Theme Ideas for a Fun Slumber Party

Tweens love to throw slumber parties, and there's no reason they have to do the same old thing at every party. If your tween wants to throw a slumber party, consider the following theme ideas below. Having a theme will give your guests a lot to do and enjoy, and it's also a lot of fun to plan. Whatever theme you choose, kick back and enjoy. That's what slumber parties are all about.

Spa Party: Every girl loves a pampering, and tween girls especially. And a spa slumber party is easy to throw, without any real expense. Just give the girls access to your bathroom, and let them give each other facials, manicures, pedicures and hair makeovers. You can even make your own facial with ingredients from your kitchen. Be sure to take before and after pictures, and don't forget the relaxing music that should be playing in the background. Offer the girls ice cold water and chocolate squares, as a special treat while undergoing their makeover.

Do Good Party: Even tweens understand the benefit of volunteerism and of helping others. Turn your child's next slumber party into an opportunity to help someone else. Think of a local charity that could use your help, and come up with an idea that the children can execute while at the sleepover. For example, they can bake dog biscuits for the local animal shelter, or every child can come to the sleepover with a pair of new pajamas that they can donate to a local children's shelter or women's shelter. Other ideas: bake brownies for the local fire department; or have the children bring gently used books that they have outgrown, and then donate them to the public library or the school library.

Movie Star Party: Chances are your child and his friends are absolutely crazy about a particular celebrity, action star, or some other pop culture icon. Turn the sleepover into a celebrity-a-thon by renting several movies that feature the star of the evening, and then pop some popcorn and let the kids kick back and watch their star in action.

In the Tropics Party: Break out the hula skirts, island music and blow-up kiddie pools, and let the kids enjoy the tropics for the evening. Serve virgin piano coladas, cut up fruit, and pizza bites or other munchies. A limbo contest is a must, and don't forget to spread beach towels out on the floor so the kids can get comfortable before watching a movie.

Throw a Cupcake Party: Tweens love their sweets, and cupcakes are pretty popular with the preteen crowd. Have your guests bake a batch of cupcakes, and be sure to offer plenty of fun decorating items such as sprinkles, jimmies, and icing in various colors. Let the children eat one or two over the course of the evening and box the rest to bring home the next day to share with mom and dad. You can even judge the cupcakes and hand out awards for the most original, most creative, most interesting and most unusual cupcakes.

Let's Go Camping Party: Your child can turn his sleepover into a campout with relative ease. Pitch a tent in the backyard, offer each child a flashlight, and move the sleeping bags into the tent. S'mores are a must, or for a change, try making banana boats. A small bonfire (that's adult tended) makes for a great setting for ghost stories. Oh, and if it's a clear night, stargazing is practically mandatory.