Bubble party supplies checklist

A bubble party doesn't require much gear. The risk is over-buying decorations and under-preparing for the actual bubbling. This checklist is organized by what matters most — solution and blowing equipment come first, because without those working correctly, nothing else helps. Items marked optional are genuine improvements, not essentials.

1. Bubble solution

• Dish soap — Dawn Original or Fairy Liquid (unscented). These two brands produce reliably strong soap film. Half a cup makes about 7 cups of solution (enough for 45–60 minutes of active play).
• Glycerin. Available at pharmacies. Half a cup per 6 cups of water significantly extends bubble lifespan.
• Water — distilled preferred, tap acceptable. Distilled water has fewer dissolved minerals, which can weaken the soap film.
• Large jug or pitcher for mixing and storing. You need to mix and rest the solution for at least one hour before use, ideally overnight.
• Corn syrup (optional). A cheaper substitute for glycerin. Fine for small-wand use; for giant wands, glycerin gives noticeably better results.

2. Wands and blowing equipment

• Standard bubble wands — one per child plus a few spares. Plan for breakage and loss. Children ages 5+ can use these independently.
• Bubble machine. An electric bubble machine running continuously transforms the space. Point it upward and slightly outward so bubbles drift across the whole area. Toy-tier machines run $19-$25; see our machine buying guide for how the tiers compare.
• Shallow tray or baking dish for the bubble machine solution. Useful for manual dipping when the machine needs refilling mid-party.
• Giant bubble wand set (optional). Two garden stakes with a 90–100 cm length of soft cotton rope tied between them. Best for ages 7+.
• Wide, shallow tray for giant wand dipping (optional). A large roasting pan or plastic storage tray works well.
• Assorted wand shapes and sizes (optional). Star-shaped, heart-shaped, and multi-wand styles keep older children interested longer.

3. Safety and clean-up

• Old towels — at least one per two children. Needed for hands before eating and general drying off.
• A water bottle or clean damp cloth for eye rinses. Dish soap stings eyes — not dangerous, but children get upset. Plain water is sufficient.
• Non-slip mat or rubber-backed rug (for indoor parties). Important on hard floors, especially for toddlers.
• Garden hose or bucket of clean water (outdoor parties). For rinsing down the play area after the party.
• Rubbish bags for wand wrappers and used packaging. Easy to overlook.

4. Venue and setup

• A defined activity area with clear boundaries. Keeps solution away from eating areas and keeps kids from wandering.
• A stable table or flat surface for solution containers. Keep containers off the ground where children will step on them.
• Extension lead and weatherproof socket (if using a bubble machine outdoors). Check cable length and routing before the party.
• Spare batteries (optional). Battery machines drain faster than expected under continuous use.

5. Activities and extras

• Thin knit gloves or damp fabric scraps for bubble catching (optional). Lets bubbles rest for a few seconds instead of popping on contact.
• Printer paper and shallow paint trays for bubble prints (optional). See the bubble print art game in our games guide.
• Small prizes for bubble challenges (optional). Stickers or temporary tattoos work well for structured games.
• A change of clothes per child (communicated to parents in advance). Bubble solution doesn't stain, but clothes will be damp and soapy by the end.

At a glance: essential vs. optional

Shopping ahead vs. day-of

Split your shopping into two trips if you can. Buy dish soap, glycerin, wands, and any optional add-ons at least two days ahead — this gives you time to mix and rest your solution overnight, which our solution guide covers as the single biggest factor in bubble quality. Save perishables like towels-for-washing and any last-minute snacks for a day-of run, so nothing sits unused for days beforehand. If you're borrowing a bubble machine or giant wand set from another family, confirm you have it in hand at least a day early too — testing equipment the morning of the party leaves no time to problem-solve if something's missing a part.

Ready to put it all together? See the full step-by-step party guide, games by age, or indoor vs. outdoor setup. Shopping for a toddler's party specifically? See bubble parties for toddlers. Considering foam instead of (or alongside) bubbles? Check foam vs. bubble vs. glow.