Storytime Party Shopping List

A storytime party needs more than a stack of picture books. Plan for comfortable reading corners, child-sized tables, simple craft materials, snacks, drinks and a clear check-in area. This shopping list covers the items guests will use during the event, from reusable cups and serving platters to book stands and name badges. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and pick up books and craft supplies several days ahead so missing items can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 50
Tablesqty 6
Children’s tablesqty 3
Beanbagsqty 30
Carpetsqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Bowlsqty 10
Pitchersqty 5
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Paper garlandsqty 6
Bookmarksqty 60
Name badgesqty 60

Education

Picture booksqty 15
Picture booksqty 20
Coloring pagesqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 60
Washable markersqty 40
Drawing paperqty 150
Children's Bookmarksqty 60

Equipment

Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Book standsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 3 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 6 packs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Egg cakes - 60 pieces
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dish cloths - 10 pieces
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Prepare at least one picture book for each planned reading session, plus one or two spare books in case the group finishes early or the age range is mixed.
For a group of 20 children, provide 20 name badges, at least 20 cups and plates, and enough cutlery sets for everyone who will eat. Add a few extras for replacements.
Set up one reading corner for every 8 to 10 children. Each corner needs seating such as beanbags or chairs, a carpet, and a book stand so the pages remain visible.
Buy craft materials with a buffer: for 20 children, prepare at least 25 coloring pages and enough drawing paper, colored pencils, washable markers and children's bookmarks for the full activity.
Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and place reusable cups, bowls, serving platters and serving tongs on the buffet. Test the portable speaker, extension cords and power strips at least one hour before the first story.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a storytime party?: Plan for picture books, reading-corner seating, carpets, book stands, craft supplies, snacks, drinks and serving items. You will also need name badges, tables, chairs and a portable speaker if the room is large.
How many books do I need for a storytime party?: Prepare at least one picture book for each reading session, with one or two spare books. For mixed age groups, allow roughly one suitable book per 8 to 10 children in each reading corner.
How much craft material should I buy for 20 children?: Buy at least 25 coloring pages and enough drawing paper, colored pencils, washable markers and children's bookmarks for 20 children. The five-item buffer covers spills, lost materials and children who want to start again.
When should I buy supplies for a storytime party?: Buy books, decorations and craft supplies 3 to 5 days before the party. Purchase perishable snacks and chill drinks the day before, after checking attendance and dietary requirements.

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