best buys
How to throw the best sleepover party for your child
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Are you planning a big sleepover party for your child's birthday?
Sleepovers can be lots of fun, but planning is key so things don't descend into sugar-fuelled arguments and chaos!
As well as an abundance of snacks, there are a few bits and pieces you can buy to help the evening go more smoothly.
If you'd rather your child doesn't spend the night online or watching TV, board games and other fun activities are a great idea.
Renting a film is another option, plus it means there's a limit to how much screen-time your child and their friends will get.
While it's likely that they'll will want to stay up late, you can still enforce a time for the lights to go out - just expect another hour of whispering and giggles before they FINALLY go to sleep!
Now all you need to do is nip to the supermarket and get some pizza for dinner, as well as plenty of snacks.
We've rounded up 10 fun buys which will make your child's sleepover party one to remember – for all the right reasons!
1. Board games
*Over 200 different stunts, performances, and activities to play
*Will keep children entertained all night, without the need for the internet or TV!
*Easy to follow game, just spin the spinner
Make sure you're stocked up on fun board or card games if your child is hosting a sleepover party. From Junior Monopoly to Cluedo, they provide endless hours of fun.
This game is designed just for sleepovers, and it has over 200 different stunts, performances, and activities for kids to enjoy. It's suitable for little ones over the age of eight, and can be played with three or more people.
2. Selfie props
*60 props on sticks for taking selfies with, from fake hats to glasses
*Made from cardboard and paper
*Reusable and ideal for parties of any kind
There's no getting away from it, kids love taking selfies! These fun props will make them giggle, and they'll get some fun photos which you could print out and frame, or put in a scrapbook for them to look back on when they're all grown up.
This set comes with 60 different accessories, so plenty to keep them entertained. They'll love trying out all the silly glasses, ties, lips and moustaches.
3. Popcorn holders
*Set of four plastic popcorn containers (or could be used for other sweets and snacks!)
*7.8" tall x 3.8" square, with red and white stripes
*Made of durable plastic which is easy to clean and can be reused over and over
Obviously, you'll need to dash to the supermarket to stock up on snacks for the sleepover party. If your child and their friends want popcorn, why not also get some of these fun plastic popcorn holders? They're so much more fun than bowls, and can be reused for family movie nights.
4. Extra Bedding or Sleeping Bags
*Machine washable duvet with attached cover
*Smartfil microfibre filling makes it easy to wash and dry within a day
*Comes with a matching pillow case
Even if your child's friends bring their own sleeping bags and roll mats, a spare mattress and pillow won't go amiss!
We love this bedding by The Fine Bedding Company as the entire duvet is machine-washable and comes with an attached cover. It dries super quickly, too, meaning you don't have to worry about scrubbing spilled drinks, sugary snacks or anything else out of your soft furnishings! Just pop the whole duvet in the washing machine and you're good to go in no time.
5. Invitations
*Pack of 10 high quality sleepover party postcards
*Professionally printed on both sides with a fun message
*Ideal if your child is hosting a sleepover party for their birthday
These fun invitations can really help to build up the sleepover excitement, particularly if it's your little one's first big sleepover or they're having a birthday party!
One side of the cards reads "Sleepover Party!" and the other includes space to write the date, time, location and more – and there's a reminder to RSVP, too.
6. Friendship Bracelet Kits
*60m of coloured cotton threads, satin ribbon, braiding wheel and beads plus a bodkin and guide
*Plait and weave using the assorted cotton threads
*Fun and creative activity for children to complete together
These friendship bracelets are so fun to make, and your child will have a great keepsake from their sleepover party. The set comes with so many bright and colourful beads, threads, satin ribbon, stickers, foam braiding wheel, bodkin and guide.
It's suitable for children from the age of seven and up, and they can make several bracelets with the kit as there is 60m of cotton included.
7. Fun pyjamas or onesie,
*Comfy onesie that comes in pink and purple that glow in the dark
*Available in sizes to fit children from five to 14-years-old
*Made from a soft, fleecy material which is cosy to snuggle up in
Your child can dress up and glow in the dark in this fluffy onesie. How cool?!
They're so soft and fluffy, and perfect for sleepovers both at home or at a friend's house. They come with a hood, a zip fastening for ease.
8. Eye masks
*Fluffy panda eye masks with seven slightly different designs
*Fun gift for little ones attending the sleepover as they can take them home afterwards
*Also great for encouraging children to go to sleep when it starts to get late
These adorable panda eye masks are fluffy and comfortable, plus they block out the majority of light so little ones can get to sleep easily.
They're one-size-fits-all, and have elastic on the back to keep them in place. If you have a spare pair left over, they will come in handy for the summer months when the sun rises early, or for taking with you when travelling.
9. Disposable camera
*Disposable FujiFilm cameras with built-in flash
*Each camera can take 27 photos, and there are three in a pack
*Great for capturing fun memories
Disposable film cameras are so fun because little ones won't get to see their photos until after they've been developed, so they're sure to get a few laughs later on (especially if they used the selfie sticks!).
These are particularly good for a birthday party, as your little one can put the photos in a scrapbook or photo album to remember their birthday party.
10. Party supply box
*Box which comes with various different stationary pieces and activities for children
*Ready-made boxes which save you time and will keep children occupied
*Great for giving at the end of a party when little ones go home
There are plenty of party supply boxes you can buy which are ready-made, and can be used as party favours or to play with during the evening. It comes with bouncing putty, crayons, novelty pencils, googley eyes and stickers.
At under £3 per box, they're a bargain – and ideal for keeping children occupied and away from screens.
Want to read more about children's parties?
- How to plan your child's first birthday party
- 10 inspiring themes for your child's birthday party
- The best kids' party game essentials from under £2!