer family fun, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Fall Sleepover Ideas

How to Throw a ‘Pumpkin Spice’ Themed Slumber Party

Three words: pumpkin spice everything. After an absolutely gorgeous summer, fall has finally arrived on the East Coast and temperatures are slowly starting to drop. With school back in session it’s the perfect time for a cozy slumber party, whether you’re in middle school or you’re in college. What better way to celebrate the season than in your favorite pajamas surrounded by all things pumpkin spice?

Not only is pumpkin spice the caffeinated beverage of choice for many this time of year, it creeps into our soaps, candles, and pastries too. The scent makes you feel like you’re hovering over a warm apple pie. To capture this feeling of warmth and comfort we’ve assembled a list of our coziest slumber party must-haves for the perfect fall pajama gathering.

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The Sleepover Survival Guide: 10 Tips for an Easy Sleepover

“Can I have a sleepover?” The question will arrive sooner than you think. You’ll hesitate, accept, and wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering what you agreed to. Nighttime routines with your own children are exhausting enough, much less with several more! There’s no need to panic. We’ve compiled the best ideas for making through the night.

How to Host a Sleepover

1. Don’t bite off more than you, or your child, can chew.

While your child may think she’s ready to have five of her friends over to the house for a sleepover, it’s ultimately up to you to decide. Questions to ask yourself:

  • — Is she ready to entertain a group of her peers?
  • — Does she do well on 1-on-1 playdates?
  • — Will she depend on you to come to the rescue if partygoers aren’t having a great time? 
  • — Do her friends at school already have preteen drama? Would that drama spill over into the evening?

Start with a 1-on-1 sleepover. Test the waters for both of you. Once you have successfully hosted a couple of events and both you and your child feel comfortable, then you can build up to larger numbers. If possible, only allow your child to invite children that you’ve interacted with during a playdate. If these are actually close friends, you should have met them before. Try to keep the number of attendees even to avoid the “odd child out” scenario, especially if you think the children will be playing games in teams.

Most importantly make the pick up and drop off times crystal clear to the parents of the participating children. You’ll want all of the partygoers promptly out the door the next morning.

2. Don’t stress about scheduling every minute with activities.

Let your child lead the charge. Ask what they like to do with their friends and how they plan on spending their time. By the age of 9 kids are used to entertaining each other during recess, in between classes, and at lunchtime. They are fully capable of making conversation amongst themselves. If left to their own devices, they’ll invent their own sleepover games just like they invent games on the playground.

If would feel better prepared with a few ideas at your fingertips, here are 7 Awesome Sleepover Games you can try.

3. Keep the sleepover to one room.

Decide where everyone will be during the sleepover and let your child know ahead of time that this is where all the activities for the night will be taking place. This keeps the mess and the noise contained one area and leaves the rest of the home for parents and other siblings to enjoy — away from the madness.

4. Stock up on sleepover movies.

Sit down with your child and come up with a list of ideas for different movies to stream or rent at a nearby RedBox. Keep them light to avoid potential nightmare drama.

Let your child make it known ahead of time what the main movie will be and have a few others queued up if they’d like have a movie marathon, or in the event your child is having a hard time hosting. Here are Our Favorite Summer Sleepover Movies to get you started.

easy sleepover snack ideas

5. Easy sleepover snacks.

It really is incredible that Madison’s mom made princess-themed cupcakes to go with a showing of Frozen, but if you don’t have the skills, time, or energy to whip up two-dozen cupcakes — don’t worry about it! The kids are excited about spending the night away from their parents, without a bedtime, and with as much screen time and Doritos as they stomach.

Order a few pizzas and dinner is served. You can pick up cupcakes at the grocery store for a “princess slumber party” or grab an economy sized bag of pizza rolls for a showing of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With food allergies accounted for, a readily inexpensive supply of soda, chips, popcorn, or candy is sure to make any kiddo happy.

If you want to get really crazy, mix your own party punch with fruit juices and give it a name like Fizz Punch or Rocket Fuel to make the event feel a little more special for the kids. You can even make the punch with low-sugar, no-sugar added, or organic juices and club soda if that’s more your style.

6. Check-in as often as you’d like.

You are going to be responsible for other people’s children. This is not a responsibility that any parent takes lightly. We also don’t want to embarrass our child with frequent check-ins. Sometimes we just need to hear it: no, you’re not being paranoid.

Feel free to pop in every 30 minutes or hover quietly outside a door to listen for signs of drama. It’s better air on the side of caution, especially if both you and your child are new to hosting sleepovers and you have children who you don’t know in your home.

