What to Buy for a Children’s Party

Use this shopping list to prepare a children’s party without last-minute trips to the store. It covers tableware, drinks, cake service, decorations, game equipment and small details such as tape, ribbon and prizes. Buy or gather items in stages: decorations and reusable equipment first, chilled food and drinks shortly before the party, and the cake according to its collection time. Check dietary requirements and the final guest count before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children’s tablesqty 3
Children's chairsqty 24
Adult chairsqty 6
Gift table

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 30
Children's platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Cake platesqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cake knife

Decorations

Balloonsqty 80
Balloon arch
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 4
Party hatsqty 24
Gift ribbonqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Ropeqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2

Game materials

Conesqty 20
Hoopsqty 6
Soft ballsqty 8
Sjoelbak
Treasure chest
Colored pencilsqty 24
Coloring pagesqty 30
Markersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Trash bag holderqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Children's lemonade - 6 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 3 six-packs
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 50 pieces
- Cake - 2 packs
- Whipped cream - 4 aerosol cans
- Vanilla ice cream - 3 liters
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Cheez Dippers - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Chicken nuggets - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian nuggets - 1 kilo
- French fries - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Cake - 1 piece for 30 people
- Candles - 30 pieces
- Candy mix - 2 kilos
- Lollipops - 30 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Small gifts - 30 pieces
- Paper napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Cleaning spray - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan tableware for every child plus 10% spare: plates, cups, cutlery and cake plates are easy to miscount. Keep adult chairs and serving items separate so children can use the party table safely.
Buy drinks in two groups: shelf-stable drinks and water ahead of time, then chill the amount needed on the day. Use coolers if the refrigerator cannot hold drinks for the full group.
Order the cake as soon as the guest count and dietary requirements are known, then confirm the collection time 24–48 hours beforehand. Pick up the cake and other chilled items as close to the party as practical.
Do not leave decorations and setup supplies until the morning of the party. Balloons, bunting, tape, rope, tablecloths and a balloon arch need time to assemble and secure safely.
Match game materials to the number of activity stations rather than buying one set for every child. Prepare cones, hoops, soft balls, the sjoelbak and treasure chest before guests arrive, and keep prizes and treats ready for the final game.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups and plates do I need for a children’s party?: Plan one cup and one food plate per child, plus at least 10% spare. Add one cake plate per guest and a separate set for adults if adults will eat at the party.
How much food and drink should I buy for a children’s party?: For the first hour, allow roughly two to three small drinks per child, then add water for the rest of the party. Buy snacks for the full guest count and add 10% spare, especially if the party lasts longer than two hours.
When should I order a cake for a children’s party?: Order it as soon as the guest list, theme and dietary requirements are settled, ideally at least 7 days before the party. Confirm the collection time 24–48 hours before pickup.
What should I buy for children’s party games?: Choose materials for each planned station and prepare them at least 1 day ahead. Allow one clear activity area per station, with cones, hoops or soft balls available before guests arrive; keep prizes and treats ready for the last game.

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