How to Start a Party Kit Lending Program in Your Library of Things

Reusable party gear, shared by the community. Less waste. More connection. Absolute win.

A party kit (also called a party pack) is one of the simplest ways to level up community sharing. It brings together reusable event supplies + the power of lending, giving people a sustainable alternative to buying single-use cups, plates, and decorations.

Instead of every household buying, storing, and tossing partyware, kits let people borrow once, return clean, and pass it forward. The result? Less waste, lower costs, and way stronger community vibes. Libraries of things, tool libraries, community hubs, schools, and public libraries around the world have already made party kits part of their roster—because they work and people love them.¹ ²

So… what’s actually in a Party Kit?

Think of it as the starter pack for hosting, but reusable. Most kits include:

Plates, cups, bowls
Cutlery and serving utensils
Jugs, platters, tablecloths
Reusable décor (bunting, banners, etc.)

Instead of owning 30+ matching dishes you use once a year, you just borrow a full set when you need it. Kits are commonly used for:

Kids’ birthday parties 🎂
BBQs & backyard hangouts 🌭
Baby showers and community events 🍼
Workplace or school celebrations
Even gallery openings and pop-up events 🎨

Most kits lean on plastic or melamine reusable tableware because it’s durable, lightweight, and kid-friendly.¹

How Party Kits Fit Into a Sharing Library Model

There are two common approaches:

1. Pre-packed kits

Everything comes in one ready-to-grab box. Easy to manage, perfect for libraries that don’t specialize in kitchenware. Only downside? People might borrow more than they strictly need.¹

2. Build-your-own kits

Borrowers choose exactly what they want, plates, cups, decorations, add-ons, etc. More flexible and personalized.¹

Either way, the golden rule stays the same: everything is washed, dried, and ready for the next person on return.¹

Rental windows are often 3-day slots (pickup → event → wash → return), especially over weekends.¹

The Benefits Hit Every Angle

For Borrowers

Way cheaper than buying disposables long-term
No storage clutter, no one-time-use guilt
Access to premium add-ons like serving gear, décor, even gazebos¹

For Libraries

Boosts memberships, especially families¹
Improves inclusivity with pay-what-you-can models¹
More visibility—events = more people discovering community resources

For the Community + Planet

Noticeable reduction in event waste (fewer garbage bags = instant mood boost)¹
Inspires others to try sharing instead of buying
Strengthens community connection and event culture
Helps normalize reuse³

Fun fact: shared party kit programs have helped communities avoid over 1 million single-use items collectively.²

How to Launch a Party Kit in 5 Smart Steps

1. Check the community pulse

Run a quick survey or poll: Would you use this? What should it include? How often would you borrow? This builds hype before you even launch.

2. Match the kit to local needs

Kids events? 20–30 durable place settings
BBQ/outdoor party? Lightweight tumblers over glass
Community events? Larger mixed kits do well¹ ⁴

3. Source items sustainably

Community donations
Second-hand / thrifted bundles
Matching new sets (aesthetic matters to a lot of people!)⁴
Bonus: many libraries fund kits through local waste reduction or community grants.¹ ⁴

4. Get the logistics right

Use sturdy labelled storage bins (~48L fits 30 settings)¹
Include an inventory checklist in every kit
Add labels on individual pieces to prevent loss⁴

5. Collab, don’t compete

Check in with other libraries or sharing hubs nearby, multiple kits can coexist, and referrals help when one is fully booked.¹

The Big Takeaway

Adding a party kit is one of the highest-impact, lowest-friction upgrades a library of things can make.

You’re not just lending cups and plates—
you’re enabling celebrations without waste,
community without barriers, and
shared value without overspending.

Small idea. Huge ripple effect. 🎈