Slumber Party Essentials: What to Pack for a Kids’ Sleepover
Updated September 2026
The invitation has arrived, your child has been counting down the days and suddenly it’s time to pack their bag for the sleepover.
But what do they actually need?
It’s very easy to either forget something important… or send them off with enough belongings for a week-long holiday!
The good news is that most kids really don’t need much for one night away.
Whether it’s their very first sleepover or they’re a seasoned sleepover guest, here’s a simple checklist to help make sure they have everything they need for a fun and comfortable night with their friends.
🎒 First: Check the Invitation
Before you start packing, have another look at the party invitation or message from the host.
It may already tell you what your child needs to bring.
Depending on the party, they might need:
• A pillow
• Sleeping bag
• Swimmers and towel
• Particular clothing
• Something for an activity
• Toiletries
If the sleepover is being professionally set up, bedding may already be provided, so there’s no point sending your child with half their bedroom!
If you’re unsure, ask the host.
💤 1. Pyjamas
First things first — PJs!
Choose something comfortable and suitable for the weather.
Remember that children may be moving between indoors and outdoors during the evening, so consider adding a dressing gown, jumper or warm socks during cooler months.
If it’s a themed sleepover, matching or themed pyjamas can also be a bit of fun.
🪥 2. Toothbrush & Toiletries
A small toiletry bag should contain the basics your child normally uses before bed and in the morning.
That might include:
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair ties
• Deodorant for older children
• Any other usual personal-care items
There’s no need to pack the entire bathroom.
For one night, keep it simple.
👕 3. Clothes for the Next Morning
Pack a fresh outfit for the following day, including underwear and socks.
If the children will be heading outside in the morning, make sure the clothes and shoes are suitable for whatever is planned.
A plastic or reusable bag for dirty clothes can also be handy.
🛏️ 4. Pillow or Bedding — If Required
Don’t automatically assume your child needs to bring a sleeping bag.
Check what the host is providing first.
For a Slumber Wonderland sleepover, the sleeping setup may already include the bedding required depending on the package, so follow the information provided by the host.
If your child does need to bring a pillow, it can be helpful to put their name somewhere discreetly on it — especially when six identical white pillows suddenly appear in the same room!
🧸 5. A Favourite Comfort Item
There is absolutely nothing wrong with packing a favourite teddy, small blanket or other comfort item.
This can be particularly helpful if it’s your child’s first sleepover away from home.
They may not need it at all.
But at midnight, when the excitement has settled and they’re suddenly missing home, having something familiar nearby can be reassuring.
And they’re never too “grown up” to take something that helps them feel comfortable.
🩱 6. Swimmers & Towel — If Needed
If swimming, a spa or water activities are planned, pack:
• Swimmers
• Towel
• Change of underwear
• Wet bag or plastic bag
Don’t assume they’ll be swimming just because the host has a pool — check the invitation or ask first.
👟 7. Appropriate Shoes
Think about what the children will actually be doing.
If they’re going outside, playing sport, visiting a park or heading somewhere as part of the party, thongs or slippers may not be enough.
Pack suitable shoes if they’re required.
💊 8. Any Required Medication
If your child requires medication during the sleepover, organise this directly with the responsible adult hosting the party.
Make sure medication is appropriately labelled and that the host understands when and how it needs to be given.
Don’t rely on children to manage or share medication instructions themselves.
If there’s anything else the host should know to help your child stay safe and comfortable, have that conversation privately before you leave.
🥤 9. Water Bottle
A labelled reusable water bottle is handy, especially during warmer weather or active parties.
Writing your child’s name on it also helps avoid the inevitable:
“Whose drink bottle is this?”
the following morning!
🔦 10. A Small Torch — For Outdoor Sleepovers
If your child is attending a Bell Tent or backyard sleepover, a small torch can be useful for trips back into the house after dark.
A small personal light is generally all they need.
📱 11. Phone or Device — Only If Appropriate
This one depends entirely on your family rules and the host’s expectations.
For older children who take a phone, make sure they understand any rules around its use during the party.
If they’re bringing a device, remember the charger.
But don’t feel that your child needs a phone simply because they’re attending a sleepover.
The whole point is spending time with their friends!
🎲 12. Don’t Pack Entertainment Unless Asked
You probably don’t need to send books, games, toys and half the contents of the playroom.
The birthday child and host will usually have activities planned.
And sometimes the best part of a sleepover is simply letting the kids decide what they want to do together.
At Slumber Wonderland, we also have FREE downloadable sleepover games that hosts can have ready if the kids need a little extra entertainment.
🍭 13. Don’t Send Food Unless You’ve Checked
It’s tempting to send your child with a bag full of favourite snacks, but it’s best to check with the host first.
There may be allergies or dietary requirements within the group that you’re unaware of.
Food is generally organised by the host, so unless you’ve been asked to contribute something, leave the snacks at home.
💙 14. Talk About What Happens If They Want to Come Home
This is particularly important for first-time sleepovers.
Before your child goes, let them know what they should do if they’re feeling uncomfortable or want to come home.
They might be incredibly excited at 5pm and feel very differently once everyone settles down at 11pm.
Make sure they know who the responsible adult is and that they can speak to them if they need help.
A child deciding they’re not ready to stay overnight doesn’t mean the sleepover has been a failure.
They may have had a fantastic evening and simply feel more comfortable sleeping at home.
⛺ A Little Extra Thought for Bell Tent Sleepovers
Outdoor sleepovers can be incredibly exciting, particularly for older kids and tweens.
From our experience at Slumber Wonderland, children around 10 years and older often really enjoy the Bell Tent experience.
However, every child is different.
If your child hasn’t slept away from home before, is nervous outside after dark or doesn’t like unfamiliar sleeping environments, talk to them before the party.
Knowing what to expect can make a big difference.
✅ The Quick Sleepover Packing Checklist
Save this one for later!
☐ Pyjamas
☐ Toothbrush & toothpaste
☐ Toiletries
☐ Clothes for tomorrow
☐ Underwear & socks
☐ Pillow/bedding if requested
☐ Comfort item if wanted
☐ Swimmers & towel if required
☐ Suitable shoes
☐ Medication organised with host
☐ Water bottle
☐ Torch for outdoor sleepovers if needed
☐ Phone/device & charger if appropriate
☐ Anything specifically requested on the invitation
That’s usually plenty!
✨ Pack Light & Enjoy the Night
A child doesn’t need a perfectly packed bag to have a wonderful sleepover.
What they’ll remember isn’t whether Mum remembered the matching slippers.
They’ll remember lying beside their friends talking when they’re supposed to be sleeping.
The games.
The movie.
The snacks.
The ridiculous jokes.
And waking up together the next morning.
At Slumber Wonderland, we create magical sleepover experiences for families throughout Wollongong, the Illawarra and surrounding areas, with individual indoor teepees, indoor open-style cabanas and backyard Bell Tents.
We take care of the sleepover setup and pack-down so families can concentrate on the part that matters most — celebrating and creating memories together.
✨ Slumber Wonderland — Where giggles, whispers and imagination come to play!