9 Must Haves Grandparents will want in their Home When the Grandkids Sleepover
When the grandkids come to grandma and grandpa’s house to sleepover it can always be an adventure no matter what age they are. Depending how much they sleepover and their age the following items can be adjusted. For example if the kids only sleepover a couple of times a year you won’t need as many items. But, if the grandkids are sleeping over more than once a month you will want to have a good supply of certain items.
You don’t want to go overboard and take up too much space in your home for everything. You can easily create a storage area for all of the kids items so that they know where they are when they arrive.
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Best Items to Have Ready for Sleepovers
- Beds and Sleeping Bags – If the grandkids are sleeping over you want to make sure that they have a comfortable space to sleep. If they are still toddlers or babies you may want to have a pack n play or something for them to sleep in that is safe. Older kids can sleep in a guest bedroom or if you want to invest in a foldaway bed or sleeping bags for the kids to sleep on the floor that works too.
Folding Nap Bed Sleep Bed
Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot
2. Toothbrush and Accessories – Make sure that the kids have a toothbrush, kids toothpaste, soap and bath items on hand. Plus extra diapers in case mom and dad forget to bring some. Sometimes the kids will like to take a bath at grandma’s house so purchasing a few dollar store bath toys and bubble bath make it more fun! Also, extra bandages, sunscreen, kids medicine (check with parents), thermometer and other necessary items. Fun kids towels and washcloths make it more special too!
Mickey Mouse Hooded Towel for Baby
3. Pajamas for the Kids and an extra change of clothes. One thing that has happened from our experience as grandparents is that sometimes one of the kids will forget their pajamas or they bring ones that are too small. Having an extra set of pajamas in different sizes come in handy. It’s great to get them in neutral colors so that they will fit boys and girls if you have both in your family staying over. Also, I like to buy kids clothes on clearance at the end of each season and keep at the house. This way if the kids get dirty or forget something I have a back up for them. An extra jacket is also a good edition.
Dinosaur Union Suit Boys & Girls Onesie Pajamas T-Rex on Rear Flap
Infant & Toddler Green Camouflage Onesie Footie Pajamas
Infant & Toddler Pink Camouflage Fleece Onesie Footed Pajamas
4. Fun Toys for the Kids to play with! The grandkids may have lots of toys to play with at home but when they come to the grandparents house it’s a whole new world especially if you have different toys at your house. All the kids would love to play with a race track or creative items such as Legos. You don’t need to buy a whole bunch of toys just the basics such as coloring books, Legos, dolls, or any toys that kids would love to play with over and over again. We found that a pirate ship was popular, a cash register, and race cars such as hot wheels with the track to make. Find out what the kids like and explore your options.
LEGO: Harry Potter Hogwarts Clock Tower
Kids Kitchen Playset and Accessories
5. Healthy and Fun Snacks for Kids – In addition to finding a quick and easy meal to make for the kids. Be sure when the kids come over make sure to stock up on their favorite snacks. We enjoy making popcorn in our popcorn maker before we watch a movie. They may also enjoy granola bars, fruit, veggies and dip and other items. Don’t forget about breakfast too make sure you have fruit and cereal available! Get special cups and plates for them to eat off of to create special memories from their visit.
6. Outdoor Play – Basketballs, Kites, sandbox tools, baseball, bikes, etc. Depending on how often the kids come over it’s good to keep extra outdoor toys for them to play with. It’s always fun to take a walk up to the local park or playground. If your yard is big enough you can add a play area for the kids. We purchase bikes at the local thrift shop or garage sales, along with bike helmets for the kids to wear.
Outdoor Playhouse for the Kids
7. Movies, Tablets and Books – While you may not want the kids to have too much screen time while they are visiting you may want to allow a special movie night with grandma and grandpa or some tablet time while you are getting breakfast or dinner ready. Just be sure to set time limits and know what they are doing when playing on the tablet or laptop. Have a few special books to read to the little ones before bedtime.
8. Blankets, Pillows and Stuffed Animals – Little kids like to have their very own special blanket to cuddle up with. You can purchase an inexpensive fleece throw and make it theirs for when they come to sleepover. Cute kids pillows and stuffed animals are also fun to snuggle up with before bedtime.
Paw Patrol Skye Comfy Critters Blanket Costume
9. Kids Crafts and Special Activities – In addition to coloring kids like to get creative with Playdoh, painting, building things and other activities. Use your imagination and get creative with building and making things with the kids! Be sure to check out the Dollar Store when looking for items to get creative with! Make a fort out of blankets with the kids that is something they always enjoy!
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