Tips for Throwing a Slumber Party on a Budget

Not only can a slumber party be fun for your kids, but it can be easy on your budget. Here are 5 tips for a budget friendly slumber party for girls.

1. Make invitations rather than buying them. Hold down slumber party costs with free invitations from the internet. Sites with plenty of choices include www.print--invitations.com and freeinvitationstation.com. Send slumber party invitations out two to three weeks before the slumber party, then follow up with the parents of each guest ahead of time to confirm the party details, arrange for drop-off and pick-up times, and explain what each guest should bring (such as a sleeping bag, favorite pillow, sleepwear and toiletries).

2. Limit the number of guests. While you might have 12 to 20 kids at a daytime party, limit your daughter's sleepover guest list to three to six close friends. Not only will this be easier on your wallet, but it can be more fun and memorable for your child and her guests, since certain slumber-party traditions, like sharing late-night confidences (one of the joys of any slumber party) are best for a more intimate group.

3. Start the party after dinner. Save on food and reduce hassle by asking guests to arrive after the dinner hour. You will, of course, still need to provide snacks and drinks as well as breakfast in the morning.

4. Don't worry about expensive food. Kids will be happy with snacks like popcorn (with a choice of toppings for all tastes, such as traditional salt and butter, parmesan cheese, cinnamon and sugar, and taco seasoning), chips, peanut butter and crackers, fruit, cheese, or nuts. Also one of the evening's activities could involve food. For example, provide ice cream, a choice of toppings, nuts and whip cream, and let the kids create their own sundaes or, depending on their ages, they might enjoy making a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

5. Slumber party activities for girls can be lots of fun and low cost. For example, girls love to give each other makeovers so gather your old but still useable makeup, nail polish and hair products and ask friends and family to contribute their extras as well. Then set up several "makeover stations" where the girls can experiment on each other to their heart's content. A related activity is to have a fashion show. Provide dressy clothing, hats, shoes, stockings and costume jewelry from your closet or the local thrift store, which the girls can mix and match to make runway-ready styles. Then hold a mini fashion show for the family and guests in the living room. A movie is a good way to wind down the evening activities. Let you daughter pick one that she and her friends will enjoy. If you don't already own it, no need to buy it, just borrow it from you local video store, Netflix or the neighborhood library.

A slumber party is one of the least expensive parties you can host for your daughter and one of the most fun.

Source:

Kjdavis, www.ehow.com, How to Throw a Girls' Slumber Party on a Budget/eHow.com