Tag Archives: Sleepovers

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!

 

 

 

Active Indoor Game Ideas for Kids

10 Best Indoor Games to Get Kids Moving

Many of us are looking forward to a 3-day weekend but for parents, a long weekend translates to three days with the kids and it’s easy to feel like a cruise director. January is an exceptionally chilly, blustery time of year and both kids and adults are mostly stuck indoors on the weekend. Whether you’re hosting a sleepover or a family game night, these fun indoor games will help your kids burn some of that excess energy. But don’t worry — no sneakers required. Your coziest flannel pajamas, as always, are perfectly acceptable attire.

Best Indoor Games for Kids

Jump around in these ‘Stay Cool’ pajamas by Big Feet.

Active Indoor Game Ideas for Kids

1. Race to the Finish. Use masking tape or painters to tape to create “lanes” on the floor. Create flashcards with different movements such as hop, skip, or crabwalk. Get creative and let the kids come up with ideas too. For example, one card could read “walk like a chicken” or “swing like a monkey” and have participants come up with their own interpretive movements. Draw a movement card from a hat at random. Players participate in a silly “race to the finish” with the chosen wacky movement.

2. Twister. The classics never fade. Twister is a still an uproariously fun game to play during a sleepover, family game night, or just a fun night in with friends! You’re more likely to topple over from laughing than from loss of balance. Just be prepared for your kids to mock your attempts at agility for the rest of the weekend!

3. Indoor Bowling. Stack plastic cups into a large pyramid. Stack them high and stack them deep. Use a 5-8” toy ball, or even a tennis ball, to roll on the floor at the pyramid. Players get a point for each “pin” they knock down. Just like bowling, the game becomes more challenging as more pins are removed.

4. Limbo! Remember this one? Limbo is a game best played in a group, so it’s a great choice for a sleepover. Grab a broom or mop and see just how low everyone can go! Remember, ‘Limbo’ is one part game and one part dance party, so have the kids help you come up with a killer playlist that everyone will enjoy.

5. Balloon Waddle. A less messy version of the egg-and-spoon race, Balloon Waddle is a silly game that’s perfect for little kids! Blow up some balloons and see if the kids can “waddle” from one end of the room to the other with the balloon between their knees, without dropping it. If it’s too easy or the kids are a bit older, set up a few obstacles for the kids to move around or hop over.

Active Games for Sleepovers

Sleepover-ready in these super comfy dinosaur pajamas by Big Feet.

6. Musical Chair Dance Party. A great group game that can be fun at any age with the right tunes! Simply gather a number of chairs that is -1 of the number of participants and arrange them in a circle, seats facing outward. Play upbeat music. The group must dance (not walk!) around the chairs until the music stops, then it’s a scramble for a seat! Whoever is left without a seat when the music stops is out. Subtract one more chair and keep playing until there’s a winner!

7. Charade-ercise. For the athletically-inclined crowd or a family of sports enthusiasts, create a game of charades that involves a little more movement than most. Create your own categories such as sports, sports-themed movies, and athletes (remember, swimmers, skiers, gymnasts, and dancers count!). Using flashcards, write down your own sporty subjects for participants to energetically act out.

8. *Lego Hunt. Treasure hunts are for more than backyard birthday parties. Perfect for sleepovers or busy little kids, create your own “lego hunt” inside your home. This game is a little more like an Easter Egg Hunt and less involved than a Treasure Hunt where you have to create clues. Simply hide Legos, or Duplo blocks for little kids, around the house. Assign each player or team a color to locate. Hide the same number of pieces for each color. See who can find all their pieces first. Play again and again to see if the kids and beat their best time!

*This game could be played a variety of ways if you don’t have Legos or Duplo blocks. Think about any toys that can be divided into categories, such as animal figurines (mammals vs. reptiles), action figures, cars, and dinosaurs (cars vs. dinosaurs, for example).

9. “Dunk” Competition. This one is surprisingly simple, yet amuses kids …and some adults… of varying ages. You can host an indoor “dunk” competition that doesn’t involve mounting a basketball hoop to your living room wall. Simply set an empty garbage can across the room and see who can make the most shots, either in a row or best out of 10. The perfect activity for a simple, sporty family game night.

10. Hide-and-Go-Seek. Don’t forget this one! Similar to a treasure hunt, a good old fashioned game of hide and seek will have kids running around the house for hours as they take turns being the “seeker.” This game is still a great hands-off way to tire out any child!

We hope these game ideas inspire you to get your family moving this weekend. For more tips and ideas for entertaining kids during these cold winter months, check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

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.

