There's something truly magical about organising a birthday party for children. The excitement in their eyes, the countdown in the days leading up to it, the moment the candles are blown out — these are memories that last a lifetime. But behind that magic there's always a well-thought-out shopping list, and having everything under control makes the difference between a relaxed celebration and an afternoon of last-minute chaos.
Whether you're hosting the party at home, in the garden, or at a hired venue, this guide will help you make sure you don't forget a thing.
Decorations: setting the scene
Decorations are the first thing children notice as soon as they walk through the door. A theme chosen together with the birthday child — whether it's superheroes, princesses, farm animals or dinosaurs — transforms any space into somewhere special.
What to add to your trolley:
- Balloons (latex or foil themed balloons, plus a helium canister if you want them floating)
- Streamers and confetti
- "Happy Birthday" banner or one personalised with the child's name
- Themed disposable tablecloth, plates and cups
- Decorative centrepieces
- Colourful garlands and bunting
- Candles (number candles, themed candles, or classic coloured ones)
- Gift wrap and party bags for guests
One tip: buy everything from a single supplier or themed kit — you'll find complete sets online or in party supply shops that save you time and keep everything coordinated.
The birthday buffet: sweet and savoury for big and small
Children don't eat much, but what they do eat needs to be tasty, colourful and within easy reach. The secret to a successful buffet is balance — plenty of sweet treats (non-negotiable) alongside something more substantial for the parents who stay.
Cakes and sweet treats:
- Birthday cake — if you're ordering one, book it at least a week in advance
- Spare candles (they always break)
- Decorated cupcakes or muffins
- Themed biscuits or cookies
- Individual jellies or mousse cups
- Chocolates and sweets for the candy table
- Marshmallows
- Candy floss (if you have a machine or want to hire one)
Savoury snacks:
- Mini sandwiches or finger sandwiches
- Mini pizzas or pizza bites
- Crisps and bagged snacks
- Crackers and breadsticks
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, melon — colourful and easy to grab)
- Vegetable sticks with hummus for older children
Drinks:
- Individual fruit juice cartons (practical and spill-resistant)
- Still and sparkling water
- A themed fizzy drink (coloured soda or homemade lemonade)
- Coffee and tea for the adults
Games and activities: entertainment needs preparation too
One app for your whole household
Shopping lists and loyalty cards on every device — free to start, Pro when you want to share in real time.
Even if games aren't "purchases" in the traditional sense, there are plenty of materials you'll need to buy in advance to keep children entertained and excited throughout the party.
What to buy for the games:
- Prizes for team games (gadgets, colouring pencils, stickers)
- Treasure hunt kit (envelopes, printed clues, small prizes)
- Extra balloons for balloon games
- Glue, card and craft materials if you're planning a creative workshop
- Giant soap bubbles
- Party bags to fill for each guest (the classic goody bag)
Party bags: the little gift everyone looks forward to
No child leaves a party without their goody bag. It doesn't have to be expensive — what matters is that there's something fun and on-theme inside.
Ideas for party bag contents:
- Themed bags or small boxes
- Pencils, erasers and crayons
- Stickers
- Small toys (yo-yos, whistles, figurines)
- A few sweets or chocolates
- A handwritten note from the birthday child (a touch that parents genuinely appreciate)
The practical essentials: the "invisible" shopping list
There are purchases nobody thinks to make until they're missing. Always keep these on your list.
- Paper napkins in abundance
- Kitchen roll
- Large bin bags (the party ends, the mess stays)
- Tape and scissors for balloons and decorations
- A permanent marker to write names on cups
- Ice if you need to keep drinks cold
Organise everything with Spesary
Before rushing to the supermarket, the wholesaler and online to find everything you need, build your list on Spesary. You can organise items by category, add quantities, and — if you're planning the party with your partner or other parents — share the list in real time so everyone knows what to buy and nothing gets doubled up.
Because the perfect party always starts with the perfect list.
