How to Throw A Birthday Pajama Party for Preschoolers

Spread the Word

• A pajama party doesn't have to happen at night. Little ones will get a thrill from wearing their PJs in the middle of the day. Once you've settled on the day and time for the party, assemble a manageable guest list; since pajama-themed activities tend to take place indoors, you'll need to fit the whole crew into your home. Be clear on the invitations that guests are encouraged to wear sleepwear. Use phrasing like, "Timmy adores his race car PJs, so we're all going to follow suit! Dress kiddos in their favorite pajamas and feel free to bring along a favorite stuffed animal and sleeping bag too." Provide a start and end time so parents understand you're not hosting a true sleepover.

Decorate with Darkness

• Clear out the playroom or push aside living room furniture to create an open party space where kids can spread out. To simulate night during a daytime party, punch star-shaped holes in blue or black construction paper and cover the windows with the paper. A too-dark room might scare little ones, so gather lamps and nightlights to illuminate the space. Set out pillows, blankets and spare sleeping bags to make the room cozy and set up an MP3 or CD player with your child's favorite lullabies. Set up card tables or spread old sheets on the floor in an adjoining room for messy crafts and for snacks.

Choose Sleepy Snacks

• This is your child's celebration, so if his heart is set on pizza and cake, plan to serve these classics. But if he's willing, plan a menu in keeping with your pajama theme. Serve an entire menu of foods cut with star and moon cookie cutters. Slices of fruit, sandwiches and brownies can all be cut this way. Since PJs are morning clothes too, another option is to serve cereal and French toast sticks. If your party is held outside of a traditional mealtime, serve bedtime snacks like cookies and milk. If you're planning on showing a movie or having story time, avoid serving popcorn -- according to SafeKids.org, it's a choking hazard for kids under 5 years old. Serve puffed rice snacks instead.

Keep Kids Busy

• Usually at bedtime, you're trying to help your preschooler wind down. At a pajama party, however, he and his pals need to be constantly entertained. Give each child a shoe box and set out art supplies and scraps of fabric and foam so kids can make beds or nests for their favorite action figures or small stuffed animals. Provide plain pillowcases that kids can decorate with fabric paints. Plan to show a 30-minute video or read stories during the second half of the party, when kids tend to get fussy or overly excited and need to settle down. They can snuggle into their sleeping bags and relax. And be prepared with a list of age-appropriate party games; KidsHealth.org suggests classics like Duck, Duck Goose, obstacle courses and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.