Best TV Shows to Binge Watch in 2018

The Best TV Shows to Binge in Your Pajamas

We in the Northeast have endured another blizzard, but more pajama time is A-OK with us! Snow days and quiet Friday nights are perfect for binge-watching gripping television shows in the comfort of your living room. If you tend to binge-watch your television shows, you’re not alone.

It may seem counterintuitive in this age of short, quippy social media posts and funny cat videos, but humans have a psychological urge to watch entire seasons of television from start finish — no matter how dark, twisted, and complicated the storylines. According to Netflix, three out of four viewers watch the entire first season of Breaking Bad in one sitting!

Psychologists believe that we binge-watch because we crave an escape from our busy lives. As it turns out, occasionally binge-watching television shows can help alleviate symptoms of stress. So put on your coziest pair of pajama pants, pop some popcorn, and stream one of these binge-worthy TV shows. Doctor’s orders.

Best Shows to Stream in 2018

Put on your pajama pants and get ready stream.

Top 10 TV Shows to Binge-Watch Right Now

1. The Americans

Nothing is what it seems on The Americans. To their unsuspecting suburban neighbors, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are the most boring couple you could possibly imagine. But to anyone who gets in their way — including the FBI — these undercover Russian spies are quick, efficient, and deadly. If you like intrigue, action, ‘80s nostalgia, and brutally honest depictions of marriage, you’re going to love The Americans. Stream on Amazon.

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

If you like to laugh and love a little action, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the breakout hit for you. Starring SNL funnyman Andy Samberg and acting veterans Andre Braugher and Terry Crews, the TV show follows the hijinx of the NYPD’s fictional 99th Precinct. The plot revolves around the professional and personal life of Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg), an immature but talented police officer. Hilarity ensues. Stream on Hulu.

3. Westworld

For the sci-fi fanatics, Westworld is a thriller that takes place in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. Westworld caters to high-paying guests, who may indulge in whatever they wish within the park without retribution from their hosts — including murder. The series begins as a routine update in the hosts’ programming causes unusual deviations in their behavior, concerning park staff. A few of the hosts become sentient and learn the truth about themselves and the world they are forced to live in. Stream on HBO Go.

Jane the Virgin jammies

Gina Rodriguez and Andrea Navedo in pajamas for a scene in ‘Jane the Virgin’

4. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin follows twenty-something Jane Villanueva as she navigates the aftermath of an accidental artificial insemination in her very Catholic household. With plenty of family drama, comedic relief, a steamy love triangle, and crime lord, the telenovela satire packs a lot entertainment into each and every episode. Perfect if you were a fan of the old series Desperate Housewives.

5. Orphan Black

Sci-fi is clearly coming back to mainstream television with shows like Westworld and this hit, Orphan Black. The Canadian series raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of cloning. Con-artist Sarah Manning, one of several identical clones, assumes the identity of one of her fellow matches, police officer Elizabeth Childs, after witnessing her suicide. Viewers can watch the entire plot from start to finish, as all five seasons are now available for streaming. Stream on Amazon.

6. Peaky Blinders

If you enjoyed The Godfather trilogy, know that Peaky Blinders is essentially the British version. Inspired by a real-life gang that operated in Birmingham, England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Tommy Shelby, the gang’s reluctant but passionate leader, who must take over his family business (Michael Corleone, anyone?). Each season is just six episodes, making it very easy to devour in one sitting. Stream on Netflix.

7. Friends from College

Friends from College is a “coming of age” story for a new generation. This intense all-too-real dramedy starring funnyman Keegan Michael Key will resonate with many tightly knit college groups who have tried to keep their youthful connections rolling into their 40s. Filled with anti-heroes, beautifully acted, and endlessly entertaining, each of the eight half-hour episodes can be watched in one evening. Stream on Netflix.

8. Bob’s Burgers

Is it just us, or is everything on television these days dark and twisted? Take an extended break from reality and stream every season of the funny adult animated series Bob’s Burgers. We promise that you will fall in love with at least one of the adorable cast members who feature voice talent from legend H. Jon Benjamin (Archer), Kristen Schaal (Last Man On Earth, The Daily Show) Megan Mullally (Parks and Rec, Will and Grace), Jordan Peele (Get Out, Key and Peele), SNL alum Bill Hader, and Aziz Ansari (Parks and Rec, Master of None) to name a few. The plot follows the hilarious antics that take place in and around Bob Belcher’s family business, Bob’s Burgers. Stream on Hulu.

