Sleepover Party

Party Plans

Planning a party should be fun for all, including the birthday child! Make sure to include your child in all of the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, planning the games, selecting the decorations, even preparing the party treats.

If your child is younger, consider creating a countdown calendar to keep track of the number of days until the party. Think how excited he/she will be by the time the big day arrives!

Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.

Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.

Schedule

Since your party guests will be spending the night, it's important to have plenty of activities planned both for the night of the party and the morning after. Your schedule might include 1-1/2 hours of toy playtime, 1 hour of crafts, and 1 hour of games. Also plan on time for dinner and cake. Finally, have a couple good age appropriate movies on hand for the kids to match prior to bedtime.

If you Sleepover Theme Party does not involve spending the night, consider limiting your party activities to no more than two hours. At this point the energy level of most children starts to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. A two hour party will provide enough time for your child to greet all of his/her guests, play a few games, open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.

Guests

Sleepover Combined with Sleepover Theme Party: In this situation, it's important to keep the guest size managable. Depending on the size of your home and the extra hands/help you have, 8-10 guests is a reasonable number. Depending on the age group, you will also need to keep in mind that some guests may become homesick, so be prepared with a plan should this situation occur. Also, consider identifying specific "ground rules" with your guests after they arrive. Are certain rooms off limits? Are certain activities not allowed? Making these things clear with everyone from the beginning will help keep the party on track.

Sleepover is the Theme of your Party: It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party for your child. Will this be a family event, or school friends only? What about brothers and sisters? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Together with your child develop his/her "wish" list of attendees, and then determine what will work best for your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations

Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Sleepover party goods include Banners, a Centerpiece, Printed Hanging Cutouts, Lantern Garlands, Metallic Balloon and Party Fringe.

Glow in the Dark Stars on the walls or ceiling are great add ons for overnight parties. Your guests will also enjoy special "mood" lighting, such as twinkling mini white lights, black lights, lava lamps, or other special lighting. Also think about things you may already have to add to the overall decor. If your child has a favorite color look for ways to incorporate it into the decor.

Since your party is at home, you may also want to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address.

Activities/Games

To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that your guests can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.

Think of simple ways to adapt standard party games to complement the theme of the party. These include Pin the Lips on the Poster or Kiss the Poster, Hula Bingo, or Pass the Slippers in place of Musical Chairs. For your Scavenger Hunt, develop a list of fashion related items, pair up the guests, and have them "hunt" for the items in magazines that you provide.

Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Keeping everyone busy will also help keep everyone out of trouble. If your party is a sleepover, you will have lots of time to fill. Activities such as board games and craft projects are great for filling the time. Sleepover includes a Foam Fram Decorating Kit, and Autographed Pillowcase.

Other Ideas

For more theme oriented invitations, considering creating "pillows" and "pillowcases" from either fabric or cardstock and sending them to your guests.

Purchase an inexpensive white pillowcase or nightshirt for each guest. Then, using fabric paint or permanent markers, let each guest decorate her item for a take home keepsake.

Why not have a dance contest or teach your guests a new dance? Purchase instructive videos for your guests to watch and learn, or use CDs you already own.

Movies are great time fillers. Make sure you have several on hand targeted to your age group in case your guests are interested.

Girls love to play "beauty shop". Set aside a safe location and time for manicures, pedicures and make up. Create various stations that your guests can rotate through so that they all have something to do.

If you like the Sleepover theme but your guests are too young to stay overnight, consider a "pretend" sleepover. The girls can come to the party in pjs, but know that they'll return safely home once the party ends.

Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos.

Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!

Party Wearables

PJs are a must for this event! If your guests are all girls and staying overnight, instruct them to bring pajamas, sleeping bag, a pillow, and their favorite doll or stuffed toy.

Favors / Prizes

The possibilities are endless! Consider Sleepover's Nail Polish Kit, Mini Soap, Mini Mat Frame, Lip Gloss Rings, and Stickers. Also consider inexpensive jewelry, make up, nail decals or polish, frames, and craft items.

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food

Treat your guests to a variety of snack options. Popcorn, make your own sundaes, individual cakes, and make your own pizzas are all great options. And of course, be prepared for breakfast the following morning - the girls will be hungry after staying up late and telling scarey stoties!

Don't Forget

What's a birthday cake without the candles? Make sure to have plenty on hand.

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!