What to Buy for a Children’s Party

A children’s party needs more than cake and balloons. Plan food and drinks for the number of children attending, plus reusable tableware, decorations, activity supplies and basic equipment for serving and cleaning up. Check dietary requirements before you shop, and arrange the cake and chilled items early enough for collection on the day. This list supports a party with games, crafts, snacks, gifts and a clear welcome area.

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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
Gift table
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving boardsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 3
Buntingqty 6
Balloon pump
Gift bag

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Timer

Sports equipment

Soft ballsqty 6
Hoopsqty 6
Conesqty 12
Skipping ropesqty 6
Parachute cloth

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpan

Catering

Groceries
- Birthday cake - 1 cake for 30 people
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 2 liter
- Oat milk - 1 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Salty pretzels - 2 bags
- Mini rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 500 grams
- Back ham - 300 grams
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Cucumber - 3 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 trays
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Mini chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 2 liters
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Teaspoons - 1 pack
- Napkins - 2 packs
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Cleaning wipes - 1 pack
- Disinfectant wipes - 1 pack
- Colored paper - 3 packs
- Markers - 3 sets
- Colored pencils - 2 sets
- Glue sticks - 12 pieces
- Children's aprons - 12 pieces
- Sticker books - 3 books
- Foldable sheets - 3 packs
- Crepe paper - 6 rolls
- Tealights - 1 pack
- Matches - 1 box

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per child for the first hour, then about 1 drink per child for each additional hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep extra supplies in coolers.
Buy one plate, cup and cutlery set per child, plus at least 10% extra for dropped or dirty items. Add serving boards and tablecloths so snacks and cake can be handled quickly.
Prepare one craft setup per child and bring 2–3 spare sets. Cutting boards, knives, scissors, mixing bowls and a timer are easy to overlook when the activity involves food or timed rounds.
For active games, check the equipment before shopping: soft balls, hoops, cones, skipping ropes and parachute cloth each need enough space and adult supervision. Pack extension cords and power strips if music or lighting is needed.
Set aside a gift table, coat racks and a gift bag before the party starts. Keep cleaning supplies such as buckets, a broom and dustpan ready; spills and torn decorations usually appear within the first 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a children’s party?: Plan 2–3 drinks per child for the first hour, then 1 drink per child for every extra hour. For snacks, prepare about 6–8 small portions per child, plus the cake, and add 10% extra for unexpected guests.
How many plates, cups and chairs should I buy?: Provide one chair, plate, cup and cutlery set per child, plus 10% extra. For 20 children, that means 22 of each where possible, with enough table space for everyone to eat comfortably.
When should I order the birthday cake?: Confirm the cake at least 7 days before the party, or earlier if it has a custom design. Check collection time and dietary requirements again 24 hours before pickup, especially for chilled items.
What should I prepare for children’s party activities?: Prepare one complete craft or game setup per child and 2–3 spare sets. Check all equipment at least 24 hours before the party, then place activities, scissors and other materials where adults can supervise them.

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