9. Silicon Valley

A surprise hit from producer Mike Judge, best known for King of the HIll and Beavis and Butt-Head, is Silicon Valley, a witty live-action comedy starring Thomas Middleditch and Kumail Nanjiani. The story follows the day-to-day struggle of Richard Hendricks (Middleditch), a Silicon Valley engineer trying to build his own company within the quirky valley tech bubble. Stream on Hulu.

Tracee Ellis Ross Black-ish Pajamas

Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross wears a lot of cute pajama sets as her character Bo Johnson in the hit comedy series ‘Black-ish.’

10. Black-ish

Network after network is producing gloomy, depressing content but Black-ish on ABC is a much-needed standout family sitcom. Loosely based on the family life of creator Kenya Barris, the show doesn’t shy away from discussions of family, race, gender equality, or politics, but addresses these hot-button topics in a way that is timely, relatable, and approachable. The plot follows family man Andre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) as he struggles to maintain a sense of cultural identity while raising his children in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood. Every episode is smart, sweet, and guaranteed to make you laugh until your belly hurts. Stream on Hulu.

For more ideas for how to unwind in your pajamas this season, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Host a Winter Pajama Party

How to Host a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Pajama Party

After we unplug the Christmas tree and pack away our holiday decorations, many people feel a touch of ‘post-holiday blues’ because there is nothing left to celebrate and a long winter ahead. Don’t feel sad! There is a lot to celebrate after the holidays!

For one, we aren’t faced with the daunting task of entertaining in-laws and houseguests for another weekend packed with holiday traditions and formalities. Those of us who travel aren’t faced with another weekend in an airport, dragging luggage and children from coast to coast to visit family. The magical, sparkly, snowy winter weather is still going strong, which means we have a lot to celebrate — right at home.

Without all the holiday obligations, we can gleefully spend the rest of the winter season in hibernation. Why not celebrate what’s left of the season with a laidback ‘Winter Wonderland’ pajama party? Since the kids will be on winter break until after the New Year, you can keep the party to just your family or invite another family to join in. It’s also a great excuse to use those matching family pajamas one more time…

Winter Pajama Party Decor Ideas

Delaying taking down the Christmas decorations? Use your decorative string lights to create a wintery ambiance.

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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

BYOP: Bring Your Own Pillow

By Emily Friedman, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

Many of us look back on childhood sleepovers fondly: baking cookies, movies, and the inevitable pillow fight. It begins innocently enough, an unexpected bonk on the head by a rogue down pillow. Before long, it dissolves into a full-fledged war, feathers flying in every direction. At the end, one victor emerges, proudly hoisting his or her victorious pillow.

Every year, in the Big Apple, you can relive these memories at the Pillow Fight NYC. This year, it was held on April 7th at Washington Square Park. Alliances form, blows are thrown, and laughter can be heard in droves. However, NYC isn’t the only place to enjoy an old-fashioned pillow fight. Cities and towns around the world celebrate International Pillow Fight Day, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding a place to practice your childhood skills. By the end of the day, you’ll be an expert at whacking people across the head with a pillow. Not to mention that by the time you finally get home to set your head on your actual pillow, you’ll be exhausted enough to fall right asleep.

Now, this pillow fight presents a good question, what do you wear? One could go with a breathable pair of shorts or a sassy pair of footies to distinguish yourself from the hustling and bustling crowd. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself amongst old friends, new friends, and pillow fight enemies.

Our Favorite Summer Sleepover Movies

Summer Sleepover time is here…finally!  Grab your pals and settle in for some sleepover fun.  When darkness sets in pop some popcorn and pile on your pillows for some perfect summer movies.  Here are our favorites but we know you have your faves also so be sure to drop us a comment and let us know which ones we left off the “Perfect” list.

  • Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
  • The Kid
  • Now and Then
  • Tuck Everlasting
  • Bend It Like Beckham
  • Because I Said So
  • High School Musical
  • Freaky Friday
  • Mean Girls
  • Princess Bride
  • Just Like Heaven
  • Enchanted
  • Grease
  • How To Loose A Guy in 10 Days
  • Footloose
  • Pretty Woman
  • Big
  • 13 Going on 30
  • The Holiday
  • Nottinghill
  • 50 First Dates
  • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • Legally Blonde
  • 10 Things I Hate About You
  • Clueless
  • The Princess Diaries
  • Never Been Kissed
  • A Cinderella Story
  • Monty Python and The Holy Grail
  • Happy Gilmore
  • Hairspray
  • Runaway Bride
  • While You Were Sleeping
  • Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
  • Romancing The Stone
  • Pretty in Pink