Last month I posted the sugar cookie recipe that I always use. And this weekend, I cajoled my friend into letting me make them as favors for her daughters' birthday party--see, I really, really like to make them and won't let anyone else do them (though this does not apply to you--you should indeed make them. Unless you invite me to your party, in which case I will). Her girls had a pajama party and it was really fun. Look at these super cute invites (how-to here: Parents Magazine).
The guests were asked to show up in pjs and there was a craft where the kids decorated pillow cases to take home:
And just look at these cupcakes (yes, from that cupcake book again). I have to make these soon. I've seen a version with little teddy graham crackers tucked in as lovies--too cute, right?
I could not find a pajama cookie cutter anywhere. But discovered that in a pinch, headless gingermen work just fine--oh, and for the nightgowns, I cut off the footsies and smooshed the legs together. For the cookie recipe and a rather wordy explanation complicating my simple tip for decorating (dipping vice frosting the cookies), see this post.
And if you are considering hosting a pajama birthday party, I need to add that the most genius part of it is you don't have to get dressed the day of the party--assuming you have cute enough pjs like my friend. This is huge for me as I never seem to leave enough time during pre-party preps to personally get ready. Sadly my guests will often find a nicely staged room but a hostess dressed in her crafting clothes (you save your college tees for painting/moving/gardening? I save 'em for crafting).