The idea of the slumber party goes back earlier than the ‘80s, of course. In the 1950s and ‘60s, the term “pajama party” was common, with girls gathering to gossip, eat snacks and maybe call a boy if they were feeling brave. By the time the 1970s rolled around, the format was firmly set: arrive before dinner, stake out a corner of the living room, and prepare for a night that included everything from hair braiding to prank calls. The tone was playful, but it was also a space where girls shared their thoughts in a way that felt private and important.
By the 1980s, slumber parties had become something of a cultural institution. The parties weren’t always fancy, but they had a rhythm: sleeping bags decorated with cartoon characters, homemade pizza, chips and soda, and a rotation of games and movies that lasted well past midnight. Scary stories were told in whispers. Everyone somehow knew the rules of Ouija boards, and no one ever wanted to be the first one to fall asleep.
Parents, meanwhile, had to balance letting kids run free with keeping the noise down and the snacks flowing. It wasn’t easy. One slumber party could eat through an entire week’s worth of groceries. The living room would be trashed by morning. Still, for most families, it was worth it. These were the moments that kids remembered — when growing up meant staying up late and having someone to talk to in the dark.
And while the classic slumber party might look different today, the feeling is still familiar. It’s about that strange mix of chaos and comfort, the giddy nerves of being with friends and staying up past bedtime. We’ve collected a series of photos and articles that capture exactly what those vintage slumber parties looked like — from the candy wrappers on the floor to the last whispered secret of the night.
Sleepless nights: Dreamy slumber parties star gossip, gorging, games (1980)
Excerpted from an article by Ina Hughs – Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) April 22, 1980
Ah, sleep. Most kids think it’s a waste of time, but mamas and poets are nuts on the subject. Mamas tell you it’s just what you need to have rosy cheeks, good grades and a place in heaven.
Poets call it “Nature’s soft nurse” and a kind of “dewey-feathred” medicine. Even Shakespeare, in “Macbeth,” sees sleep as a wonder drug that “knits up the ravel’d sleave of care.”
But then, Shakespeare never went to a slumber party.
Most boys don’t. But to the average American girl, between the ages of, say, 10 and 17, slumber parties are as important as pizza, add-a-beads and Judy Blume.
Slumber parties not only unravel the sleeve of care, but also are effective at unraveling parents’ nerves, their weekly grocery budget, and their friendly relationship with neighbors on all sides.
Yet, it’s a dreamy birthday present for a 12-year-old girl. It’s kind of a pubescent rite of passage. Some people call them “sleepovers,” “spend-the-night-parties” or “pajama parties.” But a slumber party by any other name would still be as loud.
If Julius Caesar had faced an army of preteenage girls when he crossed the Rubicon, the whole of history might have been different. Like Caesar’s army, they come, they see, they conquer.
They come — in their darlingest battle garbs: Holly Hobbie nighties with lacy hoods, their brother’s football shirt, footed longjohns with the snaps in the back, flannel patchwork granny gowns.
They come in a tidal wave of pillows, stuffed animals, giggles and hairbrushes, and the den floor turns into a sea of sleeping bags.
MORE: Superheroes, cartoon characters & more on classic ’80s sleeping bags
Not the outdoorsy, pea green variety from the Army-Navy stores (oh, horrors!) — but quilted, easy-zip, multicolored sleeping bags sold in the girls’ department for just this occasion.
Everything from Chewbacca to Lifesavers made into a sleeping bag — so when they’re all spread out, the den looks like a Barbie-doll campsite.
They see the friends they just left two hours ago at school, but they hug and squeal like long-lost sisters.
They see the bags of Doritos and Milky Ways laid out on the kitchen counter and fly into them like buzzards to their booty, crunching and munching through the whole night’s garrison of snacks before suppertime.
They see the telephone and, with hands over the receiver and shushing up those who egg them on, they play that age-old game: dial-a-victim:
“Is your refrigerator running?”
Snickering silence.
“Then you’d better go catch it!”
(The joke never gets stale, from generation unto generation.)
ALSO SEE: Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS movies & short collections from the ’80s & ’90s
Slumber party time: Some of the best growing up
And, finally, they conquer. Through the night, they whisper and shout their way through earthshaking problems, everything from new hairdos to old boyfriends to middle-aged parents.
They may watch their first late, late horror movie; read their first True Confession magazine, paint their toenails purple, or air some deep conviction for the first time.
Through the curious mixture of ouija boards and private confidences, some of the best growing up is done snuggled down in a Snoopy sleeping bag on the den floor at 4am.
By dawn’s early light, the place is a ghostly beachhead: the bodies lie all about, embalmed with sleep, each with a good case of laryngitis and hungover from their junk food sugar highs.
The TV hums away in a blue-green test pattern, and it will take a vacuum cleaner with the heart of a Sherman tank to make its way through the popcorn hulls, pizza crust and pull tabs.
But, shhh! At last they’re asleep. Hush, hush, whisper who dares; tiptoe quietly back up the stairs…
“Hey, Mom! What’s for breakfast?”
NOW SEE THIS: Goodnight, gals! ’80s pajamas, old-fashioned flannel nightgowns & other sleepwear for women
The rite stuff for a retro slumber party
Here’s a checklist of what’s needed to throw a slumber party that will be the proper ritual for a teenage girl who is celebrating a birthday or the news that she won’t have to wear a retainer anymore. Guests can be supplied on short notice.