Once you have a few more sleepovers under your belt you may feel better about increasing the stretch of time between check-ins. It’s also acceptable to make your presence known by walking into the room to replenish snacks or beverages. For some kids, knowing there is an adult nearby is reassuring when they’re away from home.

7. Encourage a “bedtime.”

Make it known to your tiny house guests what time dinner will be served, what time you’re starting the movie, and at what time lights-out will occur. Make it clear that they are to lower their voices so the rest of the house can sleep. Depending on ages of course, we’d recommend lights out by 11pm but have them get comfortable in their pajamas (if they don’t arrive with them on) as soon as possible.

Nightlights are inexpensive and can be purchased in packs of two or three so you can keep a bathroom, hallway, or party room dimly lit. Other options are flashlights and battery-operated camping lanterns.

8. When a sibling feels left out.

Feelings may get hurt when one sibling gets to host a sleepover and another does not, especially with the younger set who hasn’t aged into these activities yet. See if a sibling can go see a movie with a friend’s family or relative that night. A sleepover at grandma and grandpa’s might also be an option. If not, let younger siblings sleep in a sleeping bags in your bedroom for their own “sleepover.” Rent a movie they would like to watch on another television, tablet, or device if that’s a possibility. This would also be a great time to introduce a new coloring book, craft, or activity to your other child or children.

9. Cereal for breakfast.

Step away from the Pinterest French Toast Bake with Freshly Whipped Cream. Like a mother with an infant, you’ve likely been straining to hear signs of distress all night, ready to pounce like a mama bear. Now you and the kids are tired. If they’re old enough, set out a continental breakfast the night before so they can help themselves, or at least make it easier for you to dish out.

Line up cereal, store bought muffins or pastries on the counter and make milk and orange juice clearly visible and accessible in the fridge. For easy clean up, use disposable plates and bowls.

10. Teach your child to clean up after their sleepover.

Your child is going to wiped the next day, but make sure they participate in cleaning up after their party. They need to know how much work goes into hosting and what will be required of them when they host at their home in the future. Even the youngest children are perfectly capable of throwing away discarded napkins, candy wrappers, and paper cups or running a vacuum.

After they’re finished tidying up, let them have a lazy afternoon with the rest of the family to recuperate. You all earned it.

For more tips and ideas for sleepover fun, visit The Pajama Company on our blog or check us out on Facebook.

How to throw a Spring Fling Sleepover!

spring fling sleepoverSpring has sprung and the flowers are sprouting! Many kids are looking forward to their spring break and anticipating the fun things they’ll do during their time off. What could be better than a spring-themed slumber party to welcome in the new season?!

Here are some fun ideas to make your spring sleepover super fun!

Have an Indoor Picnic

The evening weather might not be quite ready for a traditional picnic, but a fun idea is to create one inside. Spread a blanket out on the floor and serve your favorite picnic delights. Here are some ideas: veggies and dip, fruit and chocolate, bread and cheese, potato or pasta salad. Pick a refreshing beverage like berry lemonade or peach iced tea. And don’t forget dessert! Make your own strawberry shortcake is always fun or make these adorable sleepover cupcakes ahead of time!

Do a Spring Craft

Choose a fun Spring-themed craft to do together. Pinterest has tons of great ideas from paper flowers to decorating a pillowcase to kid-sized butterfly wings. These embellished “Funky Flip Flops” are my favorite and are sure to be a hit!

Dance Party!

Clear away the furniture, put on some favorite beach tunes and let the kids dance the night away! Or, you can have a dance competition. Split the group into two teams and give them each a song to come up with a dance to. The best dance wins a prize!

Games

There are SO MANY fun sleepover games!  If it is warm enough where you live, you could create a scavenger hunt in the backyard, complete with clue maps and headlamps or flashlights. There’s also the Blind Makeover Game and classics like Two Truths and a Lie. Check out our other posts for sleepover games here and here.

Pamper it Up

Since it’s almost flip flop time, DIY manicures and pedicures are great for this time of year. Have everyone bring their favorite nail polish colors to share.  There’s even a fun game you can play called the Nail Polish Spin Game for a rainbow of nail colors! You can also have your guests create some good-smelling herbal home spa remedies to use like lotions and foot scrubs.

Don’t forget to remind your guests to ditch those winter flannels and wear their favorite spring pajamas!

Photo Credit: Bunches and Bits {Karina} via Compfight cc

My January Sleepover

By Ellie Badanes,The Pajama Company Blog Team

With short days and long nights, January is the perfect month to host a sleepover. With the winter chill outside, snuggling up in pj’s and sleeping bags is the best way to celebrate winter with friends. Pajamas and sleepovers just go together, especially in January. At The Pajama Company, we have long loved sleepovers and celebrate friends new and old  having fun together all night long in pj’s eating popcorn, watching movies, playing games and maybe just maybe catching a few zzzz’s. Here are a few of our favorite sleepover games for your winter party.

