Slumber party activities for girls

The thought of having a house full of giggling girls isn't always appealing for most adults. There is definitely some consideration that needs to go into planning a slumber party such as collecting phone numbers in case of emergencies, arranging for breakfast in the morning, and supplying the girls with board games, snacks, and movies. The good news is that slumber parties tend to provide their own entertainment with gossip, ghost stories, and talk of boys. However, for that added extra flair to ensure a slumber party is not only fun, but memorable, a list of ideas has been compiled.

Flower Vase

You'll need:

Several empty, cleaned cans (Soup or vegetable cans are perfect.)

Yarn, various colors

Glue

Scissors

There are only two basic steps in creating a flower vase. Glue a small section of a can at one time, then wrap the yarn around so that it fits tightly next to the previous strand. Repeat the glue and circling steps until the entire can is covered.

Variations:

Use paint, buttons, felt, construction paper, sequins, or beads in place of yarn for other interesting effects.

Paper Flowers

You'll need:

Tissue paper, various colors

Chenille wires (pipe cleaners)

Scissors

To save on time and clean up, cut circular shapes from the tissue paper before the girls arrive. Be sure to cut different edges so the flowers have a petal look about them.

Layer three or four tissue paper circles in a pile. You can either use the same color or several colors at once. Find the center of the circles and use your finger as a stationary point. Gather the edges up, then give the center area a twist. Wrap a chenille wire around the twisted tip, but remember to leave a long enough piece for a stem.

Once you have finished the flowers, arrange them in the flower vase.

Edible Jewelry

(For younger girls)

You'll need:

String or yarn

Scissors

Assorted candies and fruit chew shapes

Needle

Cut a piece of string or yarn the length of a necklace or bracelet. Thread the string or yarn through the needle, then string each candy and fruit chew. Encourage the girls to be creative in making patterns.

Jewelry Kit Fun

(For older girls)

You'll need:

String, leather strips, hemp, or chains

Assorted beads

Lettered blocks

Scissors

To make ensembling a jewelry kit easier for you, keep on the look out for kits available on the market. If you don't happen to run across one, gathering the above listed items is easy enough to do.

Depending on the type of material you use for the necklace or bracelets such as string or hemp, cut to an appropriate length for each girl. Pile the beads and/or blocks in the center of a table and have each girl create their own necklace or bracelet to take home.

Beauty Salon Time

You'll need:

Fingernail polishes

Fingernail polish remover

Emery boards

Botanical sprays

Individual brushes

Ponytail holders, hair clips, and barrettes

Body Glitter

Assorted Makeup

There are no specific directions for this since it isn't a complicated activity. Simply splay the items and allow the girls to go to town. Marvel over their beautification accomplishments and be sure to take pictures.

Keepsake Boxes

You'll need:

Shoe boxes or boxes bought from a craft store

Wrapping paper, tissue paper, or construction paper

Sequins, faux jewels, puff paint

Metallic pens

Scissors

Glue and tape

Cut the paper to size in order to cover a box. Wrap it up, remembering to do the lid separately, and secure the paper in place with glue or tape. Have each girl write her name on top of the box or a phrase such as 'Chloe's Keepsakes' or 'Stephanie's Stash'. Next, have the girls decorate their boxes. For a longer lasting keepsake box, spray the boxes with clear polyurethane. They should be dry by the morning when the girls are ready to go home.

Name That Music Group

Play snatches of current music groups and see who can name them first. Award the winners with inexpensive trinkets such as rings, small fingernail polish bottles, and Bonnie Bell lip-gloss.

Build Your Own Pizza Boats

You'll need:

Pizza sauce

Individual French loaves

Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Assorted pizza toppings: pepperoni, Canadian bacon, pineapple, green peppers, onions, mushrooms

Invite the girls to make pizza to their liking. The only two requirements aside from a cookie sheet and an oven is enough counter space or a large table. It makes for a less expensive meal and help in making it. You could also follow dinner up with a Build Your Own Sundae.