Grown-Up Slumber Parties: Celebrating Girlhood at Every Age

Pyjamas, pizza, and Princess Diaries: The ultimate girlhood revival

Do you ever reminisce on your childhood sleepovers with friends, staying up late, eating pizza, and watching your favourite movies? If you could relive one of those nights in your teens without a care in the world about rent, work and taxes would you escape the mundane to relive it all? Who says you can’t?

The magic of slumber parties is sparking a revival —and inspiring millennials that sleepovers don’t just have to be for teens! Adult slumber parties (the PG-13 kind) are on the rise, and they’re bringing back all the nostalgic feels, with women in their 20s, 30s, and beyond embracing the fun, laughter, and bond-building of these cherished gatherings.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a reason to spend quality time with your girlfriends, more and more women are swapping nightclubs for cosy nights in, complete with matching pyjamas, good food, and a dash of girly glamour.

The Slumber Party Renaissance

In recent years, the trend of hosting adult slumber parties has soared. According to a report by Eventbrite, searches for "adult slumber parties" increased by 35% over the past two years, proving that this trend is more than just a fleeting fad. Social media is also filled with posts featuring women in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s donning matching PJs and snapping selfies with their girlfriends, as they embrace a night of nostalgia and good vibes. I think it’s safe to say I don’t mind swapping stilettos for slippers and dancing for PJ parties every now and then. 

Why the surge in popularity? Simple. Life can be hectic, and there’s something incredibly comforting about reliving those carefree moments of girlhood. It’s not just about fun; it’s about fostering deep connections, celebrating friendship, and finding joy in the simple things.

Personally, I jumped on the bandwagon to celebrate my 30th, and I’m so glad I did it the way I wanted without the pressure of going out for a “dirty thirty” and battling a mean hangover the next day. My closest friends and I spent the night watching The Princess Diaries, a true early 2000s fave of mine. We made homemade pizzas, wore matching pyjamas from Midnight Mischief and tiaras (of course), and talked late into the night about everything and nothing at all. It was a night that transported us back to simpler times and made my birthday feel like a nostalgic blast from the past.

Reconnecting With Your Inner Child

For many women, adult slumber parties offer a chance to reconnect with their inner child and celebrate girlhood in a safe, carefree environment. It’s not just about being silly and having fun; it’s about nurturing the friendships that carry us through life’s ups and downs. These gatherings provide a space where we can be ourselves, free from judgement, while indulging in all the things we loved growing up.

As we get older, it can be difficult to find time for friendships, but adult slumber parties are a brilliant way to strengthen those bonds. They allow us to step away from our responsibilities, whether it’s work, family, or other obligations, and focus on the people who truly matter.

In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that maintaining strong friendships can significantly impact our mental health and well-being. What better way to nurture those relationships than by gathering your best girlfriends for a night of nostalgia, laughter, and endless conversation?

Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Adult Slumber Party

So, how do you throw an epic slumber party that will make your friends feel like they’ve stepped back into their teenage years? Here are some tips to make your night a success:

1. Matching Pyjamas

Nothing says “slumber party” like coordinating outfits! Pick a theme or just stick with comfy and cute. Silk pyjamas, fluffy robes, or even a 2000s-inspired Juicy tracksuit. On my birthday, we opted for matching silk PJs with tiaras and sunnies for a touch of that Anne Hathaway princess glamour (IYKYK). After all, it’s not a proper slumber party without a bit of glam.

2. Nostalgic Movies 

Bring on the early 2000s classics! Whether you’re a Legally Blonde fan, a die-hard Mean Girls enthusiast, love 13 Going on 30, or prefer The Lizzie McGuire Movie, there’s no shortage of feel-good films to choose from. Pro tip: set up a cosy movie space with a mattress in the living room, projector, blankets and pillows so everyone can relax while reliving those cinematic treasures.

3. Homemade Pizza

Making pizzas together is not only fun, but it’s also a creative way to bond. Set up a mini pizza station with a variety of toppings so everyone can create their perfect pizza. We made ours at my 30th while playing an Italian pizza-making playlist on Spotify (there’s a playlist for everything) and I have to say, there’s something uniquely satisfying about eating a pizza you made yourself—while chatting with your besties, of course.

4. Drinks and Snacks

No slumber party is complete without snacks. You can go all out with a mix of sweet and savoury treats, or keep it simple with popcorn, chips, and chocolate. Don’t forget the drinks! Whether it’s a cheeky cocktail, a glass of wine, or some fizzy mocktails, make sure you’ve got plenty of options to keep the party going.

5. Games and Activities  

Take a trip down memory lane with games like truth or dare, light as a feather stiff as a board, or even a round of karaoke. Add a few 2000s throwback tunes (think Britney Spears, Spice Girls, and early Beyoncé) to your playlist to get everyone in the mood for some light-hearted fun.

6. Self-Care Session

Pampering is key. Have a little spa set up with face masks, and even a DIY mani-pedi station. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a night of chatting, pizza, and movies.

Bringing Us Closer In Adulthood

It’s often difficult to lock in a date to catch up with everyone when we’re often too busy to connect, but slumber parties offer a playful yet meaningful way to stay close to our friends. It’s a celebration of girlhood, no matter your age. Women are realising that these nights aren’t just about fun and games—they’re about creating lasting memories with the people who have been there through it all, old or new friends, we all share the common experiences of growing up in adolescence and staying up all night chatting, giggling and bonding. Why does that need to stop at a certain age? 

So, the next time you’re planning a girls' night, why not take a break from the bars and clubs and embrace the magic of an old-fashioned slumber party? You might just find it’s the most fun you’ve had in years—tiaras optional!

How do you embrace your inner child?