Party Clean Up

How to Buy The Best Party Supplies: Buying Guide

Whether you're looking for party supplies for a theme party, baby shower, bridal shower, first birthday party, holiday party, New Year's Eve bash, luau, or other popular types of events or special occasions, you've come to the right place.

Sam's Club offers plenty of party ideas and inspiration to ensure your party planning goes as smoothly as possible. From party tableware to party favors, we've got your party essentials covered so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your next big fiesta.

What are party supplies?

Depending on the type of gathering you're planning to host, the party supplies you may want to purchase could include:

• Party decorations, such as:
  • Streamers
  • Confetti
  • Balloons
  • Garland
  • Signs
  • Table covers
• Food and party tableware:
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Dishes, platters and plates
  • Cups, napkins and utensils
• Party favors and small gift bags for your guests
  • For a kids' birthday party: stickers, pencils, erasers, and candy
  • For an adult party, like a bachelorette party or bridal shower: temporary tattoos, candles, or gift cards
• Party games, such as pinatas, pin the tail on the donkey, and more
• Party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers for your guests

What party supplies do I need?

What do you already have on hand around your home or office? What will you need to buy? It's time to put together a shopping list of party essentials. For starters, consider what items you have (and need) by category:

• Decorations: balloons, streamers, confetti, and more
• Tableware: serving dishes, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, napkins and tablecloths
• Food items: drinks, appetizers, main dishes, snacks, fruit and veggie trays, cakes or cupcakes
• Party games,
• Party favors like party hats or noisemakers
• Gift bags

Where can I buy party supplies? Can I buy party supplies in bulk?

At Sam's Club, you can find bulk party supplies to serve and entertain hundreds of guests, including:

• Paper and plastic plates (up to 300 count)
• Paper and plastic cups (up to 396 count)
• Plastic spoons, forks, knives (including silver-like cutlery)
• Napkins
• Cleaning wipes
• Serving bowls and pans
• Balloons and a helium kit
• Plastic wine glasses
• ….and more

What Different Types of Party Supplies Are There?

The most common types of party supplies are based on one or more of these factors:

• Occasion
  • Birthday party (kids' birthday party, adult party, first birthday)
  • Anniversary
  • Bridal shower
  • Baby shower
  • Holiday party (New Year's Eve, Christmas, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc.)
  • Luau
  • Fiesta
• Party themes:
  • Unicorn
  • Donut
  • Minecraft
  • Fortnite
  • Paw Patrol
  • Roblox
  • Peppa Pig
  • Mermaid
  • My Little Pony
  • Star Wars
  • Disney
  • 40th birthday
  • 50th birthday
• Product category:
  • Tableware (tablecloths, plates, cake plates, cups, napkins and silverware)
  • Pinatas
  • Decor (balloons and helium tanks, banners, posters and confetti)

What to Consider When Buying Party Supplies

Here are some of the important questions to ask when deciding what to buy for your big day.

• What's your budget?
• What's the occasion for the party?
• How many guests will you have—will you need bulk party supplies?
• Is your gathering going to be a themed party?
• Is this a party for adults, kids or both?
• What types of food will you serve?
• Do you need to buy anything for your party games?
• Do you need decorations? Will your decor be DIY, or be inspired by a popular Disney movie or other theme?

What Brands of Party Supplies Does Sam's Club Sell?

Sam's Club carries the following trusted brands for your party supply needs:

• Member's Mark
• Chinet
• Dixie
• Balloon Time
• PartyMate USA

FAQ—Party Supplies

What do you buy for party supplies?

• Party decorations, such as:
  • Streamers
  • Confetti
  • Balloons
  • Garland
  • Signs
  • Table covers
• Food, snacks, drinks, dishes, platters, plates, cups, napkins and utensils
• Party favors: Small gift bags for your guests filled with items appropriate for a kids birthday party, such as temporary tattoos, candy or stickers, or items best for an adult party like a bachelorette or bridal shower, such as tiaras or gift cards
• Party games, such as pinatas, pin the tail on the donkey, and more
• Party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers for your guests

What are the best party supplies?

At Sam's Club, some of our best-selling party supplies include:

• Dixie PerfecTouch Insulated Paper Cups, Coffee Haze (Various Sizes)
• Member's Mark Printed Ultra Paper Bowls (20 oz.,150 ct.)
• Member's Mark Heavy-Duty Red Cups (18 oz., 252 ct.)

What party supplies do I need for a birthday?

Common birthday party supplies include:

• Birthday party decorations, such as:
  • Streamers
  • Confetti
  • Balloons
  • Table covers
• Gift bags filled with small items for your guests
• Birthday party games, such as pinatas filled with candy, pin the tail on the donkey, and more
• Party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers for your guests

How many party supplies do I need?

How many guests are you planning to invite? How many have RSVP'd?

For items like party favors and party hats, plan on one per person, with few extra on hand just in case. For party tableware like plates, utensils, cups, and napkins, plan on having about double the number of each item as there are guests, since people may go back for seconds or misplace their drink or food.

When it comes to decorations, think about the size of your party gathering area and the number of balloons and streamers that will make a space look festive, without feeling overcrowded.

How to plan a party?

Planning a party takes some time and creativity. Some party-planning considerations as you get started include:

• When will you host the party?
• How many guests will you invite? What will be your final list of guests?
• How will you invite guests—online, or by mailing invitations?
• What's your party budget?
• Will your party have a theme?
• What food will you serve?
• What activities and games will you have to keep guests entertained during the party?

For more ideas, check out video tutorials and how-to guides online.

Where is the best place to buy party supplies?

Sam's Club stocks a great selection of best-selling and top-rated party supplies, and we're always adding new products both in stores and online.

Once you have your party supplies taken care of, head to our grocery section to stock up on the food, snacks, drinks, and desserts (including cakes and cupcakes) that will make your event complete.