Need to start your slumber party planning for your pre-teen? Slumber parties are the perfect combination of food, fun and late-night gossip. With these ideas, it won't be too hard to get your girls' slumber party planning off to a good start.
Getting Started
Before you even think of a theme, include your pre-teen in the planning process to ensure you're planning a party that she'll enjoy. Also let her plan the guest list, but limit the number to six. She may protest, but you will minimize the craziness and reduce the possibility that a guest will feel left out. You should also discuss your ground rules, such as no prank calls and no going outside without permission, before the party.
When you send out the invitation, let guests know what they need to bring, especially if it is their first-time slumber party. Also ask the parents for their contact information and if their child has any allergies or dietary restrictions, and make the pick-up time clear in the invitation.
Decorations
Decorating for your pre-teen's slumber party doesn't have to be involved. Balloons and streamers are enough to set the stage; but, if you want to do a bit more, here are a few winning themes to consider:
Camp Out. Set up a big tent in the living room (or several smaller ones) to create a camp out feel. Then, attach glow-in-the-dark stars to the ceiling for a lights-out surprise.
Movie House. Set up rows of seats in front of the TV, stock up on movie theater candy, serve popcorn inside red-and-white striped bags and send out ticket-shaped invitations.
Favorite Music Group. Does your pre-teen have a music group that she idolizes? Then you've got an instant theme for the party. Cut out pictures of the group from magazines (not hers), and go online to print out more. Then, use the pictures to decorate the house. Glue pictures of band members to balloons. Create a banner with others-the possibilities are endless.
Party Activities
Talk and silliness are sure to take up a lot of the party time, but it's still good to have a few activities planned just in case things get too wild. One idea: Help everyone to create special slumber party pillowcases. Here's how:
What You'll Need:
What You Do:
With a little extra planning, you can personalize the pillowcases even more. Take a digital picture of all of the partygoers, and use your printer and special iron-on paper from an office supply store to turn the image into an iron-on. Then, transfer it to the pillowcases, and let the girls add a few decorative touches.
A scavenger hunt is another activity that lends itself well to a slumber party. If weather and space permit, hold a hunt outdoors; otherwise, turn your living room into the hunting grounds. Hide lots of small trinkets, and then hand out bags to the guests. The loot they find can serve as their party favors.
Other options for activities include making homemade lip gloss or soap, giving makeovers, creating beaded jewelry, playing flashlight tag or singing karaoke.
Food
Sleepover food doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be fun. For an easy dinner, try a make-your-own pizza approach. Purchase a personal-size pizza crust for each guest and a variety of pizza toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, ham and pineapples. Then, spread everything out on a table, and let everyone go to work creating their own meal. A bonus for you: since each guest gets to pick her own toppings, even picky eaters will be pleased.
Carry the make-your-own approach over to breakfast by setting up a pancake bar. Include a heaping stack of pancakes, whipped cream, berries and chocolate syrup.
Don't forget the snacks. Sleepovers were made for munching, so make sure you have enough snacks to last the night. Chips and candy are sure to be a hit, but remember to include healthier options like fruit, a veggie tray, party mix or pretzels.
 | Girls can't wait to be old enough to have a slumber party, and you can throw a party for your daughter that she will enjoy. A little structure will help the night go smoothly and keep the guests from getting bored or cranky. |
 | Gossip, noise and little sleep-it may not spell fun for you, but you can be sure it spells fun for your teen. If you want to plan the perfect party for your teenager, a few slumber party tips can get you started. |
 | Here are some pajama party ideas for you next fun- filled sleepover. |
The best slumber party games aren't too competitive and don't make a mess. Get some ideas for fun and simple games to play at your daughter's next sleepover. |
These fun teenage party games don't prove who is the smartest or most talented, but they can provide plenty of surprises for any event. |
