What you need for a children’s book party

A children’s book party needs more than a stack of books. You’ll need a comfortable reading area, a clear book table, craft supplies, serving items and simple equipment for a group of children. Plan seating for every child plus a few adults, and check that your speaker and microphone work before guests arrive. This shopping list helps you gather the practical items that are easy to overlook, from direction signs and book-themed decorations to cups, water jugs and extension cables.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 90
Bookshelvesqty 2
Registration desk
Cushionsqty 30
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 10
Coffee cupsqty 30

Decorations

Book flagsqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Book theme bannerqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Direction signsqty 12
Bookmark templatesqty 100

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Water jugsqty 6

Activities

Colored pencilsqty 120
Markersqty 100
Wax crayonsqty 80
Scissorsqty 30
Glue sticksqty 40
Colored paperqty 500
Craft cardboardqty 200
Sticker sheetsqty 100
Costume accessoriesqty 30
Scavenger hunt cardsqty 100

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 3 boxes
- Cocoa Powder - 1 canister
- Granulated sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sparkling lemonade - 3 bottles
- White sandwich loaves - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Wholegrain biscuits - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Raisins - 40 boxes
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dishwashing liquid - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Set up one comfortable reading area with enough cushions and chairs for every child, plus seats for the adults supervising the session. Keep the book table separate so children can browse without interrupting the reading.
Buy or gather more activity supplies than the headcount suggests: allow at least one set of colouring materials per child, with extra pencils, felt-tip pens and crayons for replacements.
Prepare serving items before shopping for food. For a children’s group, plan one reusable cup and plate per guest, plus at least 10% extra, and keep serving platters and serving spoons ready.
Test the portable speaker and wireless microphone at least 24 hours before the party. Pack extension cables and power strips as well, because the reading area and registration table may not be near an outlet.
Put direction signs, the registration table and the printed participant list at the entrance. Keep waste bins visible near the activity and food tables, rather than leaving cleanup until the end.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs do I need for a children’s book party?: Plan one chair or floor cushion for each child who has registered, plus seating for every supervising adult. Add two or three spare places so late arrivals do not disrupt the reading session.
How many craft supplies should I buy per child?: Allow one complete colouring set per child, then add roughly 10% extra supplies for broken or missing items. For 20 children, prepare materials for at least 22 participants.
When should I test the microphone and speaker?: Test both at least 24 hours before the party, then check the volume again when the room is set up. Keep extension cables and power strips with the equipment so a last-minute outlet problem does not delay the reading.
How many reusable cups and plates are needed?: Provide one cup and one plate per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 children and 5 adults, prepare at least 28 cups and plates to cover spills and unexpected guests.

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