Girls’ Night In: How to Host the Ultimate Adult Sleepover

Prepared by Dani Dross | Published on February 24, 2025

Remember those sleepovers you had as a kid? When you would all compete to see who could stay up the longest, and get so deliriously tired that you would laugh until your sides hurt? At some point, we stopped having those nights. Adult responsibilities took over. But sometimes, we need to give ourselves the chance to tap into our inner child. Gather your gals – we have everything you need to throw the grown-up slumber party of your teen dreams.

Create the occasion

You don’t need a specific reason to have an adult slumber party, but centering it around a holiday or a birthday might help get everyone in one place. It also makes it easier to decide if you want a theme! Come in costume or make it an adult pajama party. Maybe you want snacks and décor modeled after a favorite movie or TV show. Add small touches like light strips to really get the party moving, and consider going phone-free to maximize your time together. Think about what you and your friends love and run with it! The more you lean in, the more fun you’ll have.

Cozy & Comfy

Gone are the days of fighting for prime floor space to lay out your sleeping bag. You have adult money! Outfit your hosting space with a cloudlike sectional to fit all your friends. Or maybe a big lounger, complete with cupholders, is more your style. Combine the two with a pull-out sectional like this one. Or go for the more classic sleeper sofa. The options for comfort and style are endless, and you can ensure that every guest has a place, no sleeping bags required.

Let the games begin

Next, you need some grown up slumber party games and activities. Embrace the fun of childhood sleepovers by incorporating the classics – face masks, makeovers, movie marathons, video game competitions, board games – but elevate them with high-quality products. Get the latest Mario Kart to determine once and for all who the real champ is. Or snag cozy new blankets to settle in and watch your favorite flicks. Better yet, make a blanket fort! Bring in a party speaker or karaoke machine to sing to some throwback tunes. Play Mash – that classic 90’s pencil-and-paper game that predicted your future. Or maybe your friend group was more into Truth or Dare. Whatever you do, take this as an opportunity to really reconnect with the things that once brought you joy as a kid. Having fun is the priority! Relive those carefree moments and allow yourself to be a little silly.

Bite-sized nostalgia

One of the most important parts of a sleepover is the food. What were your sleepover staples? How can you make those staples into slumber party food for adults? For a grown-up spin, serve bite sized versions of your old favorites: Try mini pizzas or gourmet popcorn balls. Tap into your creativity and have a “build your own” sundae bar or nacho station. Make it into a group activity and craft charcuterie boards together or have a cocktail/mocktail-making contest. To elevate it even further, add sophisticated little touches, like unique drinkware. Don’t be afraid to be playful and indulgent. That’s what makes it fun!

No matter how you set up your grown-up slumber party, you’re sure to reconnect with your friends while making new memories that last a lifetime.