11 Fun and Easy Slumber Party Ideas

You're never too old to enjoy a good sleepover, whether you're inviting your own gal pals or your daughter's group of friends. In fact, I like to organize joint Mommy-daughter slumber parties with my sister, best friend and their daughters. These “girls only” events give us time to kick back, get silly and share laughs in a comfortable environment. It also gives our kids time to hone their social skills and further develop their personalities. Here are some fun and easy slumber party ideas that will ensure the success of your next event.

1. Send Pillowcase-Themed Invitations

   

   Every good host knows the value of sending the perfect invitations. They start a party off on a positive note even before the first guest crosses the threshold. Place slumber party essentials inside each pillow case to inspire excitement and help people pack. In this invitation from @twigglebox, the details of the event are printed on the outside of a mini pillowcase.

2. Serve No-Stress Meals

   

   You will have your hands full with enthusiastic girls (or overly-relaxed friends) so don't load more on your plate than you can handle. Rather than spending hours in the kitchen, serve simple dishes that guests can customize. A pancake bar, like @ladymasseya suggests, will kick the morning off to a creative start, while S'More bars are the perfect child-friendly nightcaps. PB&J, Nutella, cool whip, fresh fruit, syrup, and honey are a few topping ideas that will send each person into a happy sugar frenzy.

3. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

   Image source: jostudio.com.au

   We all know that scavenger hunts are fun, but did you realize that they are also healthy? Twitter user @hfrevolution writes about the many benefits that a scavenger hunt will offer your children, including sharpening reasoning skills, building teamwork and teaching kids to follow directions. Kick start your own clever game by splitting the girls into groups of two or three. Each group will then get a clue that will direct them to a second clue, and so forth. The group to make it to the last clue will win a prize!

4. Set Up an Indoor Obstacle Course

   Image source: parentmap.com

   Another adrenaline-inducing game is the obstacle course. Of course, a yard will allow extra space for each hurdle, but a playroom full of toys, some string and a bit of creativity is really all you need. Or, grab some masking tape and go wild!

5. Use a Paper Fortune-Teller

   

   I love to predict the future with the hysterical powers of the paper fortune teller. This game will keep the kids entertained for a while, between the origami folding to creating each “answer.” For a magical twist, @get_away_today suggests printing out this Harry Potter themed template for free.

6. Play Musical Chairs

   

   What's a party without a little music? Count enough chairs (or pillows) to seat each person minus one, and place them in the middle of a room. Then turn on the tunes. Your guests will have fun walking (or dancing) around the chairs while the music rocks on and when the time feels right, turn the music off. The person without a seat is out. Remove one of the seats and continue until there is one person left.

7. Catch a Truth or Dare Ball

   

   It's always fun to test your friend's bravery with a little truth or dare. Rather than let the girls create their own questions and commands, however, add a little parental control with the Toss ‘n Tell ball. Scribble Mom-approved questions and tasks all around the ball and then toss or pass it around. Each person to catch it must respond to the entry under their right thumb. Here are some guidelines from @thepartyanimal for creating your own ball, as well as a few links for buying them pre-made.

8. Sleep in a Pillow Fort

   

   The sleeping part of the sleepover can be just as much fun as the pre-bedtime activities. Create one large fort in your living room. Blankets and pillows are all you need. Extras like lights, balloons and sleeping bags will make it more magical.

9. Relax with a Home Spa Party

   

   From 9 to 90, women love being pampered. This activity may be best for older kids, who are beginning to understand the value of caring for their skin. This list from @mom_junction are has five face masks that are all natural, so you won't mind having them touching your teen's face. While you're at it, why not make your own? Check out these homemade spa recipes for facial creams, lotions and lip gloss.

10. Toss Glow-in-the-Dark Rings

    

    October is around the corner, so why not add a little Halloween-inspiration? Buy a pack of glow-in-the-dark necklaces and a large pumpkin. Then turn off the lights and take turns trying to catch them around the stem of a pumpkin! Click here for an in-depth description of the details from @Shareaholic.

11. Give Toothbrush Party Favors

    image source: popsugar.com

    These are excellent party favors that can also be used while the kids are at the sleepover (and I love promoting healthy hygiene). Purchase multicolor, cheap toothbrushes from a local discount shop and decorate them with bows, ribbons or your own personal touch. Keep them near the sweets counter as a reminder to brush after eating. Or you can place them in a goodie bag! This is a keepsake that the other moms will appreciate too, and the themed idea makes it extra special.

So here it is, from A to Zzzzz. What do you think? The items on this list have made my own daughter's parties a hit (as well as a few of my adult gatherings). Are there any in particular that you like? Let me know and feel free to share these ideas with your friends!