Help me with party planning - 8 year old girl

[covergirl82]

DD’s birthday party is this Saturday. (She turns 8 on Friday.)  I’m behind in planning due to not being able to get out to stores last week due to the weather. Plus, I have no party planning talents, so I’m hoping for some suggestions on easy party activities for a small group (less than 10) of 7-9 year old girls. DD wanted to do a sleepover theme (but no one is actually staying over), so I’m planning to have pizza and some fruit and veggies for dinner, and then cake. I’ll also have a movie, but I’d like to do a couple games or activities so the girls have something fun to do. I was thinking of doing a Valentine craft, but I have no idea what kind of games might be fun. (My best friend will be there to help me, thankfully. DH has bowling that night and DS will go with him.) Any thoughts? Or suggestions for a different craft activity? Kid party stuff that I have to plan always stresses me out.  TIA!!

[waverly]

Paint nails. I am just trying to think of games I already have, but am kind of coming up blank because we have like Clue Jr and Rumikub and not sure if those are really for a party, maybe something like Taboo- they have Taboo jr. . For school parties I like the scratch off crafts. I also like the rubbery sticky paper type crafts because of low mess. I suppose you could make something like a sugar scrub in small mason jars, but personally seems like a lot of work to me even though the recipes are really simple. My friend painted flower pots, but it's not spring womp womp.

[supertrooper1]

Cookie decorating? Maybe have heart sugar cookies with pink frosting and lots of decorations.

ETA: Since there will be cake, they can take the cookies home.  

[mustardseed2007]

7-9? Is your kid the spa type? You could do spa activities like manicures, fun facials. Around here there's this mobile bus you can rent that does that.

Or rock star type? How about they dress up in rockstar costumes, make up a dance and lip sync and you record a music video? The craft can be decorating a paper guitar or making a microphone, see pinterest.

Or more artsy, playing into your idea of crafts: decorate a memory or wish box (Hobby lobby or michaels for the boxes and use paint, glitter, rhinestones etc.)

Or cooking, make cupcakes or cookies, decorate them. Make your own pizza. Or even make your own popcorn and mix in M&Ms, raisins, and stuff like that?

Or a mix of the above.

[covergirl82]

mustardseed2007, definitely more of the artsy type. Maybe I could do something with decorating a pillowcase since it's a sleepover theme? I assume I could get fabric markers for them to use since I don't want to attempt liquid dyes?

I am pretty good at painting nails, so I'll keep that as an option too. I also like the idea of decorating a Valentine's cookie to take home. I can get cute bags and ties.

Thanks, WPs! I struggle with creativity, lol.

[madringal]

I like the decorating a pillowcase idea. My DD went to a party once where they made those fleece knot blankets - super fun and easy to make. I'd provide a giant buffet of junk food along with pop corn for the movie. Set out mad libs, those fold up fortune tellers, Uno cards.

[186momx]

covergirl82, DD's after care made tie pillows. Think tie blankets but make pillows instead. It was a craft kit so I'm guessing oriental trading company as they had enough for 20+ kids. It turned out really cute and DD gave it to her friend who had a sleepover with her a couple weeks ago.

[abs]

I think decorating pillow cases is a cute idea. We did that once when I was in Girl Scouts and I kept that pillow case a long time! All the girls signed it.

You could also get a bunch of glow sticks and have a glow dance party if the kids need to burn off some energy.

Decorating cookies/cupcakes always take some time, too.

[hocus2]

I would have a lot of beads so they can make jewelry. Michael's or similar stores will sell kits. I would also consider a large sticker mosaic. www.letsticktogether.com/collections/entire-collection

[sandandsea]

We are doing minute to win it conversation Hearts and valentines bingo for the class party. Ds is very excited for both. I found the games on Pinterest.