ONE large or semi-large den from which all breakable ashtrays, pointed-edge furniture and X-rated reading material has been removed.
TWO willing hands (at least) that can unstick sleeping bag zippers, applaud the new disco steps, and clip bubble gum out of tangled hair.
THREE times as much powdered lemonade, frozen pizza, sour cream potato chips and sliced apples spread with peanut butter as you think they can possibly, at the very most, eat in one night.
FOUR earplugs.
FIVE rolls of tape to put over your mouth because even the earplugs won’t keep out all the noise. Try not to forget that you’ll ruin your daughter’s life forever and ever if you shout, stomp and salivate. Besides, it won’t do any good.
SIX hours worth of games like I Doubt It, charades, Clue, scavenger hunts, balloons blown up with messages inside and Yahtzee — and don’t be surprised when they play giggle belly, human pyramid, and jump-on-the-beds instead.
SEVEN very good reasons why they can’t go out and roll someone’s yard with toilet paper.
EIGHT maids a-milking. After the pizza and the chips and the apples come the Rice Krispie Treats, and those require umpteen glasses of milk. Chocolate shakes may be required as well.
NINE double-lock doors between the family pet and your guests, because what chance does a schnauzer or a St Bernard have in the face of such dangers as pop bottles on the edge of tables and tasty little socks all lying about — not to mention the kids who may not want their faces licked or their pillows sat upon.
TEN hours of negotiated peace following the sleepless night. If necessary, fight dirty and make them clean the whole place up while you slumber.
Retro sleeping bags for girls — slumber party comforters (1970s)
Convertible bedspread/sleeping bags
TASTY TREATS: Remember old-school packaged cookies, like Hydrox, Almost Home, Chip-a-Roos & others?
Supplies for the modern slumber party
- 48 Pages
- Size 8.4" x 5.3"
- Price, Roger (Author)
- SLEEPOVER TIME: This is the ultimate sleepover party game! With over 200 stunts, performances, and activities, you'll do silly things like being a human mirror and making funny sounds with friends.
- FUN FOR EVERYONE: Keep the party entertained all night long. Kids rule at the sleepover party, but mom and dad can play too… if they behave! This Sleepover Party Game is sure to create lots of...
- GIRL GAME: This game is best with 3 or more players who are ages 8 years old and up. It comes with 85 Act It Cards, 75 Work It Cards and 40 Party Cards, 1 spinner, and instructions.
- Complete Sleep Party Kit: our sleep party kit includes: 6 pink double-sided fleece blankets, 6 pink sleep masks, 6 pink coral fleece spa headbands, 6 pairs of pink slippers, 6 mask mixing bowls, and 6...
- Ideal Accessory Size: the pink blanket is approximately 59 x 48 inches; The eye mask measures approximately 4.72 x 8.66 inches, the headband approximately 7.87 inches, the slippers approximately 11 x...
- Soft Material: our products are of reliable quality; The blankets are made of soft double-sided fleece; The eye masks are made of imitation silk, the soft and comfortable headbands are made of coral...
- Party Must Have: you asked, we delivered - 52 iridescent foil temporary tattoos the perfect accessory or decoration for your girls party sleepover.
- Includes: two sheets measuring 8.25 " x 6 " each, which includes enough tattoo designs for the whole party!
- Exclusive Designs: our super unique hand drawn designs are guaranteed to be a party hit. Tat up with these iridescent foil hand drawn designs like: popcorn, teddy bears, eye masks, lipstick, pajamas,...
- Pajama Slumber Party Popcorn Boxes: Includes 12 favor boxes, perfect for any girls' sleepover or birthday party.
- Party Must-Have: Each popcorn box measures 5.75 inches tall x 3.5 inches square at the top. Fill them with treats, trinkets, or small party favors for a fun surprise.
- Fun Favors: Designed to hold a variety of snacks, from sweet treats to salty popcorn. Set them up at the refreshment table or snack bar for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Rich in Quantity to Use: each package includes 6 plush sleeping eye covers, ideal for daily use or for sharing with family or friend; Enjoy a refreshed and rejuvenated sleep each night
- Quality Material: our sleep mask is crafted from plush, elastic strap and simulated silk lining to provide you with comfort and long term use; Experience softness against your skin, and an elastic...
- Suitable Size: with dimensions of about 9.45 x 3.94 inches/ 24 x 10 cm, our furry mask is designed to fit most people comfortably, regardless of face size; It is wide enough to cover your eyes...
- All-Inclusive Spa Sleepover Party Supplies Essentials: Elevate your gathering with our all-round spa sleepover party supplies kit. This carefully curated set includes 12 facial mask bowls, 12 mask...
- Charming Pink-Themed Design: Dive into a lovely pink-themed party with our sleepover supplies. From sleek mixing bowls and soft hairbands to plush towels, every piece boasts delightful decor that...
- Multi-Occasion Versatility: Designed for wide use, our sleepover party favors fit perfectly for various events—spa parties, slumber nights, makeup parties, bachelorette parties, birthday...
- Slumber party decorations: elevate the festive atmosphere with our slumber party balloon set, which includes a purple happy birthday banner, "slumber party" balloon banner, large crown popcorn pizza...
- Purple birthday party decorations for girls: make your slumber birthday party a night to remember with our purple-themed decorations that exude elegance, beauty, and joy. pizza and pajamas birthday...
- High quality: the slumber party foil balloons and various fun food foil balloons are made of premium material, have vibrant hues, and can stay active for a long time, enhancing the visual appeal of...
