What to Buy for a Children's Bingo Event

A children's bingo event needs more than bingo cards and prizes. Plan materials for every player, a clear setup for the bingo tables, refreshments that are easy to serve, and enough equipment for announcements. This shopping list covers the items commonly forgotten, including spare writing supplies, power equipment, name stickers, signage and cold-storage supplies. Check quantities against your registration list before shopping, then keep a few extras ready for late arrivals or spills.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 6

Equipment

Bingo cage
Bingo ballsqty 90
Wireless microphone
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordqty 2
Power stripqty 2

Game materials

Bingo cardsqty 70
Bingo cardsqty 500
Pencilsqty 70
Spare pensqty 12
Score sheetsqty 80
Prize bagsqty 35

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Balloon pumpqty 2
Name stickersqty 70
Wayfinding signsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Bingo prizesqty 35
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Lactose-free milk - 1 liter
- Chocolate milk - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Mini currant buns - 70 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Slices of young cheese - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Snack carrots - 2 kilo
- Apples - 70 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Biscuits - 5 packs
- Mini cupcakes - 70 pieces
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers

Tips

Order or prepare at least one bingo card per registered child, plus 10% extra for damaged cards, late arrivals or lost cards. Keep spare pens and pencils at every table rather than in one central box.
Prepare one prize for every planned winning round, with two or three extra prize bags if the game may run longer than expected. Wrap prizes before the event so the prize table is ready during setup.
Allow one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per child, plus 10% extra for volunteers and replacements. Bring serving platters and serving utensils so food is not left in packaging on the refreshment table.
Chill drinks before guests arrive and bring enough coolers, ice cube trays, thermos flasks and water jugs for the full session. Water is easy to overlook when the focus is on prizes and bingo equipment.
Test the wireless microphone and Bluetooth speaker before children enter, and pack an extension cord and power strip as backup. Put up wayfinding signs and name stickers before registration starts to reduce queues.

Frequently asked questions

How many bingo cards do I need for a children's bingo event?: Prepare one card per registered child and add 10% extra. For 30 children, that means 33 cards, so you have replacements for late arrivals, spills or damaged cards.
How many prizes should I buy for children's bingo?: Buy one prize for each winning round you have planned, plus two or three spare prize bags. If you plan 10 rounds, prepare at least 12 or 13 prizes.
What tableware do I need for children's bingo?: Allow one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per child, plus 10% extra for volunteers and replacements. For 30 children, bring at least 33 of each item.
When should I chill drinks for a children's bingo event?: Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive, or the day before when possible. Keep them in coolers with ice during setup so they stay cold while tables, prizes and bingo equipment are arranged.

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