When planning a birthday party, having the right party supplies is essential to creating a festive and enjoyable atmosphere. From decorations to party favors, these items help bring your theme to life and make the celebration feel complete. Here’s a breakdown of birthday party supplies you’ll need to make your event a success:

1. Invitations

  • Paper Invitations: Traditional paper invitations that match the theme or colors of the party.
  • Digital Invitations: Email or online invitations via platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, or Canva for a more eco-friendly option.
  • Personalized Invitations: Custom invites with your child’s name, age, and party details.

2. Decorations

  • Balloons: Balloons are a must for most parties. You can choose from latex, foil, or even balloon bouquets. Consider a balloon arch or balloon garland for a grand entrance.
  • Banners: A birthday banner that says “Happy Birthday” or is themed to match the party (e.g., “Superhero Party”).
  • Streamers: Colorful streamers to hang across the room or ceiling.
  • Confetti: Use confetti to scatter on the table or throw in the air for a fun celebration moment.
  • Party Hats: Cone-shaped party hats for the guests and the birthday child to wear.
  • Tablecloths and Table Runners: A colorful tablecloth or themed table runner to cover the party table.
  • Tissue Paper Pom-Poms: These can be hung from the ceiling or around the room for a whimsical look.
  • Wall Decals/Clings: Removable wall stickers or clings to decorate the walls in a fun, non-permanent way.

3. Tableware

  • Plates: Choose plates that match the theme or color scheme. You can opt for paper or plastic plates for easy cleanup.
  • Napkins: Matching napkins to your plates, or custom printed napkins.
  • Cups: Cups for drinks, including themed or plain cups, or even personalized ones.
  • Cutlery: Disposable forks, knives, and spoons, often in fun colors or styles matching the theme.
  • Straws: Fun straws, like striped or themed (e.g., star-shaped or unicorn).
  • Food Trays: If serving snacks or finger foods, use small trays or platters to arrange the items.
  • Cupcake Wrappers: If you’re serving cupcakes, get fun or themed cupcake wrappers to match the event.
  • Serving Dishes: Bowls, serving platters, or trays for chips, candies, or party snacks.

4. Cake and Food Supplies

  • Cake: The main highlight of a birthday party. Choose a theme-specific design or a simple cake with colorful frosting.
  • Candles: Birthday candles to place on the cake. You can get the standard birthday candles, numbered candles, or even shaped candles.
  • Cake Stand: A decorative stand to display the birthday cake.
  • Smash Cake: If it’s a first birthday, make or buy a small “smash cake” for the birthday child.
  • Cupcake Liners: If you’re serving cupcakes, these liners come in various fun colors and patterns.
  • Food Containers: If serving snacks like popcorn, chips, or candy, have small bags or boxes ready to pack them for guests.

5. Party Favors

  • Favor Bags or Boxes: Small bags or boxes to hold the party favors. You can match these to the theme or use clear bags for a better view of the goodies.
  • Personalized Thank You Notes: Thank you cards for your guests to take home with them.
  • Goodie Bags: Fill them with toys, candy, or small trinkets to thank your guests for attending.

6. Entertainment & Activity Supplies

  • Games and Props: Depending on your party theme, you might need items like:
    • Pinatas: Fill with candy or small toys.
    • Bubbles: Bubble wands or bubble machines for outdoor fun.
    • Party Music: A playlist with fun songs for kids or background music to keep the atmosphere lively.
    • Face Paint or Temporary Tattoos: Face painting kits or themed temporary tattoos for kids.
    • Crafting Supplies: If you’re having a DIY craft station, have crayons, markers, paper, and other craft supplies on hand.
  • Photo Booth Props: Fun photo booth props like funny hats, glasses, or frames that guests can use for memorable photos.
  • Piñata: If using a piñata, make sure you have a bat or stick for breaking it, and plenty of candy or small prizes to fill it with.

7. Party Games & Activities (Optional)

  • Prizes for Games: Small prizes like stickers, trinkets, or toys for winners of party games.
  • Bubble Machine: For a fun, interactive activity that kids will love.
  • Craft Station: Set up a table with materials for kids to make their own creations.
  • Bounce House: If you’re hosting an outdoor party, renting a bounce house can be a hit with the kids.
  • Obstacle Course or Games: Create simple, fun games or obstacle courses for kids to enjoy, like sack races, relay races, or a “fishing game” with toy rods.

8. Food & Drink Containers

  • Drink Dispensers: If you’re serving punch or other beverages, a large drink dispenser is great for easy access.
  • Coolers: Keep drinks cool with a portable cooler if you’re hosting the party outdoors.
  • Ice Buckets: If serving cold beverages, you’ll need a bucket to hold ice.

9. Party Backdrop or Photo Zone

  • Backdrop: Create a photo-worthy area with a backdrop that matches the party theme (e.g., a floral backdrop for a princess party or a superhero sign for a superhero party).
  • Props for Photos: Consider props such as signs, hats, and themed items for guests to pose with.
  • Disposable Camera: Provide disposable cameras around the party or a DIY photo booth for guests to capture candid moments.

10. Miscellaneous Supplies

  • Extension Cords: If you have any electrical decorations or need extra outlets for things like music or a bubble machine.
  • Trash Bags: Keep a few trash bags on hand for cleanup, especially if you have a lot of disposable items.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, wipes, or wet wipes to clean up spills.
  • Guest Sign-In Sheet: If you’d like to keep track of who attended, have a sign-in sheet ready.
  • Chairs and Tables: Make sure you have enough seating for your guests, whether you need to rent or borrow extra chairs and tables.

11. Safety Supplies

  • First Aid Kit: Always have a first aid kit on hand in case of minor accidents.
  • Baby-Proofing Items: For parties with toddlers or younger children, ensure that the area is baby-proofed, especially if it’s a home party.

Bonus Tip:

If you’re hosting a theme party, consider coordinating the party supplies with the theme to create a more immersive experience. For example, if you’re throwing a “Under the Sea” theme, you might want fish-shaped plates, ocean-themed balloons, and a blue color scheme.

By carefully selecting and organizing your party supplies, you’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly, and your guests will have a great time celebrating!