7 Ways to Save Money at Sleepovers

Sleepovers are a magical experience for kids—a chance to bond with friends, make lasting memories, and have an unforgettable time. As much as we want to go all out and create the perfect party, hosting a sleepover can quickly become expensive. But don’t worry! You don’t have to break the bank to host a fun, memorable sleepover. With a little creativity and some budget-friendly hacks, you can save money while still giving the kids a blast. Here’s how:

1. DIY Decorations and Themes

Decorating can eat up a huge chunk of your sleepover budget, especially if you’re buying themed decor for every party. But here’s a secret: you don’t need to spend big on decorations to make the space look fantastic.

• Use What You Have: Raid your home for items that can fit the theme. String lights, fairy lights, candles (battery-operated for safety), and fabric scraps can work wonders. You can easily create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without spending a dime.

• Printable Decor: Search online for free or low-cost printable sleepover-themed posters, invitations, or party signs. A quick trip to the printer can save you a lot compared to buying premade party supplies You can even send virtual invitations if you want to cut printing costs altogether.

• Repurpose Old Items: Use old blankets, pillows, or craft materials to create the ultimate sleepover fort. The kids won’t care if the pillows aren’t new—they just want a cozy space to snuggle up and have fun.

2. Choose Simple Yet Fun Themes

You don’t need to go all out with expensive themes. Instead, pick a theme that’s simple yet fun. Here are some budget-friendly theme ideas:

• Camping Under the Stars: Use faux lanterns, blankets, and pillows to create a camping experience indoors. You can make s’mores in the oven for a treat!

• Movie Night Pajama Party: Grab a few classic kid-friendly movies and make it extra special with popcorn, comfy blankets, and a cozy setting.

• Color-Themed Sleepover: Choose a fun color like pink, blue, or rainbow and stick with it throughout decorations, snacks, and even party favors. It’s easy, affordable, and makes everything pop!

• Go Themeless: Who says everything needs to have a theme? Grab a bunch of pillows and blankets and set the tone for a cozy atmosphere for the kids to be kids.

3. Budget-Friendly Party Favors

Party favors are a great way to show appreciation for the kids, but they don’t need to be extravagant. Try these low-cost yet meaningful ideas:

• DIY Crafts: Set up a little DIY craft station where the kids can make their own bracelets, crafts, or friendship cards. All you need are a few supplies like beads, string, scissors or even toilet paper rolls.

• Inexpensive Gifts: Small, inexpensive items like play doh, bubble bath, or little bags of snacks can go a long way. It’s the thought that counts!

• Personalized Pillowcase: Give each child a plain pillowcase and fabric markers to decorate with their names, doodles, or fun sleepover-themed designs. It’s a practical and memorable keepsake they can use long after the night ends!

4. Affordable Snacks and Drinks

When it comes to food, you can easily overdo it, thinking you need to have an elaborate spread. Instead, keep it simple and fun:

• Bulk Snacks: Instead of individually packaged snacks, buy in bulk. Popcorn, chips, and candy can be divided into smaller bags at home. You’ll save money and reduce waste.

• DIY Pizza Night: Instead of ordering expensive pizzas, make your own! Get pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads and let the kids top them with their favorite ingredients. It’s interactive, fun, and cost-effective.

• Healthy and Fun Options: You don’t need to serve sugary snacks all night long. Serve fruit kabobs, veggie platters with dip, and homemade yogurt parfaits—healthy, fun, and budget-friendly!

5. Cheap or Free Activities

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, you don’t need expensive games or activities. Use your imagination for free (or nearly free) fun:

• DIY Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course in the living room or backyard using items like cushions, chairs, and blankets. The kids will love the challenge, and it costs nothing!

• Board Games and Card Games: Pull out any board games or card games you have lying around. These can be some of the most entertaining, inexpensive activities for kids at a sleepover.

• DIY Movie Theater: Set up a cozy movie night with blankets and pillows, and serve homemade popcorn. If you don’t have a streaming subscription, check out free options on platforms like Tubi or borrow a DVD from the library.

• Scavenger Hunt: Organize a simple scavenger hunt around the house or yard with clues and small prizes. This can be done with little to no cost and keeps the kids engaged for hours.

• Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle: Use a karaoke app, YouTube lyric videos, or just let the kids perform their favorite songs for a fun, interactive music experience.

• Campfire (Real or Faux) & Storytelling: If you have a safe outdoor space, make a small backyard fire for roasting marshmallows and telling stories. If that’s not an option, build a pretend "campfire" with LED candles and blankets, and let the kids take turns making up silly or spooky stories.

• Dance Party & Freeze Dance: Turn on a playlist of fun, kid-friendly music and let the kids have a dance-off! Add a game of freeze dance for extra laughs.

6. Money Saving Sleepover Kits to the Rescue

Make sleepover planning easy and budget-friendly with a sleepover kit! Dream Away Soirée offers kits that include tents, blankets, and decorations—giving you a magical setup at a lower cost than the full-service option.

We also understand that even our services might not fit every budget, and that’s okay! If you're looking for a more DIY approach, we encourage you to get creative—repurpose household items for decor, borrow supplies from friends, or opt for a no-frills pajama party with classic games and homemade treats. A sleepover is about the memories made, not how much is spent, and we fully support making it special in a way that works for your family!

7. Limit the Guest List

Sometimes, less is more! Instead of inviting a big crowd, keep the sleepover intimate. This not only cuts down on costs but also allows for a more relaxed and personal experience. A smaller guest list means fewer snacks, fewer party favors, and less mess to clean up—win, win!

Final Thoughts

Sleepovers don’t have to be expensive to be fun! With a little creativity, smart planning, and these money saving hacks, you can host an amazing sleepover that your kids will remember for years to come. So, get ready to throw a sleepover that’s full of laughter, memories, and, best of all, doesn't break the bank. Ready to book with us, book here!

Do you have budget friendly sleepover ideas? Let us know in the comments!