What to buy for a children’s party

This children’s party shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook: enough child-sized tableware, serving utensils, chilled drinks, cake supplies and materials for more than one activity. Plan quantities around the number of children and adults, then add a small buffer for spills, dropped cutlery and extra servings. Buy non-perishable decorations and craft supplies early; arrange the cake and fresh food closer to the party so they are ready when guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Children’s tablesqty 3
Children's chairsqty 20
Adult chairsqty 6
Gift table

Tableware

Children's platesqty 25
Children's cupsqty 25
Adult glassesqty 10
Forksqty 30
Knivesqty 15
Spoonsqty 30
Cake forksqty 25
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cake knife

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Coolersqty 2
Extension cord
Notice board

Game materials

Ballsqty 6
Hoopsqty 6
Conesqty 20
Ropeqty 2
Craft tablesqty 2
Colored pencil setsqty 4
Craft paperqty 2
Markersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Balloon arch
Buntingqty 3
Tableclothsqty 4
Gift bagsqty 20
Gift stickersqty 25

Cleaning

Dustpan and brush
Bucket
Cleaning clothsqty 6
Dish brush

Catering

Groceries
- Children's lemonade - 6 liters
- Cola - 3 liters
- Cola Zero - 2 liters
- Orange soda - 2 liters
- Spa Blauw - 6 liters
- Sparkling water - 2 liters
- Apple juice - 2 liter
- Coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 2 liter
- Hot chocolate - 2 liters
- Ice cubes - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Snacks - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Mini cocktail sausages - 3 cans
- Puff pastry snacks - 40 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 3 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 1 kilo
- Apples - 15 pieces
- Bananas - 12 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 tubs
- Yogurt dip - 2 tubs
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Chips cups - 6 pieces
- Candy Bags - 20 Pieces
- Mini candies - 1 kilo
- Marshmallows - 2 bags
- Cake - 1 piece for 30 people
- Candles - 10 pieces
- Chocolate decoration - 1 bag
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Garbage bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 8 rolls

Tips

Count one children’s plate, cup and fork per child, then add 5 extra place settings for spills or unexpected guests. Adults need separate glasses and cutlery, especially if they will be helping serve food.
Allow 2–3 drinks per child for a two-hour party, plus water. Chill them at least 3 hours beforehand; coolers are useful when the refrigerator cannot hold everything.
Order the cake at least 7 days ahead and confirm dietary requirements before ordering. Bring a cake knife, cake forks and a serving platter rather than assuming the venue has them.
Prepare two activity options for the group, such as balls, hoops and cones for movement and craft paper, markers and coloured pencils for a quieter activity. Buy enough materials for every child to participate at the same time.
Buy balloons, bunting and tablecloths 3–5 days before the party, but leave the balloon arch and table setup until the day itself. Keep an extension cord available if the Bluetooth speaker needs charging or a nearby power socket.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and cups do I need for a children’s party?: Plan one plate and one cup per child, plus 5 extra of each for spills and replacements. For adults, provide one glass per person and keep a few additional glasses available for helpers.
How much food and drink should I buy for a kids’ party?: For a two-hour party, allow 2–3 drinks per child, including water, and prepare 3–5 snack portions per child alongside the cake. Add about 10% extra if children will be staying longer or if no meal is served beforehand.
When should I order a birthday cake for a children’s party?: Order it at least 7 days before the party, and earlier if you need a special design or dietary option. Pick it up on the day, ideally 1–2 hours before guests arrive, so it can be stored safely and served on time.
What craft supplies do I need for a children’s party?: Provide one work area for every 4–6 children and enough craft paper, markers and coloured pencils for everyone to use at once. Buy at least 10% extra paper and replaceable supplies because spills and lost pens are common.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.