Children’s party shopping list

A children’s party needs more than cake and balloons. Use this shopping list to cover food, drinks, tableware, decorations, games and the practical items that are easy to forget. Plan roughly two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then one per hour after that. Buy chilled items no later than the day before, and leave enough time to collect the cake and finish the setup before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children's chairsqty 20
Tablesqty 4
Buffet table
Gift table
Coat rack

Tableware

Children's platesqty 24
Children's cupsqty 24
Coffee cupsqty 12
Forksqty 24
Knivesqty 24
Spoonsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Cake platesqty 24
Cake knife
Serving spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 80
Balloon pump
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 5
Confetti-free table decorqty 4
Name badgesqty 24
Wrapping paperqty 2
Ribbonqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 2

Sports equipment

Soft ballsqty 6
Hoopsqty 6
Skipping ropesqty 6
Conesqty 12
Treasure chest
Playing cardsqty 2
Colored pencilsqty 24
Markersqty 24
Coloring pagesqty 30
Craft apronsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 2
Serving plattersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Litter picker
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Mopqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Toilet brush

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Battery lanternsqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Non-slip matsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Multivitamin juice - 3 packs
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 4 packs
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 1 kilogram
- Knack sausages - 30 pieces
- Mini hot dog buns - 30 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Tomato sauce - 3 jars
- Pizza bases - 8 pieces
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Paprika - 6 pieces
- Corn - 4 cans
- Ham cubes - 500 grams
- Vegetarian pizza topping - 500 grams
- Cake - 1 piece
- Vanilla ice cream - 3 liters
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Cake decorations - 3 packs
- Candy bags - 24 pieces
- Mixed candy - 2 kilograms
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Rubber gloves - 2 pairs

Tips

Buy about two to three drinks per child for the first hour, plus one extra drink per child for every additional hour. Keep chilled drinks in coolers or a refrigerator until serving.
Allow one small plate, cup, fork and napkin per child, then add at least 10% extra for spills and replacements. Put cake plates, the cake knife and serving spoons in a separate bag so they are not forgotten.
Order the cake several days ahead and confirm the pickup time the day before. Collect the cake and other chilled items close to the party so they stay in good condition.
Prepare a separate bag for the activity supplies: soft balls, hoops and skipping ropes can be set up quickly, while name badges and decorations help children find their place and settle in.
Check the weather forecast the day before and prepare both indoor and outdoor options. Pack extension cords, the Bluetooth speaker, balloon pump and tablecloths together so setup does not depend on a last-minute shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a children’s party?: Plan two to three drinks per child for the first hour and one more per child for each additional hour. For food, provide about four to six small snack portions per child, plus cake; add 10% extra for unexpected guests or seconds.
How many plates, cups and cutlery do I need for a kids’ party?: Buy one plate, cup, fork and spoon per child, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 children, that means 22 of each item where possible, along with enough serving platters and spoons for the buffet.
When should I order the cake for a children’s party?: Order it at least 3 to 7 days before the party, or earlier if the design is detailed or the date is busy. Confirm the pickup time the day before and collect the cake and chilled items as close to the party as practical.
What party supplies do people usually forget?: The items most often missed are a cake knife, serving spoons, extra cups, name badges, wrapping paper and a balloon pump. Check these supplies at least 24 hours before the party, not while guests are arriving.

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