What you need for a children's reading afternoon

Use this shopping list to prepare a children's reading afternoon with read-aloud sessions, crafts and a simple drinks station. Plan seating for both children and adults, then gather the books, cushions and blankets needed for the reading corner. For each craft table, provide paper, colouring materials, scissors, glue and protective mats. Drinks, cups, plates and spoons are easy to underestimate, especially when families stay for more than one reading.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children's chairsqty 20
Adult chairsqty 20
Tablesqty 6
Blanketsqty 6
Cushionsqty 30
Bookshelvesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Tea glassesqty 30
Platesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Pliersqty 4

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Microphone
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Garlandqty 4
Book tablesqty 2
Program postersqty 4

Craft supplies

Colored pencilsqty 10
Wascoqty 8
Scissorsqty 20
Glue sticksqty 20
Drawing paperqty 100
Colored paperqty 100
Markersqty 10
Craft matsqty 6

Reception

Registration desk
Name stickersqty 50
Markersqty 6
Clipboardsqty 2
Program postersqty 50

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10
Dishclothsqty 8
Hand soapqty 2

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Water - 8 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 1 bottle
- Mini ice pops - 50 pieces
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Mini waffles - 4 packs
- Raisins - 40 boxes
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Halal chicken breast - 500 grams
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 1 pack
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper straws - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles

Tips

Count children’s chairs and adult chairs separately before shopping, and add 10% spare seating if registrations may change. Keep cushions and blankets together so the reading corner can be set up quickly.
For drinks, plan at least 2 cups per visitor if the afternoon includes tea, coffee or cold drinks. Have reusable cups, tea glasses, plates and spoons ready at the station rather than unpacking them during registration.
Prepare one complete craft set per child: drawing paper, coloured paper, coloured pencils, wax crayons, markers, scissors and glue sticks. Buy or set aside extra paper and glue for roughly 10% more children than registered.
Protect every craft table with a craft mat and tablecloth before children arrive. This prevents a late search for cleaning supplies and leaves the tables ready for the next activity.
Check equipment and cables at least 24 hours beforehand. Test the microphone, speaker, coffee maker and kettle together, and bring extension cords and power strips if the room has limited sockets.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a children's reading afternoon?: You need read-aloud books, children’s and adult chairs, tables, cushions, blankets, a drinks station, tableware and craft supplies. Also prepare a registration desk, badges or a printed registration list, posters and the equipment needed for the microphone and speaker.
How many craft supplies do I need per child?: Prepare one working set per child, including drawing paper, coloured paper, colouring pencils, wax crayons, markers, scissors and a glue stick. Add supplies for 10% more children than the confirmed registrations, especially paper and glue.
How many cups should I buy for a children's reading afternoon?: Plan 2 cups per visitor for an afternoon with multiple drinks, plus 10% spare. Use reusable cups and tea glasses for the drinks station, and count plates and spoons for any snacks separately.
When should I buy and prepare the supplies?: Buy non-perishable craft materials and tableware at least 3 to 5 days before the event. Chill drinks and arrange the reading books, craft materials, registration desk and room setup on the day, leaving at least 60 minutes before opening.

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