What to buy for a children’s afternoon

Plan the shopping around the number of children, the length of the afternoon and the activities you have scheduled. You will need more than snacks: drinks, reusable serving items, activity equipment, seating and basic cleanup supplies all need to be ready before families arrive. Buy shelf-stable food and craft supplies first, then chill drinks and shop for fresh food close to the event. Check dietary requirements before you set quantities, and keep a few spare portions for late arrivals or children who drop something.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Coat rackqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 20
Soup ladlesqty 4

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Portable speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Projector
Projection screen

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 4
Conesqty 20
Skipping ropesqty 8
Hoopsqty 10
Soft ballsqty 12
Tug of war rope

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
LED string lightsqty 4

Organization

Name stickersqty 80
Waterproof markersqty 12
Printer paperqty 100
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 4

Crafting

Colored pencilsqty 60
Markersqty 60
Wascoqty 40
Children's brushesqty 30
Paint apronsqty 20
Children's scissorsqty 20
Glue sticksqty 30
Colored paperqty 500
Craft cardboardqty 100
Craft stickersqty 10
Finger paintqty 12
Apronsqty 20

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilos
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Mini hot dogs - 100 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 100 pieces
- Tomato soup - 10 liters
- Tomato paste - 6 cans
- Pasta - 8 kilo
- Pasta sauce - 10 jars
- Grated cheese - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian meatballs - 4 kilo
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Halal chicken breast - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Multivitamin juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Chocolate cookies - 10 packs
- Soft rolls - 100 pieces
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per child for the first two hours, plus extra water for active games. Chill them in the cool boxes before guests arrive rather than relying on a last-minute refrigerator check.
Allow one reusable plate, cup and set of cutlery per child, then add 10% spare items. This covers dropped items, late arrivals and adults helping with food.
Buy craft materials in complete packs rather than loose pieces, and prepare one kit per child plus two spare kits. Missing scissors, paper or glue can stop an entire activity.
For outdoor or movement games, prepare at least two soft balls, six cones and enough space to run safely. Keep quieter options such as hoops, skipping ropes or crafts ready for children who do not want team games.
Set aside dedicated serving trays, bowls, chopping boards and kitchen knives for the food setup. Put waste bins near the eating and activity areas, and bring extension leads and power strips if the speaker, kettle or projector cannot reach a socket.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a children’s afternoon party?: Buy drinks, snacks and fresh food, plus reusable plates, cups and cutlery for every child and 10% extra. Add activity supplies such as balls, cones, skipping ropes, hoops and craft materials, along with bins and basic serving equipment.
How many drinks do I need for a children’s afternoon?: Plan two to three drinks per child for the first two hours, with water available throughout the afternoon. Add at least 10% extra if the weather is warm or the programme includes football, running games or other active activities.
How many plates and cups should I buy for children?: Allow one plate and one cup per child, plus one spare set for every 10 children. For 20 children, prepare at least 22 plates and cups, and match the cutlery quantity to the food you are serving.
When should I buy food and chill the drinks?: Buy shelf-stable items and activity supplies several days beforehand. Shop for fresh food one day before the afternoon, then chill the drinks in cool boxes on the day, ideally at least two hours before guests arrive.

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