Sleepover Birthday Parties for Kids

Blogger, Mother, Creator and Lover of Children’s Parties

How to Throw an Ace Sleepover Party for Your Kids.

I don’t think a sleepover party will ever go out of fashion, they are definitely here to stay.  However, the format of sleepovers these days are very different to the sleepovers I had when I was a little girl!  Gone are the days of using your dads old camping sleeping bag and staying up late to eat a ‘sherbet dip dab’ by torch light. 

Today, sleepovers are a far more stylish event, with themed bedding, activities and even snacks to match.  However, the most important ingredient of a good sleepover is having all your friends together in one room, so regardless of your budget and whether you choose to plan it all yourself or hire in the experts, your child is sure to have a magical time.

If you are struggling on where to start, I’ve gathered together all you need to know to throw the best sleepover party. From themes and snacks ideas to fun activities and personalised sleepover gifts, you’ll find lots of inspiration to create a fun-filled night that your kids will cherish forever.

Popular themes for sleepovers

Harry Potter inspired teepees - Sleepylily - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Harry Potter, by Sleepylily, (Surrey).

Gaming themed teepees - Dragonfly Dreams - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Gaming, by Dragonfly Dreams, (Bournemouth).

Football themed teepees - Teepees treats and events - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Football, by Teepees Treats & Events, (Staffordshire).

Girlie teepees - Teepees treats and events - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Girlie, by Teepees Treats & Events, (Staffordshire).

Movie setup with teepees - Just JimJams - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Movie Night, by Just Jim Jams, (South Yorkshire)

Tropical teepee set up - Cornwall teepee sleepover hire - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Tropical, by Cornwall Sleepover Teepee Hire, (Cornwall).

Unicorn sleepover - making memories parties and events - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Unicorn, by Making Memories Parties and Events, (Wroughton).

Garden themed - My sleepover party - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Flower Garden, by My Sleepover Party, (London, Surrey, Kent, Essex)

Sleeping bunnies teepees - My sleepover party - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Sleeping Bunnies, by My Sleepover Party, (London, Surrey, Kent, Essex)

Games and Activities

Activities are at the heart of any sleepover party. Here are some of my favourite activities to keep the kids entertained:

Child threading beads to make jewellery

Crafts: Set up a craft table for making bracelets, slime, or tie-dye shirts.  Check out my blog Craft Activities for Children’s Parties.

Map of a scavenger hunt

Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around the house with clues and prizes.

Girl singing karaoke

Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine and let the kids sing their hearts out.

Boys playing computer games - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Gaming: Individual or team tournaments.

Monopoly board - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Board Games: Keep it simple with classic board games like Monopoly, snakes and ladders, drafts etc. 

Old school cinema tickets - Non gift birthday presents

Movie Night: Host a movie marathon and provide plenty of popcorn, candy, and drinks.

Girls doing pamper party - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Spa Party: Set up a DIY spa and let the kids do facials, manicures and pedicures.

Kids dancing - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Dance Games.

Coloured sweets

Midnight Feast.

Top Snacks

Snacks are a big part of any sleepover party. I’ve spoken to the experts and here are my top picks:

Pizza - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Pizza; the kids could make their own or order in. 

Pic ‘n’ mix stand, Cornwall teepee sleepover hire - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Pic ‘n’ Mix stand .

Teepees treats and events and that Crazy Girl - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

S’mores, such as these by That Crazy Girl (Wolverhampton).

Milk and cookies

Milk and cookies – an oldie but a goodie!

Ice cream stand - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Ice Cream Stand with different flavours and toppings.

Hot dogs.

Grazing board by bubbles and graze - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Grazing boards – you can have a lot of fun with these just like this paw patrol board from Bubbles and Graze

Two hot chocolate stirrers

Hot chocolate sticks.  You can easily make these and cover them with sprinkles or sweets. And how about some fun toppings to add such as marshmallows, whipped cream and flavoured syrups. 

Popcorn in cups - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Popcorn stand with a selection of toppings, which could be savoury such as cheese and seasonings or just salted, or you could go sweet with caramel, syrups, cinnamon sugar, sweeties or even chocolate. 

Personalised Gifts

There are so many lovely options you can find to personalise your sleepover. 

Personalised party bag with eye mask and toothbrush - Cocoa and marmalade - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Personalised Party Bag with eye mask, toothbrush and key ring, by Cocoa and Marmalade

Stranger Things themed party bags - Clear Craft 79 - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Themed party bags, with eye masks, water bottles and slippers, by Clear Craft 79.

Personalised snack boxes - Sleepylily - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Personalised snack boxes, by Sleepylily.

Personalised slippers - Cornwall sleepover teepee hire - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Personalised slippers, by Cornwall Sleepover Teepee Hire.

Named bunting - Sleepylily - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Birthday name bunting, by Sleepylily.

Personalised eye mask -Sleepylily - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Personalised eye mask, by Sleepylily.

Special Touches

Breakfast hamper - Cornwall teepee sleepover hire - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Breakfast Hamper, by Cornwall Sleepover Teepee Hire.

Sleepover invites - handmade boutique - Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Sleepover invites, by KB Handmade Boutique

sleepover themed cupcakes - Oh crumbs cake couture -Sleepover birthday parties for kids

Sleepover themed cupcakes, by Oh Crumbs Cake Couture

Top Tips

  • Get the kids’ parents to collect reasonably early – if they aren’t picked up until 11am, then you have the whole morning to entertain them too. The kids need just enough time for some tidying up and some breakfast, then it’s time to go home. 
  • Prepare for the fact that none of you are going to get much sleep, if any!
  • Make a music play list in advance.  
  • Pre-select a few things on Netflix and pop them in your ‘watch list’, so that the kids can choose from these.  

With these tips and ideas, you will well on your way to throwing the best sleepover party your kids have ever had. Remember to choose a theme that your kids will love, provide plenty of snacks and have a few activities planned. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy it!  

You can find lots more sleepover inspiration in my insta guide.