Children’s Party Shopping List

Use this checklist to gather everything for a children’s party, from plates and cups to decorations, seating and drink supplies. Plan tableware for every child plus adults who stay, and add a small buffer for spills or lost cups. Chilled items, cake and ice are easy to forget, so collect or prepare them close to the start time. Check dietary requirements before shopping, especially if children will eat cake and shared snacks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tent
Foldable tablesqty 4
Children's chairsqty 24
Adult chairsqty 8
Gift table
Buffet tableqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Children's platesqty 30
Adult platesqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Cake platesqty 30
Cake knife

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon arch
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Party hatsqty 25
Gift bagsqty 25
Gift stickersqty 30

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knife
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen tongsqty 2
Ice cube traysqty 4

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Soft play ballsqty 6
Hoopsqty 6
Conesqty 20
Skipping ropesqty 8
Water gunsqty 20
Treasure chest
Treasure Map Cardsqty 25
Prize cupsqty 25

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Outdoor lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 3 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mini sausages - 3 packs
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Fries - 5 kilo
- Chicken nuggets - 3 kilo
- Vegetarian nuggets - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Applesauce - 3 jars
- Birthday cake - 1 cake
- Cupcakes - 30 pieces
- Whipped cream - 3 cans
- Candles - 2 boxes
- Candy bags - 25 pieces
- Gummy bears - 2 kilos
- Lollipops - 30 pieces
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Napkins - 120 pieces
- Straws - 50 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 1 box
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Wet wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers

Tips

Buy one child-sized plate, cup and cutlery set per child, then add 10% extra for spills or replacements. Include adult plates and cups for parents who remain at the party.
Plan drinks for the full party: allow two to three drinks per child during the first hour, then one more per hour. Chill bottled or packaged drinks several hours ahead and keep extra stock in coolers.
Order the cake at least 5 to 7 days before the party, and confirm the collection time the day before. Bring cake plates, a cake knife and serving platters so cutting does not become a last-minute kitchen task.
Prepare decorations and gift bags at least one day early. Count one party hat and one gift bag per child, and keep balloons, bunting and the balloon arch away from activity areas until setup.
Check power needs before guests arrive: test the Bluetooth speaker, extension cords and power strips at least 2 hours beforehand. Keep cables out of walking routes, and place coolers and thermos flasks where children cannot trip over them.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a children’s party?: Allow two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then one additional drink per hour. For food, plan roughly 4 to 6 small savoury portions and one slice of cake per child, with 10% extra for unexpected guests or spills.
How many plates, cups and chairs should I buy for a kids’ party?: Provide one child’s plate, cup and cutlery set per child, plus 10% extra. Count one child’s chair per child and add adult chairs for parents who stay; buying or borrowing these 1 to 2 days before the party gives you time to replace missing items.
When should I order a birthday cake for a children’s party?: Order the cake 5 to 7 days before the party, or earlier if the bakery requires advance notice. Confirm the collection time the day before and pick it up with chilled items on the same day.
What do I need for serving birthday cake at a kids’ party?: Set out one cake plate per guest, a cake knife and at least one serving platter. Have these ready 30 minutes before cake time, and keep the cake chilled until it is needed.

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