How to Pack for a Sleepover (Teens)

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 6, 2023 References Approved

You're super stoked about tonight's sleepover, but what on earth should you pack? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out our handy packing list for a breakdown of overnight essentials you can toss into your bag before you go. We'll include some fun, non-essential stuff, too.

Sleepover Packing List

Sample Sleepover Packing List

1

Backpack or tote

A backpack or tote is the perfect size for one night. You'll be able to fit all of your essentials in there without jamming it to the brim with stuff. If you have several bags and you aren't sure which one to bring with you, go with the bigger one.^{[1]
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- If you bring a tote, make sure it has a closure at the top so nothing falls out.
- You can plan what you want to wear the next day.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- It may be better to keep dresses, suits, and blazers in a garment bag.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- You can even take a wrinkle spray.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}

2

Sleeping bag and pillow

Make sure they're soft and cozy so you can snuggle up. There’s probably limited space at your friend’s place, so a single-person sleeping bag and twin-size pillow is probably all you should take with you. Make sure the sleeping bag is comfy and warm so you won’t get chilly during the night.^{[5]
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- To make your stuff easy to carry, roll your pillow up in your sleeping bag like a burrito. Then, tie a ribbon around the bundle to hold everything together.

3

Your favorite pajamas

Go with a cute and comfy sleep set. All your besties will be there and you’ll probably stay up pretty late, so go with PJs that are fun and functional. A soft pair of patterned sleep pants and a matching T-shirt are perfect.
- It wouldn’t hurt to bring a couple of options since your friend's house might be pretty cold at night.^{[6]
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4

Change of clothes

You’ll need a fresh set of clothes to wear tomorrow. Pick out a cool shirt and a pair of pants or shorts to put on in the morning when you wake up. Don’t forget clean socks and underwear, too.^{[7]
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- Throw a hoodie in your bag, too, just in case you get chilly.
- Pick an outfit for tomorrow that matches the shoes you're wearing to the sleepover. That way, you can wear the same shoes tomorrow and not worry about packing a second pair.

5

Waterproof bag and toiletries

Fill a small bag with everything you need to wash up. Pick up travel-size versions of all your favorite toiletries so you don’t weigh your overnight bag down too much. A cute, vinyl makeup bag is perfect but if you don’t have one of those, you can use a zip-top freezer baggie in a pinch (just in case something leaks).^{[8]
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Research source} Pack these toiletries:
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Facewash
- Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Dry shampoo
- Pads/tampons
- Hairbrush/comb

6

Mini flashlight

This is helpful if you tend to wake up during the night. Finding your way to the bathroom in an unfamiliar, dark house is hard (and a little creepy, too). If you have a flashlight in your bag, you’ll be able to find your way without stumbling over your friends or getting lost.^{[9]
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- A flashlight also helps if you need to grab something, like your inhaler or medicine, without having to turn on all the lights.

7

Medicine/inhaler/retainer

Don’t forget these necessities so you’ll feel great all night long. If you take prescription medicine or wear a retainer at night, you really shouldn't skip out on using them. Toss a little bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen in your bag, too—just in case you (or someone else) gets a headache.^{[10]
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- If you’re diabetic, don’t forget to bring your blood glucose meter, insulin, and glucose tablets. It’s better to be safe and prepared.^{[11]
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8

Phone and charger

You’ll drain your battery fast after taking tons of sleepover snaps. The last thing you want is to be away from home with a drained phone battery and no phone charger.^{[12]
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- Bring a backup battery if you think you'll need it.

9

Headphones or earbuds

These will come in handy if you toss and turn at night. If you’re a light sleeper, you'll probably wake up during the night. What if you can’t fall back asleep right away? If you have your headphones/earbuds, you can listen to some tunes or watch a few videos without disturbing your friends.^{[13]
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10

Tablet

Your friends might want to play some games. If you have an iPad or tablet, pack it carefully in your bag (with the charger). You might not use it, but it's there just in case for games and surfing the web.^{[14]
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11

Small Bluetooth speaker

You might need to get the party bumping. A small Bluetooth speaker is perfect for a sleepover since it’s super portable and wireless. You can toss it in your backpack without worrying about (or keeping track of) any annoying cables.
- You can buy a wireless speaker with LED lights (party vibes!) for as little as $25.

12

Contact lens/eyeglasses case

Don’t forget your saline solution and eyeglasses, too. If you wear contacts, it’s best to take them out at night while you’re sleeping. A travel-size bottle of saline is super portable; just toss it in with your toiletries.^{[15]
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13

Small snacks

Go with portable stuff like trail mix and cereal bars. You never know when the munchies might strike, so it's good to be prepared with a few snacks. Nuts, trail mix, apples, and bananas are all super portable options.

14

Extra cash

It never hurts to have a little money on hand. $10 or $20 is really all you need. That way, you're prepared for any last-minute outings and you can chip in if your friends decide to order a pizza.

15

Makeup essentials

Pop a few of your favorite products into a mini makeup bag. You’re only going to be away from home for one night, so don’t worry about bringing your entire makeup arsenal with you. Toss a few of your favorite small or travel-size essentials into a zippered pouch. That way, you're keeping your makeup separate from everything else in your bag.^{[16]
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Research source} Consider bringing:
- Small makeup brushes
- Mini mascara
- Lip balm
- Blush
- Concealer (just in case you get a zit)

16

Nail polish

Mani and pedis are a blast when you're chatting with your pals. Grab a couple of your favorite polishes and be sure to twist the caps on super tight before putting them in your bag. You might even want to put them in a zip-top baggie just to be safe. Nail polish spills are the worst.

17

Sheet masks

Pamper yourself and your friends while you’re chilling out. Sheet masks are easy to use and pretty cheap, too. Grab a handful at the grocery store and pass them out to your friends at the sleepover. Be sure to take a few cute pics of everyone wearing their masks and post them on Instagram.

Community Q&A

Question

What happens if I get there, and it is a big group of people, and some of them are mean to me?

Community Answer

You could either hang out with the nice people or call your parents and go home.