  • Nail Polish Birthday Spin Game-Place several colors of nail polish in the middle of a circle of girls.  Have the first girl at the sleepover spin a bottle of nail polish.  Whoever the cap is pointing to when it stops must paint one of her fingernails that color.  Then that person spins the next color of nail polish…and so on.  Pretty soon everyone has really crazy hands and toes!
  • Don’t Say It – This is a game that is actually pretty popular at adult parties too! Give out one beaded necklace to everyone that comes to the party.
    Choose a word that relates to the party i.e. “night” and tell everyone they CAN’T say that word the whole party. If they say that word, whoever they say it to, gets their beads. The person with the most beads at the end of the party wins!
  • Foil Make Over Game-The object is to create the best outfit out of aluminum foil.  This can be played individually or if you have lots of girls separate them into teams.  Give each person or team 1 or 2 rolls of aluminum foil.  You can add accessories like belts, sunglasses, jewelry, hats and more.  Have the girls create tops, pants, dresses, skirts, bikinis or shorts.
  • Blind Make Over Game-The first person puts on a blindfold and does the makeup of the second person.  Then when they are done the second person puts on the blindfold and does the makeup of the third person.  Draw numbers to determine the order.  Be sure to take pictures when you are done!
  • Sleepover Ball Game-Buy a large inflatable beach ball and in permanent marker write questions all over it.  Place everyone in a circle and throw the ball to someone.  The person who catches the ball must answer the question that their right thumb is touching.  After answering the question they then throw the ball to another person.  Here are some suggestions for questions:  What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?  What is your favorite color?  What are three words that describe you? Who is your favorite band/singer? What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? What do you say when you talk in your sleep?  What is your biggest phobia?  If you were invisible what would you do?  If you were an animal what would you be?  Who is your secret crush? What was your last dream about?
  • Haunting Tales – Have everyone sit in a circle, with just a few candles lit around the room. The person hosting the party should start a scary story with one sentence. Each person must add another sentence until an entire tale has been created. Include guests in the story to make the scare factor even higher.
  • Candy Hunt– Ask everyone to bring a flashlight to the party.  Before everyone arrives at the party ask a parent or sibling to hide candy all over the house.  When it gets dark, turn off the lights and have everyone take their flashlights and hunt for the candy.
  • Snuggle Bug-Designate one person at the party the “Snuggle Bug” by putting slips of paper into a bowl (all blank except for the one that has the SB on it).  Whoever picks the “SB” is the “Snuggle Bug”.  All the guests are in the same room (with the lights off throughout the house) at the beginning of the game.  Then the “Snuggle Bug” gets to go and find a hiding place.  People roam throughout the house and ask other players, “Are you the Snuggle Bug?”  If the answer is no, then they keep searching.  If the answer is yes, then the person has to join them in the hiding spot and snuggle up to the SB.  As more guests find the SB and snuggle up, the hiding space becomes overcrowded and the game ends when the last person finds the SB.  Maybe have a “booby” prize ready for the last person!
  • Kiss The Poster-get a nice poster of your favorite pop star, rock star or celebrity.  Have each girl put on lipstick and take turns putting on the blindfold and kissing the poster.  The person who kisses closest to the celebrity’s lips gets to take the poster home!
  • Tapper-With everyone in the room, one person is chosen to be the Tapper.  The Tapper goes into another room where he/she can’t hear the other players.  Meanwhile everyone hides in their sleeping bags or under pillows and blankets.  You can also make decoys by putting pillows/stuffed animals under a blanket to make it look like a person.  Then someone gets up, turns off the lights and goes back to their hiding spot.  After everyone is settled, you yell to the Tapper to come in.  The Tapper comes into the room, with the lights off, and taps on someone.  If you get tapped you have to say “Yes?” in a weird voice (or say something else, it’s up to you).  The Tapper has to figure out who was speaking.  If the Tapper is right, the person tapped has to be the Tapper next and everyone gets a new hiding spot.  If the Tapper is wrong, he/she has to tap another person.   Or one by one the Tapper can guess each person until only one is left.
  • Blair Witch Hide and Seek-A new type of hide and seek to play using a cell phone and a house phone.  Wait until it’s dark and turn out the lights.  One person hides with a cell phone.  In the pitch black, everyone goes looking for this one person.  Every so often he must call the house phone and give clues to where he is hiding.
  • Two Truths and A Lie-Sit in a circle.  Each person one by one must tell everyone two things that are true about himself/herself and one thing that isn’t.  Mix up the two truths and a lie however you please.  Everyone has to guess which is the lie.

Sleepover!