Planning your child’s birthday party is a fun adventure. While games and decorations are fun to sort, food can often be the trickiest bit.

What will the kids actually eat? How much should you prepare? And how do you cater for allergies without blowing your budget?

Whether you’re after DIY snacks, budget-friendly solutions, or a stress-free catering party, this guide is packed with top tips to help you serve up smiles without the stress. Let’s make birthday party catering the easiest part of the day!

1. Know Your Numbers

Before diving into the food itself, work out the essentials:

• How many children are attending?
• Are you also feeding adults?
• Do you need to cater for allergies or dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc)?

Knowing your numbers early helps avoid both food waste and last-minute supermarket dashes. For a typical two-hour party, you won’t need a full meal—just a selection of light bites, treats, and drinks.

2. Easy DIY Catering Party Ideas

If you're the hands-on type, or trying to keep things low-cost, DIY food can be fun and rewarding. It also gives you full control over ingredients, presentation, and quantity.

Tried-and-True DIY Childrens’ Party Food Catering Ideas:

• Mini sandwiches – Ham, cheese, or jam on soft bread, cut into fun shapes.
• Veggie cups – Carrot sticks, cucumber and peppers in a cup with hummus.
• Fruit skewers – Colourful and healthy, and easy for little hands to hold.
• Cheese cubes & crackers – Simple, mess-free, and always popular.
• Cupcakes & fairy cakes – Bake ahead and let kids decorate their own.
• DIY pizza station – For older kids, offer flatbreads, sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Pro Tip: Keep the menu simple and age-appropriate. Most children aren’t looking for gourmet—they just want fun, familiar, and easy-to-eat options.

For more top tips of party food- check out our kids party inspiration blogs here.

3. Budget-Friendly Catering Hacks

Kids' party catering doesn't need to cost a fortune. With a little planning and creativity, you can put together a brilliant spread for your special occasion without overspending.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy in bulk – Snacks, drinks, and sweets are often cheaper in multipacks.
• Use supermarket own brands – Most kids won’t notice the difference.
• Skip the full meal – Kids are often too busy playing to eat much.
• Keep it simple – Finger foods reduce the need for cutlery and large portions.

Want to save even more time and effort? Try a bring a dish style party, where each parent brings a small dish to share. It’s a great way to offer variety and lighten your workload.

4. Hassle-Free Catering Options

If DIY isn't your thing (or you're just short on time), don't worry—there are plenty of children’s party food suppliers who specialise in making life easier for parents.

Benefits of Hiring a Kids Party Food Caterer:

• No cooking, shopping or prepping
• Customisable menus (including allergies)
• Beautiful presentation and packaging
• Delivery straight to your venue

You can find catering services that offer packages for all budgets—from simple lunchboxes to themed grazing platters and full buffets. Some providers even include biodegradable packaging, cutting down on your cleanup!

5. Drinks & Treats – Keep It Easy

• Stick to juice boxes or squash in paper cups.
• Water jugs with fruit slices look great and are super refreshing.
• Avoid overly fizzy drinks, which can cause spills and sugar rushes.

For treats, a party bag with a cupcake, a chocolate bar, and a small toy is a winner. You could also set up a “decorate your own cookie” table as an edible activity!

6. Make It Fun – Even the Food!

Let’s face it: kids are more likely to eat when food is part of the fun. Try these playful ideas:

• Themed food labels – “Pirate Popcorn”, “Unicorn Fruit Wands”, or “Space Sandwiches”.
• Bento-style boxes – Give each child a lunchbox with little sections to explore.
• Food challenges – A mini tasting station with dips or unusual fruit.
  

Final Tips for a Smooth Food Plan

• Always ask parents about allergies when they RSVP.
• Have a labelled “free from” table (nut-free, gluten-free, etc.).
• Don’t forget napkins, bin bags, and wet wipes.
• If you're using one of Sharesy's local halls for hire, check what kitchen or fridge space is available in advance.

At Sharesy, we help parents find local, affordable venues and halls for hire with everything they need for a memorable day.