What to buy for Children's Week

Children's Week needs more than snacks and games. You will need serving supplies for the group, chilled storage for refrigerated food, and enough equipment to run activities safely indoors or outside. Plan purchases around the number of registered children and adults, then separate items that can be bought early from food that must stay cold. This checklist also helps you spot commonly forgotten items such as extension cords, consent paperwork at reception, and backup storage.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 55
Beer tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Storage binsqty 12
Food warmersqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Hot platesqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Projector
Projection screen

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 6
Basketballsqty 4
Volleyball net
Conesqty 30
Hoopsqty 15
Skipping ropesqty 15
Water gunsqty 20
Spongesqty 20
Relay batonsqty 12
Blindfoldsqty 12
Ropeqty 100

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Wristbandsqty 60
Tapeqty 8
Markersqty 40
Craft paperqty 10
Paint setsqty 8
Brushesqty 40
Scissorsqty 20
Glue sticksqty 30
Colored pencilsqty 20
Craft cardboardqty 10
Beadsqty 1000
Woolqty 10

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Spongesqty 12
Rubber glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Wholemeal bread - 18 loaves
- White Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 60 pieces
- Wraps - 60 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Oatmeal - 5 kilo
- Cornflakes - 5 packs
- Muesli - 3 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Low-fat margarine - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Apple syrup - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 5 jars
- Chocolate spread - 4 jars
- Eggs - 120 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 30 liters
- Plant-based milk - 8 liters
- Yogurt - 15 liters
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Carrots - 6 kilos
- Bell peppers - 30 pieces
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Potatoes - 20 kilos
- Rice - 8 kilo
- Pasta - 10 kilos
- Tomato sauce - 12 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 18 cans
- Kidney beans - 10 cans
- Corn - 10 cans
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Chicken breast - 8 kilos
- Ground beef - 6 kilos
- Vegetarian meatballs - 5 kilos
- Hot dogs - 100 pieces
- Pizza bases - 30 pieces
- Grated cheese - 5 kilo
- Cooking cream - 8 liters
- Vegetable bouillon - 3 packs
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Cooking oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Curry powder - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 2 jars
- Oregano - 2 pots
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 6 jars
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Applesauce - 8 jars
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Marshmallows - 8 bags
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Water - 120 liters
- Apple juice - 30 liters
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 8 bottles
- Cola - 20 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 2 boxes
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for every participant, plus at least 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Bring serving spoons and pouring jugs so food and drinks do not rely on shared utensils.
Buy non-perishable food and drinks several days before Children's Week, but purchase refrigerated products no earlier than 1–2 days before the event. Store chilled items in coolers until the serving area is ready.
Allow one table for registration and another for food service if space permits. Bring coat racks, attendance lists and storage bins before participants arrive, because these are easy to overlook during activity setup.
For outdoor activities, pack party tents, cones and the relevant balls, nets or hoops before loading food. Check every powered item, including speakers, a projector or hot plates, and bring extension cords and power strips.
Set aside a complete kitchen kit rather than packing items individually at the last minute: cutting boards, a chef’s knife, mixing bowls, kettles, thermos flasks and food warmers should arrive together. Check venue power and toilet access before relying on hot plates or other electrical equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drink do I need for Children's Week?: Base quantities on the final registration count and add 10% extra for unexpected guests or spills. Plan chilled products for purchase 1–2 days before the event, while non-perishable supplies can be bought several days earlier.
How many cups, plates and pieces of cutlery do I need for Children's Week?: Prepare one reusable cup, plate, bowl and cutlery set per participant, plus at least 10% spare. For 40 children and adults, that means 44 of each item where practical.
When should I buy supplies for Children's Week?: Buy non-perishable food, drinks and activity supplies several days ahead. Purchase refrigerated products 1–2 days before the event and keep them in coolers until serving.
What equipment is easy to forget for Children's Week?: Extension cords, power strips, storage bins, serving spoons and coat racks are often missed. Check them 1 day before setup, along with the projector, screen, speakers and sports equipment needed for the activity schedule.

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