How to Pack For a Sleepover

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald

Last Updated: December 15, 2024 Approved

Sleepovers can be a great way to have fun with your friends and to make new memories. You’ll need to bring some necessities with you. Make sure you pack all of the right clothing and bathroom items you’ll need for that night and the next morning. You might also want to consider bringing some exciting games or tasty snacks to share with the other guests. Think about bringing a small gift for the host! Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated in a very kind way. Check in with the host if you have any specific questions about what you’ll need to bring for the sleepover. Like if you need to bring tablets or a special medicine.

Sleepover Checklist

Open the checklist and print it for an easy-to-follow sleeping list!

Sleepover Checklist

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Packing Clothing and Bathroom Necessities

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1
Bring the necessary bathroom items. When you go to someone else’s house for a sleepover, you’ll need to get ready for bed and get ready in the morning at their house. Bring all of the necessary items to do that with you, though you don’t want to go overboard and pack too much. Some things you might want to pack include: ^{[1]
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Research source}
- Toiletry bag to keep all your hygiene stuff organized
- Towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Facial cleanser
- Hair bands and clips
- Hairbrush/comb
- Lip balm
- Menstrual products such as pads or tampons. If you're going swimming and you are on your period be sure to bring some tampons or a menstrual cup (if you need them)
2
Pack all the clothing items you will need. You should make sure that you bring all of the clothes you’ll need with you. It can be inconvenient if you show up to a sleepover without the right things to wear. Be sure to bring:
- Underwear (bras and undies) – bring an extra pair just in case
- Pajamas
- Socks
- Clothes for the next day (including shorts/pants, a shirt, a jumper)
- Swimsuit if swimming is a possibility
- Towel if swimming is a possibility
- Plan what you are going to wear. ^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- If possible, keep dresses, blazers, and suits in a garment bag . ^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- Take a wrinkle spray with you. ^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
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3
Bring any prescriptions or medications you might need. Bring along any medicine you take on a daily basis. Take the prescription bottles with you in case there is an emergency.
- If you have asthma or a serious infection that requires medication, tell the parents or guardian of the host.
- Bring allergy medication with you if you have any allergies, especially if the host has a pet that you might be allergic to.
- You should also bring your prescription glasses if you need them, if your eyesight isn't great be sure to not forget them!

Part 2

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Packing Other Essentials

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1
Stash some money in your sleepover bag. It’s possible that there might be a planned outing, activity, or even an unexpected emergency that will require some money. Bring a little cash with you just in case.
- If this you’re worried about this, you can always ask the host parents for specifics about what you’ll need.
2
Pack your cell phone and chargers. Remember to bring your cell phone and your phone charger to the slumber party. This is useful in case your parents need to get a hold of you, or in case you need to contact your parents. But a cell phone is worthless without the charger – so bring that too! ^{[5]
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Research source}
- Check with your parents ahead of time to make sure they don’t mind you bringing your cell phone to the sleepover.
- Make sure you have phone numbers for your parents, doctors, and anyone else the host parents may need to contact stored in your phone.
3
Inquire about the sleeping arrangements. Ask the sleepover host where everyone will be sleeping. Take a sleeping bag and pillow with you if you aren't going to have an available bed to sleep in.
- If you don't have a sleeping bag, you can just bring pillows and blankets instead.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Bringing Things to Make the Sleepover More Fun

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1
Pack some snacks. Consider bringing some party food with you to the sleepover. This could include food items like potato chips, candy, cupcakes, fresh fruit, or even a few pizzas.
- Always bring enough to share with everyone at the sleepover.
- Ask the host parents ahead of time to see if it’s okay for you to bring some snacks to share.
2
Bring some games and toys. You might want to think about bringing things that you and the other kids can play with during the sleepover. Consider bringing a game console and some fun electronic games, some board games, or even some kind of craft activity. ^{[6]
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Research source}
- Bring an iPod or other MP3 player to play music during the sleepover.
- If you think you might have trouble sleeping or being away from home , consider bringing your favorite teddy bear or another comfort toy to sleep with.
3
Take a camera to record memories. Sleepovers can be so much fun and a great way to make memories. To preserve those memories, consider bringing a camera – if your parents say it’s okay.
- Many cell phones have cameras on them as well. If you have a cell phone with a camera, it might be better to leave the camera at home to reduce the risk of losing a valuable electronic device.
4
Ask for permission to bring certain extras. Ask the host about things you are unsure about bringing – like games or food. Remember that this is someone else’s house and you need to be respectful about what you bring over.
- Other parents may have different house rules than your parents, so you don’t want to accidentally bring something the host wouldn’t like.
- For example, some parents don’t allow candy in their house. It might be disrespectful to bring candy over for a sleepover if the host parents have prohibited candy in their home.

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Question

The sleepover is in two nights. How should I wear my hair? I will be doing sport, but the hairstyle needs to be comfortable to sleep in too.

ImaYOUnicorn

Community Answer

A ponytail is the best idea. They are not uncomfortable when you sleep with them in and they are good for sports.

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What happens if everyone is on their phone and you don't have one?

ImaYOUnicorn

Community Answer

Try to get their attention. Say something like "Hey, guys! Want to play ________________?" or "Let's tell scary stories!" If all else fails, tell the host/host's parent you would like to go home.

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What are some fun activities to do there?

ImaYOUnicorn

Community Answer

The possibilities are endless. So, you could do things like: Watch TV or movies, play video games, paint your nails, play board games, play games like Would You Rather and Bloody Mary, tell scary stories, pillow fight, play hide and seek, etc.

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If you are going swimming then separate your swimming stuff into another bag so your clothes don't get wet.

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Pack everything in one medium-sized bag. Bring a medium-sized bag that can hold everything you'll need. Don't cram your stuff into a small bag, as it will likely spill out. An overnight bag or tote bag is perfect for a sleepover.

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If you are allergic to any animals, check with the host to ensure that they either don't have a pet or can keep the pet somewhere else while you are staying at their house.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Pack a book and a sleep mask. If you can't fall asleep naturally, try reading for a little bit. If that still isn't working, put the sleep mask on to keep any light out. You'll fall asleep in no time.
If you are a picky eater, it's okay to tell the host's parents that you have dietary restrictions. Don't be afraid to ask what they are serving ahead of time. Nobody is going to judge you.
From personal experience I know that games like Just Dance can be really fun! My friends and I choose a random Just Dance Off on YouTube and take turns. It's a lot of fun, trust me!
If you are feeling homesick, don't feel sad! Bring a book or a teddy or something that will remind you of home to help you feel better.

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Warnings

Be careful of packing things that are really important to you. There is always a possibility it will be lost, stolen or broken.

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Remember to try not to get to bed the first. Your friends might decide to play some pranks. Try going to bed when everyone else is tired and they at least say yes when you ask, "Is anyone tired?". (If you don't want to be pranked, don't prank anyone else!)

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If you are a parent, you may want to check your child’s bag before they leave for the sleepover to make sure they brought all of the things they’ll need and left behind any items that might be disruptive. Let your child take some snacks as long as they share them out and if it is okay with their parents.

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Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant

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How to Pack For a Sleepover

Sleepover Checklist

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Packing Clothing and Bathroom Necessities

Packing Other Essentials

Bringing Things to Make the Sleepover More Fun

Community Q&A

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