What to Pack for a Special Sleepover

There’s nothing like falling asleep in the arms of the person that you’re dating—it’s romantic, intimate and really warms you up inside. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the opportunity to spend the night with Wesley too often as I still live with my parents. However, every now and then, after much planning, I get to sneak away and fall asleep next to him, rather than falling asleep a few feet from my sister with whom I share a room.

Whenever these sleepovers are planned, I’m always faced with the following dilemma: what do I bring with me?

Packing for a sleepover is truly an art (okay, not really, but it is a challenge!) It requires an analysis of what you really need to spend the night somewhere comfortably and then get up and go the next morning without looking, well, like you’ve spent the night with someone. It’s a matter of being concise and bringing only what’s necessary. Inspired by light packers, here’s what you should be bringing with you for a successful sleepover with that special someone:

1. Big ol’ bag! Think Mary Poppins—she had a bag that managed to fit everything she needed and complimented her outfit simultaneously. You want to avoid having both a purse and a bag for your essentials—it’s just too much! You need a bag that’s big enough to accommodate your stuff but that looks good with what you’re wearing. The point is to make sure that the bag doesn’t look like you’re coming back from a sleepover or the gym, but looks a bit larger-than-normal instead.

2. Pair of panties. This should always be the first thing you throw in your bag. You don’t want to be wearing the same pair of undies two days in a row…it’s just gross. Having an extra pair is great because if you don’t get to shower, you instantaneously feel just a bit cleaner and if you do get to shower, then you’re not stuck turning your underwear inside out. You can always try going commando, but believe me, having an extra pair of panties is the way to go.

3. Makeup. This is only if you have a make-up routine, if you don’t, then lucky for you, this is one less thing you have to worry about! I would highly recommend investing in a travel kit if you love make-up, carry some around with you regularly and have frequent sleepovers. I own this Glamour To Go Palette which I just love! It has everything you need to give you that morning glow—all you need is a brush or two along with some mascara and you’re all set!

4. A second outfit. This is always the trickiest part of planning for a sleepover. Let’s break it down—if your outfit already consists of a bottom (jeans, shorts or a skirt) then make it easy for yourself and bring an extra top. Work with what you already have! If you’re in a dress then just grab another dress from your closet that you’d be comfortable in or bring an extra piece like a cardigan or jacket to change it up a bit.  If you really don’t care about having a second outfit then don’t bother—just try to put your clothes aside nicely so that you don’t look like a wrinkled mess in the morning!

5. Pajamas. This depends on how you like to sleep. If you think you’re going to end up sleeping in the buff, then forget it! You can always steal a t-shirt. Otherwise, bring something sexy or comfy, whatever your style may be so that you can sleep comfortably and be well rested in the morning.

6. Toiletries. Most of the things we tend to forget fall under this category because it’s all the little things. Don’t forget to bring your desired form of birth-control! Make sure to pack a toothbrush. If you wear contacts, make sure to have a case and solution with you (and maybe your glasses too.) A mini-deodorant, especially if it’s summer. If you want to avoid the bed-head look then bring whatever gel or anti-frizz you use. Just remember, you’re going to be carrying all this stuff so keep it light.

That’s usually what I bring with me when I have a sleepover—with my girls or my significant other. But at the end of the day, it’s all up to you! I like to just bring the essentials and make it work with whatever’s available to me to avoid carrying so much.

What about you—would you scrap any of these items or keep on adding to them?