What to buy for a kids' disco

A kids' disco needs more than music and decorations. Plan drinks and snacks for the number of children attending, then add serving items, seating and a clearly marked quiet area. You will also need reliable audio equipment, safe cable management, simple lighting and small items such as name stickers and wristbands. Use this shopping list alongside your registration numbers, dietary information and supervision plan so you buy the right quantities and avoid last-minute trips.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Coat rack
Rest matsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphone
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Cable matsqty 8

Lighting

LED disco lightsqty 4
LED light stringsqty 4
Night lightsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Colored garlandsqty 10
Disco floor stickersqty 2
Name stickersqty 100
Wristbandsqty 100

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water carafesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 16

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- 7UP - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Mini pita breads - 80 units
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Halal chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Wholemeal sandwich bread - 8 loaves
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Applesauce - 3 jars
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Lollipops - 100 pieces
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow about 2–3 drinks per child for the first hour, then 1 drink per hour after that. Buy extra water and keep chilled products in coolers until serving.
Plan at least 2 snack portions per child, with a separate supply of allergen-free snacks based on the dietary information collected. Keep these snacks clearly labelled and apart from the regular food.
Use reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the expected number of children plus around 10% spare. Serving platters, tongs and serving spoons prevent children from handling shared food directly.
Check the audio setup before the event: test the active speakers, mixer, microphone and laptop together, and bring extension cords, power strips and cable mats. Charge batteries and prepare music files before opening the venue.
Buy enough name stickers and wristbands for every child plus 10% spare. Combine LED disco lights and light strings with night lights so entrances, cables and the quiet area remain visible.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a kids' disco?: Budget 2–3 drinks per child for the first hour and 1 additional drink per hour afterwards. Add about 10% extra, especially if the disco lasts more than two hours or the room is warm.
How many snacks should I buy for a kids' disco?: Allow at least 2 snack portions per child, plus 10% spare. Pack allergen-free snacks separately and base the quantity on the dietary requirements collected during registration.
How many cups, plates and cutlery items are needed?: Buy or bring one cup, plate and set of cutlery per child, plus around 10% spare. For a one-hour event, reusable items can usually be collected and washed for reuse if you have enough staff and a washing point.
When should I prepare the music and charge the equipment?: Prepare the music files and check music rights at least 3 days before the disco. Charge batteries and test the laptop, mixer, microphone and speakers on the day before, then run a short sound check before children arrive.

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