OrtakListe
Events & parties

Birthday party checklist — cake, balloons, nothing missed

Preparing a surprise or a big birthday party, tasks scatter quickly. Share the list with a room code and everyone can see who has the cake, who has the balloons and who has the snacks. No sign-up, just the code.

In short

A birthday party needs a cake, candles and a lighter, balloons, party decorations, drinks, snacks, paper plates and cups, napkins and a cake knife. Order the cake at least two days ahead and count about one slice per guest. Have helium balloons filled on the day, and don't forget gift wrap, a speaker and trash bags.

16 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.

What's on the list

General

  • Candles
  • Lighter
  • Balloons
  • Party decorations
  • Party hats
  • Paper plates & cups
  • Napkins
  • Cake knife
  • Ice
  • Gift wrap
  • Speaker
  • Camera

Sweets & snacks

  • Cake
  • Snacks

Drinks

  • Drinks

Cleaning & household

  • Trash bags

Tips

  • Order the cake at least two days ahead; bakeries fill up fast on weekends and holidays.

  • Pick the cake size by headcount: about one slice per guest, fewer if there are other desserts.

  • Have helium balloons filled on the day of the party, as latex ones don't stay afloat for more than about a day.

  • For a surprise, ask everyone to arrive at least half an hour before the guest of honour, and keep this list hidden from them.

How it works

  1. 1. Open your room

    Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.

  2. 2. Share the code

    Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.

  3. 3. Finish it together

    Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.

Frequently asked questions

How big a cake do you need for a birthday party?

Count about one slice per guest, so a cake for 15 if 15 people are coming. If there are other desserts you can go slightly smaller, but if you're unsure, take the bigger one, since leftover cake is a better problem than running out.

How do you plan a surprise birthday party?

Gather the guests in a group chat that doesn't include the guest of honour, and ask everyone to arrive at least half an hour before them. Agree in advance with a close friend on a believable reason to get the birthday person there at the right time.

When should you blow up balloons for a party?

Helium-filled latex balloons stay afloat for roughly a day, so have them filled on the day of the party. Air-filled balloons can be prepared and hung a day ahead.

Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.