When I had my three nephews and niece over for an Auntie “Sprinkles” sleepover adventure, I knew an activity or two would be in order. Coming up with a craft was not a problem for me, but finding a craft that would engage all of the kids ranging ages 4-11 was a little tricky. These decorated flashlights turned out to be the perfect solution! My fabulous husband picked up the flashlights at the dollar store (for a buck each of course) along with some cheap batteries. I had the pony beads, stickers, glue dots etc. in my office, but you can get these supplies at the dollar store as well. I would have preferred solid colored plastic flashlights, but when you shop at the dollar store…you get what you get and you don’t complain! The kids were so creative and thrilled with the end results. The youngest, held his flashlight all night and even slept with it under his pillow. Soooo cute!

If you’re throwing a slumber party, regardless of the kids ages, this craft is ideal because…

• The flashlight provides kids who are less than thrilled about the sleepover part with a little security.
• Once it’s “light-out” time the kids can play flashlight tag on the ceiling.
• You have a party craft and party favor rolled up into one inexpensive activity!

Craft Materials:

• One flashlight per child ( dollar store )
• Decorations
  Stickers, craft foam letters, ribbon, pony beads, lanyard, buttons, stick on gems
• Glue Dots for extra stickiness if needed
• Permanent Gel pens if the flashlight has a smooth surface
• Batteries

1. Insert batteries and test flashlights first. You may want to do this before you leave the store, or buy an extra just in case. You are buying cheap flashlights after all and wouldn’t want one disappointed kiddo when the lights go out.
2. Open and prepare all supplies first. I put small items in bowls, paper plates or cupcake tins to  keep the mess to a minimum.
3. We used the tie that came with the flashlights to string pony beads, but if your flashlight has a loop on the end you can use ribbon or lanyard.
4. Then just let the kids decorate as they desire, using glue dots kept items from falling off our textured flashlights. This should not be a problem however if you can find smooth plastic flashlights.

 

 

 

 

2 Responses to “Sleepover Flashlight Craft”

1. Sleepover Craft: Personalized Flashlights | Frugal Fun - Crafts for Kids - Dollar Store Mom says:

   August 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm

   [...] Kids of all sizes love flashlights, so why not give them their own special personalized flashlight? This is a great sleepover activity: not only do they get to decorate their flashlights (that should be a good 20 minutes of fun), but they get to use the flashlights for the rest of the night. And because they’re personalized, it will be easy to tell whose is whose the next morning. Simple! You can find flashlights and decorating goodies at the dollar store (and don’t forget the batteries!) Find instructions for the project at Kids Parties 1-2-3 [personalized flashlight craft] [...]
2. American Girl Slumber Party Birthday | Kids Parties 1-2-3 says:

   September 26, 2012 at 6:59 pm

   [...] you have time for another craft , provide the supplies for decorating a flashlight, hairbrush, hand mirror with stick on jewels, gel writers, craft foam stickers and glitter [...]