What to Buy for a Toddler Birthday Party

A toddler birthday party needs more than cake and balloons. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for eating, drinking, decorating, playing and creating a safe space for young children. Plan quantities around the number of toddlers and adults attending, and check dietary requirements before you shop. The items people often leave too late are chilled drinks, cake storage, child-sized tableware and safe balloon placement.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children's tablesqty 2
Children's chairsqty 12
Adult chairsqty 8
Gift table
Clothes rack
Quiet matsqty 4

Tableware

Children's platesqty 15
Adult platesqty 10
Children's cupsqty 15
Adult glassesqty 10
Children's cutleryqty 15
Adult cutleryqty 10
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving tongsqty 3
Cake server

Kitchen

Cutting Boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Thermosesqty 2
Kettle
Cake Knife

Decorations

Balloonqty 40
Balloon arch
Party garlandqty 3
Tableclothsqty 3
Number decoration
Napkin holderqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth Speaker
Air pump
Extension cord

Toys

Soft play blocks
Ball pit ballsqty 50
Picture booksqty 8
Wooden puzzlesqty 4
Bubble solutionqty 6

Crafting

Colored pencilsqty 3
Coloring pagesqty 20
Finger paint
Apronsqty 8
Protective film

Cleaning

Bucket
Mop
Dustpan and Brush
Hand soap dispenser

Catering

Groceries
- Chocolate cake - 1 cake
- Whipped cream - 2 cans
- Candles - 1 pack
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Grape juice - 2 liters
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Orange soda - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 2 bottles
- Sparkling water - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 2 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Apples - 2 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Strawberries - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 3 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 trays
- Baby carrots - 2 bags
- Bell peppers - 4 pieces
- Mini pita breads - 3 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 2 loaves
- Mini bread rolls - 2 bags
- Butter - 1 pack
- Mild cheese - 500 grams
- Chicken breast slices - 400 grams
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Corn chips - 1 bag
- Raisins - 10 boxes
- Rice cakes - 2 packs
- Children's biscuits - 2 packs
- Mini muffins - 2 boxes
- Squeeze fruit pouches - 12 pieces
- Yogurt - 12 cups
- Ice lollies - 20 pieces
- Herb cheese - 1 tub
- Olives - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Baking paper - 1 roll
- Paper straws - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 3 packs
- Paper tablecloth - 2 rolls
- Disposable pastry forks - 25 pieces
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Cleaning sponges - 1 pack
- Wet wipes - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Baby wipes - 2 packs
- Diapers - 1 pack
- Bandages - 1 pack

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Keep extra water available for toddlers, especially if the room is warm.
For tableware, allow one child’s plate, cup and set of cutlery per toddler, plus 10–15% extra. Adults need separate plates, glasses and cutlery, so count them from the guest list rather than assuming children will share.
Buy or order the cake at least 3–5 days ahead, and make sure you have enough refrigerator or cool-box space to store it safely. Keep the cake chilled until shortly before serving.
Create a low, quiet rest area with one rest mat for every two to three toddlers. This is easy to forget when planning the play and craft areas, but some children will need a break during the party.
Check balloons and the balloon arch before guests arrive, and use an air pump rather than blowing them up by mouth. Keep balloons, cords and the extension lead out of children’s reach, and remove damaged balloons immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a toddler birthday party?: For drinks, plan two to three per guest during the first hour and one more per person for every extra hour. For food, prepare about four to six small savoury or sweet portions per toddler, in addition to the cake, and add 10–15% extra for adults and second servings.
How many plates, cups and napkins do I need for a toddler party?: Provide one child-sized plate, cup and set of cutlery per toddler, with 10–15% spare. Count adult plates, glasses and cutlery separately, and allow at least two napkins per guest because spills are common.
When should I order the cake for a toddler birthday?: Order the cake at least 3–5 days before the party, or earlier if you need a specific design or have dietary requirements. Confirm the collection or delivery time the day before and leave enough fridge or cool-box space for storage.
How do I make a toddler birthday party room safe?: Check the room 30–60 minutes before guests arrive. Keep balloons, cords, the extension lead, hot drinks and sharp kitchen items out of reach, and set up a quiet rest area with one mat for every two to three toddlers.

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