What You Need for a Sleepover
A sleepover needs more than snacks and sleeping bags. Plan one complete sleeping setup for every guest, plus food for the evening, breakfast and drinks throughout the stay. Check allergies and dietary requirements before shopping, and confirm arrival and pickup times so you know how much to prepare. This list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as an airbed pump, spare bedding, film equipment and a first-aid kit.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Prepare one sleeping space per guest: an airbed or sleeping mat, a pillow, a duvet and clean bed linen. Inflate airbeds at least 2 hours before arrival so you can find leaks and make sure every space fits.
- Buy food for the full schedule rather than just the evening. Plan dinner, snacks, breakfast and at least 2 drinks per guest for the first hour, then refill as needed.
- Keep 1 extra place setting for every 5 guests. That gives you a spare plate, bowl, glass, mug and cutlery set when something is dropped or a last-minute guest arrives.
- Test the television, film player, portable speaker and extension cords before guests arrive. Download or queue the film in advance so the movie session does not depend on a weak connection.
- Set aside the first-aid kit and collect emergency contact details before the sleepover starts. Keep dietary information and pickup times together so you can find them quickly during the evening.
Frequently asked questions
- How many sleeping places do I need for a sleepover?
- Prepare one complete sleeping place for every child staying overnight. Add one spare sleeping mat or airbed if you have room, especially when guests may arrive with different-sized bedding.
- How much food should I buy for a sleepover?
- Plan one dinner, one breakfast and 2 to 3 snack portions per guest. Check dietary requirements before shopping, then add roughly 10% extra food for larger appetites or spills.
- How many drinks do I need for a sleepover?
- Buy at least 2 drinks per guest for the first hour, then allow 1 drink per guest for each additional 2 hours. Include water as well as the drinks served with dinner and snacks.
- When should I prepare the sleeping area for a sleepover?
- Clear the sleeping space and check the equipment at least 2 hours before arrival. Put out mattresses, bedding and pillows before guests arrive, but keep personal bags separate so the room stays clear.