A sleepover is the birthday party every girl dreams about from around age six: pajamas, snacks, a movie, giggling until way too late. For parents it can feel like a lot. Below you'll find sleepover party ideas for girls that are easy to pull off at home, from the invitation to the goodbye at breakfast, with a simple plan you can follow week by week.
1. Pick a sleepover theme
A theme makes every decision easier, from the invitation to the snacks. These three work for almost every age:
- Spa jama party. Pajamas plus a pamper session: face masks, nail polish and fluffy robes. Perfect for ages 7 to 12. Our sleepover party invitations include several spa jama designs.
- Pastel pajama party. Soft colors, fairy lights and a cozy movie night. Lovely for younger girls, from age 5.
- Neon glow night. Glow sticks, a dance-off and bright colors for tweens who want something more grown-up. Try the Neon Sleepover Birthday Invitation.
2. Send the sleepover invitation
Send invitations three to four weeks before the party. Parents of overnight guests need more details than for a regular party, so make sure your sleepover invitation includes:
- The birthday girl's name and age
- Date, address and the party theme
- Drop-off time and pick-up time the next morning
- What to bring: sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, toothbrush and a favorite stuffed animal
- Your phone number and an RSVP date
Wording idea: "Grab your PJs and your pillow! Emma is turning 9 and you're invited to a spa jama sleepover. Drop-off Saturday at 5 pm, pick-up Sunday at 10 am after pancakes."
All our sleepover invitations are Canva templates, so you can change the name, age, times and wording yourself in a few minutes. Favorites are the Pastel Spa Jama Sleepover, the Sleep Mask Spa Jama Sleepover and the Pastel Slumber Party invitation, each available for different ages. Print them at home or send them as an e-vite to the other parents. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to download, edit and print your party printables.
3. Set up a cozy sleeping area
The sleeping spot is the heart of the party. Push the sofa aside and lay mattresses or sleeping bags side by side on the living room floor. Add fairy lights, plenty of cushions and blankets. A small blanket fort or a row of teepees makes it feel extra special.
Tip: put a printed name card on each sleeping bag so every guest knows her spot. Our Pastel Spa Party Folded Place Cards work well for this.
4. Create a spa station
For a spa jama party, a pamper corner is a must. You don't need much:
- Sheet masks or a homemade yogurt and honey mask
- Nail polish in a few pastel shades and nail stickers
- Cucumber slices, cotton pads and headbands
- Small towels or robes for the full spa feeling
Use signs to mark the stations, like "Nail Bar" or "Face Mask Corner". The Pastel Spa Party Custom Signs and a welcome sign at the door instantly set the mood.
5. Plan easy sleepover food
Keep the food simple and let the girls help. Kids love making their own:
- Dinner: make-your-own mini pizzas or a taco bar
- Movie snacks: a popcorn bar with sprinkles, candy and small bags
- Dessert: cupcakes with toppers in the party colors
- Breakfast: pancakes with fruit and whipped cream
Matching details make the table look styled with little effort: cupcake toppers, water bottle labels, chocolate bar wrappers and chip bag wrappers.
6. Sleepover activities by age
Ages 5 to 7
Short activities work best. Try decorating pillowcases with fabric markers, a short movie, a treasure hunt with a flashlight and a bedtime story. Plan for lights out a little earlier.
Ages 8 to 10
Spa treatments, a karaoke session, friendship bracelets and a dance-off. A "best dressed in pajamas" award is always a hit.
Ages 11 to 12
Tweens like more freedom: a movie marathon they choose themselves, a TikTok dance challenge, a photo booth with props and a midnight snack. Agree on a "phones away" time beforehand.
7. A simple sleepover schedule
- 17:00 Arrival and drinks
- 17:30 Spa station or craft activity
- 18:30 Dinner
- 19:30 Cake, candles and presents
- 20:00 Games or dancing
- 21:00 Pajamas on, movie and popcorn
- 22:30 Lights out (later for older girls)
- 08:30 Pancake breakfast
- 10:00 Pick-up
8. Favors and thank you notes
Send every guest home with a small favor box: a mini nail polish, a sheet mask, a hair scrunchie and some candy. The Pastel Spa Party Gable Favor Box is a printable box you can fill yourself. Add a thank you tag for a personal touch.
Sleepover party checklist
- 4 weeks before: choose a theme and send the invitations
- 2 weeks before: collect RSVPs, check allergies and plan the menu
- 1 week before: print the decorations, signs and labels
- 1 day before: shop for food, set up the sleeping area and spa station
- On the day: relax, take photos and enjoy the giggles
Frequently asked questions
How many guests should I invite to a sleepover?
Four to six guests is manageable for most homes and keeps the night calm. For younger girls, three or four is often plenty.
What age is right for a first sleepover party?
Many girls are ready around age 7 or 8. For younger kids, a "late-over" works well: all the fun, but pick-up in pajamas before bedtime.
What is the difference between a sleepover and a slumber party?
Nothing really. Both mean an overnight party at home with friends. A spa jama party is a sleepover with a pamper theme.
Ready to plan? Browse all sleepover party invitations or see the complete pastel sleepover party collection for a fully matching look. More inspiration: kids birthday invitation ideas.