It seems crazy that it was way back in 2014 that I had the idea for the first Stuffed Animal Sleepover. The idea has blossomed since then, and people from all over the world have sent me their precious plushies for a fantastic party at April’s house (as always, thank you so much, April!). I try to make each experience unique and not repeat too many things (except the ball pit, obviously that’s a staple). But this might be the last one for a while. There just honestly wasn’t as much of a turnout as usual and it’s a lot of work/money/time, and it might be worth it to hold off a couple years till more people are interested again! But I’m not ruling it out.
Either way, thank you so much to the people who shared their adorable stuffed animals with me to throw a fun sleepover party for them! It was so much fun because it’s always a blast to be silly and whimsical just for the sake of it on a weekday evening. Let’s take a look at what went down!
We started the night with dress up, and everyone chose very different outfits, but they all looked fabulous
They piled into the pink car and were ready to strut their stuff on the red carpet
We got word that some precious gems needed to be saved, but it took some careful maneuvering through red laser security beams (don’t worry, we secured the precious gems)
We headed up to the bedroom for some classic 90’s games like MASH…
And origami fortune tellers!
When’s the last time you played MASH?!
All of a sudden a pillow fight broke out!
It got pretty intense!
No bunny was joking around!
Then things heated up when one of the participants (I won’t say who), suggested an old classic — Spin The Bottle!
Things definitely heated up, specifically between a hedgehog and pup!
Everyone piled into the bright pink tent for some chit chat and a round of Truth Or Dare
And everyone still had energy to fly a colorful, whimsical kite!
Then it was time to head down to the classic ball pit
No party is complete with out it, really!
Everyone was pretty tuckered out after that, so they curled up in a friend of April’s, a giant big bear, and got ready for bedtime
I read them a story and it was snores and snuggles before you could say Alakazam!
I also wanted to take a second to formally introduce you to each of the participants we had at the sleepover. We got some great portrait shots with some things that represent their interests thanks to Maura!
This is Lubos. He is originally from Bratislava, Slovakia. He loves the color green, sharing pizza, road trips, and snuggling (even though it’s prickly).
Fun fact: Lubos doesn’t get along well with camels and is allergic to cauliflower!
This is Little Jade, originally from Manchester, New Hampshire (but currently residing near me in Baltimore!). She loves the color light pink, warm fuzzy blankets, shoes, cats, and being in bed.
Fun fact: she really doesn’t like snakes, is allergic to blueberries (and water!!), and used to wear shoes but she lost them (so I sent a pair home with her — I hope they stay on)!
This is Goma, a spotted seal all the way from Tokyo! He loves the color sky blue, playing video games, fizzy drinks, desserts, and being in the office/desk chair.
Fun fact: Goma is super confident with making new friends (and definitely succeeded in doing that at this sleepover)!
This is Bananas, a super tiny orange monkey that originally came from Uganda and currently resides in Washington D.C. He loves the color yellow, exploring, climbing, and screaming from the trees!
Fun fact: he loves hanging out at the Maryland Zoo during the day, but can be found in the living room most nights.
This is Coco, a Beagle pup, from Lexington, Kentucky. They love chocolate, Chex cereal, donuts, and popcorn.
Fun fact: Coco’s collar says “Mama says I’m special”.
This is Wanda Petunia, from Charlotte, North Carolina. She loves the colors pink and sky blue, playing guitar, cupcakes, and yoga.
Fun fact: she is Instagram famous, and you can buy handmade copies of her sisters here.
This is Coast. He is a Bunny hailing from Charm City/Baltimore, Maryland. He loves drawing, popcorn, carrots, and pizza.
Fun fact: Coast likes to fix fire alarms and jump on the trampoline.
As usual, I took instant cell phone photos that I shared the day of the party on Instagram (which can still be found for the next week or so in a Highlights reel on my account).
Everyone was sent back home with a letter sharing their unique experience at the party, a ton of printed out pictures from the party, including an 8 x 10 inch of their portrait shot, and a ton of party favors! I also caught some video footage on my phone. Here it is all compiled into a video. Enjoy!
Photos: Maura Housley
House: April’s Twisted Entertainment
Check out past sleepovers!
