Plan the table, food, activities and cleanup for a child's birthday. Set quantities for your guest count and delete purchases already covered at home or by the venue. Keep contributions in notes; Done counts priced rows as Paid.
Ready-made list. It saves when you change something.
0/20 done
Food and drink
0/4
Birthday cake or dessertConfirm size for the people eating and check ingredients with the baker.1
Drinking waterSmall bottles are easy for kids to carry; a large dispenser with cups cuts down on waste.1
Savory dishesChoose food for the agreed menu and portions; check dietary needs directly with guests or carers.1
SnacksSingle-serve packs keep portions tidy; read allergen labels before you buy.1
Tableware and serving
0/7
PlatesCheck plate size against the food served and count pieces per pack; use existing reusable plates when suitable.10
CupsCount one per guest as a starting point; check capacity and any lids or straws actually included.10
NapkinsTwenty napkins is a starting example for ten guests. Adjust for your menu, guest count and cleanup needs; check the pack count.20
Forks or spoonsChoose the utensils needed for the menu and check pieces per pack before buying.10
Serving trayCheck the usable surface fits the food and the venue's serving space; borrow a suitable tray if available.1
Serving bowlWide, shallow bowls make snacks easy for small hands to reach.1
Cake serverCheck whether the cake supplier or venue provides a knife and server before adding them to the shopping basket.1
Optional decorations
0/3
TableclothWipe-clean plastic or coated covers; measure the table and allow for overhang.1
Birthday bannerMeasure the display space and use fixings the venue permits; check the wall surface and fixing instructions.1
Birthday candlesConfirm the venue permits candles. An adult should handle lighting and keep candles and lighters out of children's reach.1
Activities and optional favors
0/3
Materials for a party gamePick a game that fits the kids' ages and group size; check the age range on the box.1
Craft suppliesCheck age guidance, materials and the planned activity; count supplies per participant and keep small parts away from children under three.1
Take-home favorsCheck the age label; toys with small parts are not safe for children under 3.10
Cleanup and packing up
0/3
Trash bagsDrawstring bags sized to the can; a separate bag for recycling speeds up cleanup.2
Paper towel rollAn absorbent, select-a-size roll handles spills; keep one near the drinks and cake.1
Food containers with lidsStackable containers with tight lids for sending leftovers or cake home.2
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Printable checklist (20 items)
Food and drink
Birthday cake or dessert
Drinking water
Savory dishes
Snacks
Tableware and serving
Plates x10
Cups x10
Napkins x20
Forks or spoons x10
Serving tray
Serving bowl
Cake server
Optional decorations
Tablecloth
Birthday banner
Birthday candles
Activities and optional favors
Materials for a party game
Craft supplies
Take-home favors x10
Cleanup and packing up
Trash bags x2
Paper towel roll
Food containers with lids x2
Before you buy, ask the venue what it supplies and whether it allows outside food, candles and wall decorations. Ask parents about food allergies ahead of time, then share them with your baker or caterer.
Before you shop
Count everyone who will eat and drink
Include the birthday person, hosts and accompanying adults when they will share the food. Replace the example tableware counts with your guest count and serving plan. Check pack contents before buying; food amounts still need your own menu and portion decisions.
Check the party package before shopping
Ask the venue whether plates, cups, serving pieces, activities and cleanup supplies are included. Delete purchases it confirms, or record its contribution in the row's note without a purchase price. A shared list is a snapshot, so confirm arrangements directly.
Reuse the serving pieces first
Check your cupboards for plates, cups, trays and containers, and borrow what you need for a single event. Add decorations and favors only if you want them. If buying a reusable item for future parties, choose the exact size and model before checking its price with Muchita Shopping.
Choose the menu after checking food needs
Ask guests, or parents and caregivers for children, what they can and cannot eat. Check ingredient labels and discuss requirements with the baker or caterer before ordering. Keep these conversations outside the shared shopping list.
Questions about this list
How much food should I buy for 10 guests?
The 10-guest example sets editable tableware counts. Food rows are placeholders: choose the menu, count the people eating, and confirm portions or cake size with your supplier. Set drink amounts for the duration and available refills; the list does not calculate food or drink quantities.
Do I need a matching disposable party set?
Use suitable plates and cups you own, borrow extras or confirm venue supplies. Delete those purchases and buy only the missing quantity after checking pack contents. Matching tableware, decorations and favors are optional.
What should I check before a party at a hired venue?
Confirm the package contents, rules for outside food, candles and decorations, and cleanup arrangements. Ask about serving equipment and any activity materials before buying them. Check food requirements with guests and the food provider separately.
Target - Kids' Birthday Party Supplies US retailer assortment supports party tableware, table covers, banners, candles, game kits, favors and food containers as product categories. It does not establish demand, guest quantities, age suitability or venue rules. Checked: 2026-10-03
Target - Grocery US grocery assortment supports water, snacks and food categories. It does not establish serving sizes, dietary suitability or quantities for a party. Checked: 2026-10-03
Target - Bakery & Bread US bakery assortment includes cakes, cupcakes and other desserts. It supports a birthday dessert category, not a cake size, ingredient claim or number of portions. Checked: 2026-10-03
IKEA - Serveware US retailer assortment supports reusable trays and serving bowls. Reuse, borrowing and starting quantities are editorial planning choices, not retailer requirements. Checked: 2026-10-03
IKEA - Flatware & Cutlery US retailer assortment supports forks, spoons and cake servers. It does not establish how many utensils an event needs or which products suit particular children. Checked: 2026-10-03
Target - Kids' Crafts US retailer assortment supports optional craft and coloring materials. Product instructions and age labels must be checked for the chosen activity; the category does not establish suitability. Checked: 2026-10-03
Target - Trash Bags US retailer assortment supports bin bags in different sizes and pack counts. It does not determine the venue's waste arrangements or the event's required count. Checked: 2026-10-03
Target - Paper Towels US retailer assortment supports paper towels as a cleanup supply. A single example roll is an editable planning choice, not a guaranteed quantity for an event. Checked: 2026-10-03
Food Standards Agency - Food allergy and intolerance advice for consumers Current FSA guidance for England, Northern Ireland and Wales supports asking guests or children's parents and carers about food requirements, checking ingredients and discussing allergies with food businesses. No UK legal requirement is presented as a worldwide rule. Checked: 2026-10-03
Health Canada: Is Your Child Safe? - candles Canadian consumer guidance supports adult attendance around burning candles and keeping candles, matches and lighters out of children's reach. It does not establish the venue's rules. Checked: 2026-10-05
CPSC: Toys - age guidance and small parts US toy-safety guidance supports checking age labels and keeping small balls and toys with small parts away from children under three. It does not certify craft supplies or an activity for a particular child. Checked: 2026-10-05
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