What to Buy for a Kids' Disco

A kids' disco needs more than music and speakers. Plan drinks, snacks, reusable tableware, decorations and simple activity supplies before shopping day, then check that everything matches your final guest list and dietary information. Name stickers and wristbands help at the information desk, while coolers keep drinks ready without crowding the food table. The list below covers the practical items needed for a smooth dance floor, snack station and games schedule.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Rest benchesqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Cable matsqty 8

Lighting

Disco lightsqty 4
Light standsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Scissorsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Disco floor stickers
Name stickersqty 120
Wristbandsqty 120

Sports equipment

Dance ribbonsqty 20
Game ballsqty 10
Hoopsqty 12

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 3
Barrier tapeqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini pretzels - 5 bags
- Rice cakes - 5 packs
- Mini cucumbers - 5 bags
- Carrots - 5 bags
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Mini hot dog sausages - 8 jars
- Vegetarian cocktail sausages - 4 jars
- Mini hot dog buns - 120 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Ice lollies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then about one drink per hour after that. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive so the serving table stays manageable.
Buy enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for one full serving per child, plus at least 10% extra. Extra tableware prevents a shortage when items are dropped or used for seconds.
Prepare snacks in separate batches for known dietary requirements and label them before setting out the food. Keep allergen information visible at the table rather than relying on memory.
Allow one name sticker and one wristband per child, plus 10% spare. Put scissors and a marker at the information desk so replacements can be made immediately.
Check extension cords, power strips and cable mats before shopping day, not during setup. Use cable mats wherever leads cross the route to the dance floor, and test the lights and sound system before children arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a kids' disco?: For a two-hour disco, plan around three to four drinks per child: two to three in the first hour and about one in the second. Add roughly 10% extra for spills, unexpected guests or children who drink more.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a kids' disco?: Provide one cup and one plate per child for each planned serving, then add at least 10% spare. For 30 children, that means at least 33 cups and 33 plates, with extra cutlery for snacks and cake.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a kids' disco?: Do the main shopping one to two days before the event and chill the drinks on the day, ideally at least four hours before guests arrive. Keep a separate supply ready so the table can be refilled without interrupting the disco.
How many name stickers and wristbands do I need?: Prepare one name sticker and one wristband per registered child, plus 10% spare. For 30 children, prepare at least 33 of each so replacements and last-minute additions are covered.

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