Party Food Ideas for a Kids’ Party

Fun, tasty, and easy treats to keep little tummies happy!

Planning food for a kids’ party doesn’t have to be stressful (or expensive). The best party food is colourful, finger-friendly, and fun to eat — and doesn’t require you to spend all day in the kitchen.

Here are 20 party food ideas that are perfect for birthdays, communions, and all kinds of children’s celebrations in Ireland.

🍕 Savoury Party Food Ideas

1. Mini Sausage Rolls

A party classic. Buy them pre-made or make your own with puff pastry and sausage meat. Great warm or cold.

2. Pizza Slices or Pizza Pinwheels

Cut pizzas into small triangle slices or make pinwheels using rolled-out dough. Easy to handle and always a hit.

3. Mini Sandwiches

Ham, cheese, jam, or egg mayo — cut them into stars, circles, or triangles for extra fun. Keep portions small.

4. Chicken Goujons or Nuggets

Serve with dips like ketchup or mild garlic mayo. Easy finger food for younger kids.

5. Cheese Cubes & Crackers

Add some grapes for a “mini snack board” feel. Avoid hard cheeses for toddlers.

6. Mini Quiches or Savoury Muffins

Great for older kids and something different from the usual party fare.

7. Fruit & Veg Cups

Cut carrots, cucumber, strawberries, melon, and grapes into cups or kebab sticks. Fun and healthy!

8. Popcorn Cones

Mildly salted or sweet popcorn in paper cones — great for movie-themed or outdoor parties.

🍭 Sweet Party Food Ideas

9. Cupcakes or Fairy Cakes

Top with colourful sprinkles or themed toppers. Let kids decorate their own as an activity!

10. Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Put marshmallows on sticks, dip in chocolate and sprinkles. Let them set for a treat-on-a-stick.

11. Mini Doughnuts or Ring Donuts

Serve them stacked on a tray or “doughnut wall” for visual fun.

12. Rice Krispie Buns

Easy, affordable, and no baking needed. Add rainbow sprinkles or Smarties on top.

13. Fruit Skewers

Mix banana, grapes, melon, strawberries. Colourful and healthy.

14. Mini Jelly Cups

Serve jelly in clear plastic cups with a gummy sweet inside for a surprise.

15. Chocolate Button Sandwiches

Make little “sandwiches” from two digestive biscuits with chocolate buttons in the middle.

🥤 Drinks

Fruit squash or juice boxes (less mess)
Mini milkshakes in paper cups
Water with colourful fruit slices
Hot chocolate station for winter parties

🎂 The Birthday Cake

Don’t forget the star of the table — the cake! Whether it’s homemade, bakery-bought, or from a local supplier on Celebrates.ie, make sure it matches the party theme and is safe for any allergies.

Popular flavours:

Chocolate fudge
Classic vanilla sponge
Rainbow layered cake
Rice Krispie “cake” for allergy-friendly options

💡 Extra Tips:

Allergy Awareness: Always ask parents about allergies. Include a sign for gluten-free or nut-free options.
Serve in Portions: Pre-portion where possible (cones, cups, sticks) to reduce waste and make it easier for little hands.
Add a DIY Station: Kids love building their own treats (sandwiches, cupcakes, fruit kebabs).
Don’t Overdo It: Kids get excited at parties and often eat less than expected. Keep portions small and varied.

✅ Final Thought:

The best kids’ party food is simple, colourful, and made to be shared. With a bit of planning (and a few napkins), you can serve up a fun and tasty spread that works for every little gues