What you need for a craft afternoon

A craft afternoon needs more than paper and paint. Plan supplies by workstation so every child can start without waiting for shared scissors, glue or brushes. This list covers the core craft materials, protective items, drying space, tableware and reception supplies for a hands-on session with children. Check registrations and dietary requirements before shopping, then prepare a few extra sets for spills, damaged materials or last-minute guests.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Reception desk
Waste binsqty 4

Craft supplies

Colored paperqty 300
White paperqty 200
Cardboardqty 80
Colored pencilsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Wascoqty 10
Paintqty 12
Brushesqty 36
Mixing bowlsqty 36
Children's apronsqty 32
Children's scissorsqty 32
Glue sticksqty 36
Liquid glueqty 12
Glitterqty 8
Pom-pomsqty 300
Googly eyesqty 300
Wooden sticksqty 200
Woolqty 10
Beadsqty 1000
Pipe cleanersqty 300
Tapeqty 12
Protective filmqty 2
Drying racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Equipment

Kettle

Decorations

Paper garlandsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Name stickersqty 40

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand broomsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 4 packs
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken Breast Slices - 600 grams
- Cucumber spread - 4 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Mini muffins - 40 pieces
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles

Tips

Buy craft materials for each child plus 10% extra. For 20 children, that means preparing supplies for 22 participants, especially paper, glue, paint and small decorations.
Provide one pair of child-safe scissors, one glue stick and a basic pencil or marker set per child where possible. Shared tools create queues as soon as everyone starts working.
Protect every worktable before the children arrive. Use protective film, aprons and waste bins at each work area, and keep liquid glue and paint on trays to limit spills.
Plan drying space before buying paint. One drying rack may not hold 20 projects, so reserve enough flat space or add racks if several activities use wet paint at the same time.
Pack drinks and snacks separately from the craft supplies, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping. Reusable cups, plates and cutlery should match the number of children plus at least two spare sets.

Frequently asked questions

How much craft material do I need per child?: Buy enough for one complete project per child and add 10% extra. For 20 children, shop for 22 sets of the main consumables, such as paper, glue, paint and decorative pieces.
How many scissors and glue sticks do I need for a craft afternoon?: Aim for one pair of children's scissors and one glue stick per child. If 20 children are attending, prepare 20 of each, or at least one set per two children if your budget or activity setup requires sharing.
What should I buy to protect the tables?: Use protective film on every table, plus one children's apron per child and a waste bin at each workstation. For 20 children, prepare 20 aprons and check the film before the event so every work surface is covered.
When should I do the shopping for a craft afternoon?: Buy non-perishable craft supplies at least 5 to 7 days before the event, then buy snacks and drinks 1 to 2 days beforehand. Check registrations and dietary requirements before the final food shop.

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