I Dream of Budget-Friendly Slumber Parties

Homemade sock puppets, construction paper masks, and T-shirts decorated with fabric paint are thrifty and fun activities.

Remember the good times you had at slumber parties as a kid? Luckily, sleepovers are an inexpensive form of fun because all they require are pillows, PJs and extra blankets–and good friends, of course!

Parents hosting sleepovers may feel pressure to entertain their guests with pricey trips out to the movie theater or bowling alley. Having a fun night need not cost a small fortune if you use your imagination, though. Below, I share my favorite creative ways to add fun activities to your child’s next slumber party without running up the costs.

• Create custom T-shirts, masks or sock puppets–Visit your local craft store for inexpensive supplies

so that each kid can create their own T-shirt, mask or puppet to take home as a keepsake.

Get creative, but I like adding fabric paint or tie-dye to white T-shirts and creating superhero masks out of yarn and construction paper. Younger kids might prefer making hand puppets out of old socks, felt and fabric glue.

Hobby Lobby offers a weekly coupon good for 40 percent off one item and you can snag a five-pack of T-shirts at Target for $5. Plus, fabric paint and tie dye kits are normally $2 or less, and likewise construction paper and felt will cost you less than $1 per kid.

Kids will have fun playing with their creations during and after the party.

• Make personal pizzas–Set up a “pizza bar” for each kid to make their own pizza. In addition to saving money, making personal pizzas eliminates potential embarrassment and arguments over not liking the same toppings.

So, what would you need to pull this off?

• Several jars of pizza sauce;
• some pre-made pizza dough or English muffin halves;
• cooked hamburger and/or pepperoni slices; fresh veggies;
• and plenty of pizza three-cheese blend.

(Don’t forget to ask parents ahead of time about any dietary restrictions.)

Allowing kids to make personal pizzas is not only fun, but also an inexpensive way to please a variety of tastes at dinnertime. Original image by Jeff Rhines.

Here are a couple coupons to help you stock up for this party and more to come:

• $1 off Market Pantry 5 oz cheese purchases
• When you buy two at Target
• Expires Aug. 31
• $1 off Classico sauce
• When you sign up and buy any three jars
• Expires Sept. 30

Stick the topped pies in a toaster oven, or place on a pizza stone in an oven on 500 degrees Fahrenheit until cheese melts and edges are golden brown.

Classico provides some pizza recipes if you don’t feel confident in winging it.

• Play flashlight tag–For nighttime, put a new spin on a familiar game and play flashlight tag. Birthday in a Box provides the rules for anyone who’s rusty on this pastime.

Guests can bring their own flashlights and you can often get free Rayovac batteries at Target or your favorite dollar store with the $1 off CouponCabin printable (linked below). Have an assortment of extras on hand in case anyone’s batteries die, so they won’t be left out of the fun.

• $1 off Rayovac alkaline batteries purchases
• When you like Rayovac on Facebook

Get a free rental from Redbox or Blockbuster Express by using a coupon code. Image courtesy of Redbox.

• Kid’s-pick movie night–Cap the night off with a kid-appropriate movie.

Redbox regularly has movie rentals for $1.20 or less, and new customers can get a free rental if they reserve a movie online using a coupon code.

Blockbuster Express also offers a free rental when you create an account.

Be sure to check in with parents before the party about what kinds of movies they do and do not allow their kids to watch.

Whatever games, food or favors you pick for the party, remember that your kids are going to have fun just spending time with their friends and it doesn’t have to cost a lot–or anything at all–to make this special night happen!

I’ve included some additional slumber party-related coupons below for you to check out next time your child plans to host or attend an overnight party with friends.