'I threw my niece her dream sleepover on a budget - this is how'

Erica says the sleepover cost a fraction of what it would have if she bought her party essentials elsewhere

Kids are always buzzing with excitement when a sleepover is on the horizon. It's the perfect opportunity to have a laugh, unwind and create lasting memories with friends.

Sleepover games and activities not only keep everyone entertained, but they also offer a fantastic chance to bond and make the most of their time together.

With Google searches for sleepover-related queries surging by 5,000 per cent over the past 30 days, it's clear that parents and guardians across the UK are on the lookout for creative ways to organise sleepover parties for their little ones.

While Pinterest-inspired sleepover parties are all the rage, they can be quite expensive unless you're Erica Young, a savvy woman from Orpington in London.

Erica wanted to throw a magical sleepover for her niece and her friends, but shopping supplies for this special experience put her wallet under stress.

She scanned multiple online shopping sites and after much research, one website finally gave her what she was looking for - Temu.

"I was determined to make the event special and turn it into something that my niece would love, enjoy, and remember", Erica said. "She filled her cart with fairy lights, cosy blankets, balloons, banners, and table settings that matched the rosy colour scheme."

Erica also got creative and included some DIY in her party preparation. She hired teepee tents and decorated them herself with fairy lights and cosy blankets.

"Seeing the reaction on my niece's face was absolutely priceless and made all the effort worthwhile. I was thrilled to see her face light up," Erica said.

Erica says the entire setup only cost her £70 - a fraction of what it would have cost if she had bought her party essentials elsewhere.

Erica was very satisfied with the results. "I found that Temu has a wide range of products that can meet all your needs for a sleepover party," she said.

A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that UK households could save around £3,000 a year by shopping through direct distribution channels like Temu.

Erica suggests that fellow aunts who might want to create something special for their little nieces start their party planning by browsing pictures on Google and looking for inspiration to help decide on the colour scheme and the vibe.

"Remember - do not buy the first thing that you find," she said. "Instead, take your time to find the best deals."