What to Buy for a Craft Afternoon

A craft afternoon needs more than paper and glue. Plan materials by activity and participant, then prepare one work kit per child so nobody waits for scissors, paint or decorations. This list covers the core supplies, furniture and setup items for drawing, painting and small paper crafts. Buy consumables early, especially cardboard, glue, paint and table covers, and keep a small reserve for spills, mistakes and late registrations.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Tableclothqty 6
Drying racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 8

Craft supplies

Drawing paperqty 200
Colored paperqty 300
Cardboard sheetsqty 100
Folded cardboardqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 40
Markersqty 40
Wascoqty 30
Poster paintqty 24
Paintbrushesqty 36
Mixing palettesqty 12
Children's apronsqty 30
Scissorsqty 30
Glue Sticksqty 40
Liquid glueqty 6
Double-sided tapeqty 6
Clothespinsqty 100
Pom-pomsqty 300
Chenille wireqty 200
Wooden ice lolly sticksqty 200
Craft feathersqty 200
wiggle eyesqty 300
Glitterqty 12
Stickersqty 20
Ribbonqty 10
Ropeqty 6
Apron filmqty 2

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Glue gunsqty 4

Tableware

Disposable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Spoonsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving jugsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 30
Name badgesqty 35

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Floor squeegee

Catering

Groceries
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Mini currant rolls - 40 pieces
- Mini croissants - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Turkey breast - 500 grams
- Vegetarian spread - 2 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper plates - 50 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 50 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles

Tips

Prepare one work kit per participant, plus 10% extra materials for torn paper, spilled paint and last-minute registrations. Put paper, pencils, scissors, glue and decorations in each kit before guests arrive.
Allow at least one pair of scissors and one glue stick for every two children. Keep liquid glue, double-sided tape and spare scissors at a central supply station.
For painting, provide one paintbrush and one mixing palette for every child or pair, and keep drying racks ready before the activity starts. Paint needs a separate place to dry so finished work does not get damaged.
Cover every table before setting out poster paint, wasco or markers. Keep children’s aprons near the craft stations and have clothespins available for attaching names to wet artwork.
Buy small decorations in mixed quantities rather than relying on one item: pom-poms, chenille wire, feathers, wiggle eyes, glitter, stickers, ribbon and rope are easy to use up quickly. Sort them into shallow containers before the afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

How much craft material do I need per child?: Prepare one complete work kit per child and add about 10% extra for mistakes and damaged materials. For shared tools, plan at least one pair of scissors, glue stick and paintbrush for every two children.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a craft afternoon?: Allow one chair per participant and enough table space for each child to work with paper, tools and decorations. A practical starting point is one table for 4–6 children, depending on the activity and table size.
When should I buy supplies for a craft afternoon?: Buy paper, cardboard, glue, paint and decorations at least 7 days beforehand. Check the materials list again 2–3 days before the event, after registrations and dietary requirements have been confirmed.
What do people usually forget for a craft afternoon?: Drying racks, tablecloths, aprons and storage crates are often missed, even though they prevent wet artwork and loose materials from becoming a problem. Also set aside about 10% extra consumables and prepare name badges before participants arrive.

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.