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Plan, then play

Free unicorn party planner

Estimate supplies and your own budget in one place. Print the result for a shopping trip or a conversation with another organiser.

This planner runs in your browser. It does not send your numbers to us, save a guest list or assume current shop prices. Enter the prices you find and adjust the quantities for your particular party.

People and supplies

Invited guests Hosts and other people Extra supplies (%)

The supply estimate starts at one plate and one cup per person. Adjust it for reusable tableware, multiple servings and your guest list.

How many packs do you need?

Plates in one pack Cups in one pack Favor bags in one pack

These pack sizes are examples. Replace them with the quantities in the listing you are considering. For mixed sets, count each item separately: a “100-piece set” may serve far fewer than 100 people.

Enter your own estimated costs

Currency Food and drink per person Favor per invited guest Cake or dessert, total Decorations, total Tableware and other costs, total Target budget (optional) Activities, total

These are planning inputs, not quotes or live prices. Leaving an amount blank counts it as zero.

Your starting list

For 12 guests and 2 other people, start with 16 plates and 16 cups if using one of each per person. Plan 12 favors. Add your own estimated costs above to see a budget.

Your party shopping checklist

Use the pack counts above, then check what you already own before buying. Tick items as you arrange them; ticks are kept only until you reload. Your printout includes this checklist.

Plates

Check the number of dinner plates, their size and whether smaller cake plates are separate.

Plates sortedFind plates on AmazonPaid link · Amazon search results

Cups

Check the cup count, capacity and suitability for the drinks you will serve.

Cups sortedFind cups on AmazonPaid link · Amazon search results

Favor bags

Check bag dimensions and pack count. Bags may be sold empty; fillings are a separate choice.

Favor bags sortedFind favor bags on AmazonPaid link · Amazon search results

Finish with cake decorating tools, game supplies and favor filling ideas.

Ordering cake? Use the birthday cake servings calculator to check portions and cake quantities.

Choose activities from our unicorn party games and free printable bingo.

Ready to invite your guests? Use the free unicorn birthday invitation maker to add your details and print or save a PDF.

A flexible 90-minute party outline

First 15 minutes: Welcome guests and offer a simple arrival activity while everyone settles in.
Next 30 minutes: Run one main game or craft. Check the age guidance and parts of any supplies before choosing an activity.
Next 20 minutes: Pause for food, drinks and cake. Ask guests about dietary needs when planning the menu.
Last 25 minutes: Leave room for a quieter game, pictures and a relaxed goodbye. Keep a no-supplies backup activity ready.

This outline is an example, not a fixed schedule. Allow more time for setup, cleanup, travel or a larger group.

Your unicorn birthday party checklist, from invitations to cleanup

Use this as a starting plan for a small party at home. Adjust timings to your guests and venue. Tick each step as it is arranged; your choices stay on this page until you reload and are included when you print.

2–3 weeks before

Choose the date, venue, start and finish time, and spending limit. Send printable unicorn invitations with an RSVP date and contact details. Ask about food needs and whether accompanying adults will stay.

1 week before

Update the guest count in the calculator and include adults who will eat. Choose one main activity and one quiet backup from our free unicorn games. Print the bingo cards or treasure-hunt clues and count the copies.

The day before

Count plates, cups, napkins and serving utensils; use what you already own. Prepare a cake knife, candles if using them, and a place to serve food. Set out activity supplies, named favor bags if wanted, and a cleanup bag.

Before guests arrive

Clear a play space and keep walkways free. Put a quiet arrival activity on the table. Agree who welcomes guests, runs games and handles food.

Worked example: a unicorn party for 12 guests

With 12 invited guests, 2 hosts and a 10% extra allowance, the calculator rounds 14 × 1.10 up to 16 plates and 16 cups. At 8 items per pack, that means 2 packs of plates and 2 packs of cups. Twelve favors need one 12-pack of bags. These are examples, not recommended pack sizes.

If everyone uses another plate for cake, allow a second set: 32 plates in total under the same assumptions. Add those extra tableware costs to your budget. Skip favor bags if you do not want take-home gifts; the calculator's favor count is optional in practice.

What to reuse, print and buy

Reuse: cups, tablecloths, serving bowls and decorations you already own.
Print: invitations and one activity. Our printables are free; paper and ink still have a cost.
Buy only the gaps: food, cake ingredients or a cake, and supplies you cannot borrow or reuse. Check individual item counts in mixed party sets.

For cake portions and decorating ideas, open the unicorn cake guide. For optional take-home treats, compare party favor ideas.

Planning questions

Can I plan a unicorn party without buying a themed kit?

Yes. Use plain tableware, choose two or three colors you already have, and add a printed invitation or game to carry the theme. The checklist separates required supplies from optional decorations and favors.

What if the guests are different ages?

Choose activities for the youngest participants and check any product's age guidance. Older guests can help read clues or run bingo. Keep a quiet activity available so joining every game is optional.

How do I save the plan as a PDF?

Enter your guest counts and costs, tick your checklist, then select Print this plan. Choose your browser's Save as PDF option. The printed version hides shopping buttons and includes the calculated list and preparation checklist.

Before you buy

Confirm how many people are actually coming, including adults who will eat.
Check package counts, age guidance and what each set includes. The planner's plate and cup figures are only a starting point.
Compare your entered costs with your target budget and keep a little room for forgotten supplies.
If you choose a character theme such as My Little Pony, check that licensed goods really come from the named brand.

A paintable planter could be one craft idea if the listing's quantity and age guidance suit your group. Confirm whether paint, brushes and protective table covering are included.

Looking for a lasting room accent after the party? Read the room decor guide. For a present, start with the gift guide.