Sleepover Checklist & Sleepover Ideas for Teens

Enjoy a fun-filled birthday event with your best friends, and host a slumber party! Planning ahead ensures that you can focus on having fun once the party rolls around, so we’ve created a sleepover checklist to help you stay organized. Take a look at our list of sleepover ideas for teens for a few fun tips on food, activities and comfort for your guests.

1. Invitations

Once you’ve decided on your guest list, put invitations down as the first item on your sleepover checklist. Creating invitations with colorful paper, glitter and embellishments from a craft supply store can set the tone for the theme of your sleepover.

If you’re pressed for time, send out some ready-made cards to get the word out, instead. Let your friends know the when, where and time of the party, and be sure to mention any extra things they’ll want to bring, like a swimsuit or towel. A group text or online party invitations do the job, as well.

2. Food & Drinks

Next, decide on your menu and make a list of all of the snacks, drinks and ingredients you’ll need for the big bash. Food definitely brings people together and adds life and fun to any party. You can work with your parents to prepare the main meal of the night ahead of time, have it delivered or even make it with all of your friends. Have snacks and drinks on hand for those times when everyone’s in the mood for nibbling. It’s also a great idea to include breakfast items, too.

3. Sleeping Space

Check sleepover space off your list, and ensure that you have enough space for all of your friends and their sleeping bags. Keep in mind that it’s more fun when your guests can sleep in the same room; if possible, designate the largest room in your home to use as the sleepover space. Have extra bedding and sleeping bags on hand in case one of your guests doesn’t bring one.

4. Decor

If you’re planning on putting up some fun decorations, think about the areas where you’ll be hanging out. Then, list the items you want to decorate with. If you’re hosting a pool party, you could have tropical decor, sunscreen, towels and pool toys on hand.

5. Lounge Area

If you plan to watch movies or play video games in the den during your party, you can set out beanbags and pillows so everyone has room to spread out and enjoy a cushioned seat. Add snack trays, chip baskets and beverage dispensers to your party checklist to make your entertainment areas totally relaxing.

6. Arts & Crafts

No matter your theme, you can have plenty of sleepover accessories on hand to keep the party exciting. Even if you don’t want to have a theme, it’s fun to plan some extra activities for everyone. Set up a hair salon, manicure station or makeover vanity for a primping party. Or provide model kits, paint or jewelry making supplies for a fun craft activity.

7. Photo Backdrop

If you want to have a character dress-up party, gather cameras, backdrops and extra costumes for a photo shoot. Let the theme of your sleepover guide your selection of supplies including decorations, games and movies or music that fit your specific sleepover theme.

8. Music

Background music helps your friends let their hair down after a long week of school. Your more musical friends might enjoy singing along to a karaoke machine, while your nimble-footed friends will appreciate a fun dance playlist flowing out of your speakers, and you may even be inspired to host a dance contest!

9. Activities & Games

Do you and your friends enjoy sports or outdoor activities? Considering adding athletic activities and games to your checklist. Playful sporting contests make for lots of laughs and you can add scorecards and prizes to your checklist for some extra incentive.

If you live in a mild climate, you can even plan a pre-sleepover hike, scavenger hunt or outdoor softball game. Goodies like water bottles, hiking maps, trail mix and scavenger hunt supplies are perfect for your master list.

10. Party Favors

Your guests may bring gifts for your special day, and you can show your appreciation for their thoughtfulness by adding special party favors to your sleepover birthday party supply checklist. Choose mementos that suit your theme or have personalized throw blankets made to commemorate your party date.

Other great party favors include sports water bottles, jewelry, stuffed animals and phone accessories. Your guests will remember how much fun they had at your sleepover every time they see or use the party favors you share with them.