What to buy for a seniors’ craft workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a hands-on craft workshop for older participants without leaving essential items until the last minute. Plan materials per person, then add shared tools for each worktable so nobody has to wait. The list also covers coffee, tea, table service and basic room equipment. Confirm the workshop technique before shopping, because the exact craft materials and quantities depend on the project.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Buffet table
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 35
Glassesqty 35
Platesqty 35
Knivesqty 35
Forksqty 35
Teaspoonsqty 35
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 6
Coffee potsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Table lampsqty 6

Craft supplies

Fabric scissorsqty 12
Small scissorsqty 12
Craft knivesqty 6
Cutting matsqty 6
Rulersqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 12
Sewing kitsqty 12
Crochet hooksqty 20
Knitting needlesqty 12
Spiked matsqty 12
Glue gunsqty 6
Brush setsqty 12
Sorting traysqty 24

Presentation

Sample display standsqty 6
Instruction cardsqty 35
Name badgesqty 35
Pensqty 35

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Towelsqty 8
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Butter cookies - 2 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 1 pack
- Chocolate bars - 20 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Jam - 2 jars
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper tablecloths - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Cotton fabric - 12 meters
- Felt sheets - 60 pieces
- Embroidery thread - 30 skeins
- Knitting yarn - 30 balls
- Cotton yarn - 20 spools
- Sewing needles - 60 pieces
- Embroidery needles - 60 pieces
- Buttons - 300 pieces
- Beads - 1 kilo
- Ribbon - 10 rolls
- Lace - 10 rolls
- Fabric glue - 12 tubes
- Craft glue - 6 bottles
- Glue sticks - 60 pieces
- Fabric markers - 6 sets
- Acrylic paint - 12 tubes
- Paint palettes - 12 pieces
- Sandpaper - 20 sheets
- Pencils - 35 pieces
- Erasers - 35 pieces
- Paper - 2 packs

Tips

Prepare one work packet for every registered participant, plus 2–3 spare packets for late additions, damaged pieces or mistakes. Keep each packet together so materials can be handed out quickly.
Allow at least one shared cutting mat, ruler and pair of fabric scissors per worktable. If several people use one tool, expect delays during the first 30 minutes.
Bring enough small scissors, craft knives and sewing kits for pairs rather than relying on one complete set for the whole room. Check blades, needles and closures at least one day before the workshop.
For the welcome table, plan 2–3 cups of coffee or tea per person over a two-hour session, plus extra hot water and tea bags for late arrivals. Use thermos flasks if drinks cannot be served continuously.
Buy or borrow tableware for the full attendance plus 10% spare: cups, glasses, plates, cutlery and teaspoons. Set out serving bowls and platters before participants arrive so refreshments do not interrupt the workshop.

Frequently asked questions

How many craft materials do I need per person for a seniors’ workshop?: Prepare one complete material pack per registered participant and add 2–3 spare packs. The final contents depend on the chosen technique, so confirm the project before placing the order.
How many scissors and cutting mats are needed for a craft workshop?: Allow one cutting mat and one shared pair of fabric scissors for every worktable. Provide small scissors and craft knives for pairs, then add 10% spare tools if the group is larger than 20 people.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a seniors’ craft workshop?: Plan 2–3 hot drinks per person for a two-hour workshop, including one drink on arrival. Add about 10% extra cups, tea bags and coffee so late arrivals and helpers are covered.
When should I check the workshop materials?: Check every material and tool at least one day before the workshop. Prepare the work packets and place shared tools on the tables before participants arrive, ideally 30–45 minutes in advance.

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