How to Pack for a Last Call Sleepover (Girls)

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 Approved

It can be exciting to get an invitation to a friend's sleepover. However, when invites come at the last minute, you may be scrambling wondering what to pack. There's no need to panic as you can pack the basics quickly with a little care and planning. Clothing, bedding, and toiletries can all be packed in a backpack or duffel bag. You can also bring items for fun, like snacks and games. Before you know it, you'll be headed out to a fun slumber party.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Packing Clothing and Bedding

1
Get a bag. This could be your school backpack, or even a duffel bag, as long as it's an appropriate size to be able to hold any necessary items. If it's last minute, you may not have time to dig a small suitcase out of your closet, so use whatever bag you have on hand.
- If you're using something like a backpack, take out any items you don't need first. You do not want to risk losing school supplies, and they also take up unnecessary space.
- If you don't have a sleeping bag, you can bring extra blankets to lay down the floor instead. You can also text a friend who's going to the party and ask if they have an extra sleeping bag.
2
Bring a sleeping bag or a pillow and blanket. Check with the host to see what the plans are for sleeping arrangements. If you'll be sleeping on the floor, bring a sleeping bag. If you'll be sleeping on a bed or coach, opt for a pillow or blanket.^{[1]
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- You can text or call your friend to ask about sleeping arrangements. Your friend's parents may be providing things like blankets and pillows, in which case don't bother packing them. You want to leave as much space in your bag as possible for fun things like snacks and games.
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3
Pack your cleanest pair of pajamas. Your favorite pair of pajamas may not be clean. However, pack whatever pair you have on hand. Even pajamas you've already worn to bed a few times can be appropriate to bring, as long as you examine them to make sure they smell okay and don't have any stains or spots on them.^{[2]
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- If you want to bring a pair of pajamas that are dirty, see if you or your parents have time to quickly wash them before you leave for the sleepover.
4
Pack your best clean clothes for the next day. You will probably need clothing to wear in the morning, especially if you and your friends are going somewhere the next day like school or out to breakfast. Choose a clean pair or clothes from your closet to throw on in the morning.^{[3]
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- Make sure to fold clothes carefully so they don’t wrinkle, and bring a travel-sized bottle of wrinkle spray just in case.
- Store clothes away from anything messy, like snacks or drinks. It may be a good idea to place your clothes in a separate plastic bag before placing them in your suitcase.
5
Bring a change of underwear. You will want to have clean underwear for the morning, so make sure to pack a pair. It may be a good idea to pack an extra pair of underwear, just in case.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Packing Other Overnight Essentials

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Run through your average night and morning. It can help to mentally go through your regular routine in your mind before packing. This way, you can be sure you won't forget anything you need for the sleepover. Run through your bedtime routine and then your morning routine so you know everything you'll need.
- It can help to have a pen and paper on hand to jot down what items you’ll need so you won’t forget anything.
2
Pack any toiletries you use in the morning or before bed. You will need a toothbrush to brush your teeth before bed and in the morning. Also, if you wash your face before bed, pack your face wash. If you plan on showering, bring shampoo, conditioner, and anything else you use in the shower as well as deodorant to apply after your shower.^{[5]
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- If you have any travel-sized containers of things like shampoo and conditioner, these may be easier to bring than small containers.
3
Bring the necessities for eye care. If you wear glasses or contacts, you probably need to take them off at night. Bring a case for your glasses and contacts, as well as a solution to wash them.^{[6]
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- As contacts sometimes fall out and get lost, it's always a good idea to bring a spare pair of contacts.
4
Make sure to pack any medication. If you take medication, it's vital you remember this before your sleepover. With the excitement associated with a last minute sleepover, it's easy to forget boring necessities like meds. However, make sure you pack any medication you take on a daily basis so your parents don't have to run it over to you in the middle of the night.^{[7]
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Remember to pack chargers and other gadgets. If you're bringing things like cellphones and laptops to the party, do not forget their chargers. If you're playing games that involve using a cellphone, you don't want to feel left out if your phone ends up dying.Don't forget to ask if you might need to bring an outlet adapter because some people have outlets with two holes.^{[8]
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- Check with your friend ahead of time, however. Some parents may not allow cellphones at slumber parties and it's important to respect your host's rules.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Packing Items for Fun

1
Bring snacks. With a last minute slumber party, your friend's parents may not have had time to make a lot of food. Bring a snack of your own to help out the hosts. You can pick up some cookies at a grocery store or bakery or even bring something simple like a bag of chips.^{[9]
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- It's a good idea to check with the host. See if they need anything extra in terms of food and volunteer to bring that.
2
Pack your makeup. A makeover can be a fun event for a sleepover. Bring along any makeup you have so you and your friends can do makeovers late in the evening. Bring along some exciting and unique makeup, if you have it, such as sparkly eyeshadow and bold-colored lipstick.
3
Pack your favorite board game. Sleepovers can quickly become boring if there are no fun activities to participate in. Games that are designed for large groups are great for sleepovers, so chose games meant to be played by multiple players.
- If you don't have room for board games, a simple pack of cards can also work great. A lot of card games involve multiple players.

Community Q&A

Question

Would all the instructions be the same for a birthday sleepover?

Community Answer

Yes. However, it's customary to bring a gift to a birthday sleepover. You also probably don't need to bring snacks, as they're usually provided.
Question

What if the friend is giving you a pillow and you want to use your own?

Community Answer

You can bring your own pillow if you want. Politely explain to your friend you prefer your own pillow because you're used to it.
Question

What should I do if I forget something and don't have a phone or contact number?

Community Answer

See if you can borrow it from someone else. If there are multiple people at a sleepover, someone should be able to help.