Need birthday party planning help for 8 year old "new girl"

[Anonymous]

We recently moved to the area and my daughter has been at her new school for about 4 months. Her 8th birthday is fast approaching and she really wants to have a birthday party at our house - preferably a sleep over party. My first question is whether you would allow your daughter to attend a sleep over at the "new girl's" house? (It is a small school so we have met most of the parents.) If we do a sleepover, what do I need to plan for a sleep over party? Enough to do dinner, decorate cupcakes, watch a movie and eat popcorn? or do I need to plan an activity? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I think my daughter would be fine, but a lot of 8 year olds aren't ready for sleep overs yet. Mine went to an "almost sleepover party" recently -- went in PJs, they had pizza, ice cream sundaes and watched a movie. Had a blast.

[Anonymous]

thanks for your response! think i'll do this.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd let my kid go to a sleepover at the new girl's house as long as you seemed normal enough. We really wouldn't think of her as new past a few weeks.

You could do Make Your Own Pizza.

My DD would HATE the idea of a pajama party - she'd feel like it's a tease. To be honest, we would probably carpool with another girl you've invited and do a sleepover with that kid after the party if you don't do one. (She's been going on sleepovers since she was 4 years old.)

[Anonymous]

I think 8 is pretty young for a sleepover, and I would be hesitant to allow my daughter to sleep over with a family that I don't know well.

I like the idea of a half sleepover - my daughters have been to several of those. Have them wear PJs, bring their favorite stuffed animal, do a craft (which is interactive and allows the girls to get to know each other), make pizzas, have them watch a movie, and then ask parents to pick up at 9 or 10pm.

[Anonymous]

We also did a "sleep under" at this age. pick up at 8:30pm

[Anonymous]

No, I wouldn't let my DD go to a sleepover for someone that I've only just met 4 months ago.

[Anonymous]

Pajama party!

[Anonymous]

My son had his 8th birthday party recently and I bought a craft kit from Michaels and the girls screamed and ran right for it when they saw the table. It was by Recollections and it had punch out hats, lips, mustaches, etc... that they had to tape to a stick and then they would hold it up to their face to make funny expressions. Michael's had 2 sets - one was more adult centered and the kids set that I bought; it was $20, but I used a 40% off coupon, so paid only $12. Oh, it doesn't include tape but has everything else.

[Anonymous]

Sleepover birthday parties seem to start at 8 (2nd grade) at our DD's school. Generally the guests have been to the host's house before, though. And as the birthday girl's parent, I feel more comfortable with overnight guests if they've been to our house before and I know they are OK with our dog and are good guests. So I don't think being the "new" girl is a problem.

As for what to do.... we've had a some sort of activity for the girls to do when they arrive. Other than that, they pretty much entertain themselves. Dinner can be pizza, taco bar, etc. One year the girls decorated their own cupcakes. If the weather's nice, make outdoor games and activities available.

[Anonymous]

I think 8 is young for a group sleepover. One or 2 other girls...maybe...but a group might be a bit much. I like someone else's idea just to have a nice party at your house and then have people go home.

[Anonymous]

Sleepovers seem to the norm for my 7 yr old. Most most kids in her class do it every weekend...the question is not are you having a sleep over this weekend, but rather whose house are you sleeping at. Most of the parents try to limit the crazy number of girls to once or twice a year. A single friend is welcome to sleepover most nights.