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Plan a Picture Perfect Sleepover or “Sleep-Under” Party

My eldest daughter recently had her first sleepover birthday party. I know, sounds scary, right? I can’t believe I am actually at the stage already—yikes! It seems like just yesterday I was busily planning her Butterfly Garden 1st Birthday Party! Even though I know that many of you out there reading this still have wee little ones, too young for a sleepover, I’ve got something that may be of interest for you. How about planning a birthday “sleep-under” party during the daytime or morning hours? Keep reading to find out my tips and tricks for a successful “sleep-under!”

Plan a Picture Perfect Sleep Over or Sleep Under!

I designed these invitations that could be used for a sleepover or a sleep-under! I loved how the sleep masks that I used on the invitation looked just like the sleep masks the girls got as party favors!

Sleep Mask Sleepover Sleep-under Invitations

I rented these adorable tents and all the trimmings from Wondertent Parties. They were beyond great. They came in and set up the tents, decorated with fairy lights and added the pillows! Then, they came the next afternoon to take it all down! It was such an easy process, and I can’t recommend them enough. The best part is that they also offer tents for “slumber-unders” for little ones to use during the day!

Each girl gets her own tent to sleep in or watch a movie in!

The girls loved the party schedule I made for the event, and all of them followed closely along to make sure we were on schedule. I made a big one and framed it as shown below, and then printed out smaller ones and gave them to each girl to keep in her tent.

The key to a great event is having a great schedule!

I was thrilled with how the fondant cake topper that Les Pop Sweets made for me turned out. I sent Liz a picture of what the slumber party tents would look like and she totally nailed it! I could die for that popcorn, it looks good enough to eat.

Sleepover Sleep-Under Sweet Dreams Cake by Les Pop Sweets

Along with their sleep masks, the girls received personalized tote bags with matching pajamas inside. I used my new Cricut Maker for the first time to cut out the girls’ names on glittery iron-on vinyl. I was so excited about how simple the process was, and I can’t wait to personalize even more things! I picked up the tote bags from the dollar bin section at Target.

Personalized Tote Bag Favors with Glitter Names

One key to sleepover or sleep-under success is to have lots of activities. We played game after game, did crafts, and only sat down to watch a movie! One of the most fun games we played was “sleepover bingo.” We used Hershey Kisses as our bingo markers, and the girls had a blast! Bingo is also a great game for little kids because they just need to identify the pictures—no reading required!

Rise and shine! After a great night’s sleep in their cozy tents, the girls enjoyed a homemade breakfast. Our moon and star plates turned into cloud napkins and sunshine plates in the morning.

Rise and Shine! It's Pancake Time!

If you are not having a sleepover and having a sleep-under instead, why not plan it for the morning time and do a “pancakes in pajamas” themed food bar? The kids will go crazy for it and love wearing their pajamas to a party!

Pancakes in Pajamas - Offer a breakfast themed food bar!

I hope I have inspired with some ideas for your next sleepover for sleep-under!

Sweet Dreams!

Jj

Thursday 2nd of March 2023

How do you keep all the breakfast food warm?

Yaima

Wednesday 1st of May 2019

Another lovely party! i just LOVE all your ideas Emily! Wondering if you have any pictures of the cake table to share and will the party printables will be available on your Etsy shop?

Entertaining With Emily

Wednesday 8th of May 2019

Hi there! Yes, I plan to list all my printables, including games, bingo, etc, during this summer in my etsy shop! I will share additional cake table photos then as well! Emily