Gaming party shopping list

A gaming party needs more than consoles and games. You will need one complete station per active player or team, plus spare controllers, cables, power and network equipment. Plan food and drinks around the number of guests, and buy practical serving items before the setup day. The items below cover the equipment, furniture, tableware and kitchen supplies needed for a tournament-style gaming party.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 35
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Game consolesqty 6
Gaming monitorsqty 6
Extra controllersqty 12
Gaming headsetsqty 12
Computer miceqty 6
Keyboardsqty 6
HDMI cablesqty 8
Ethernet cablesqty 12
Network Switchesqty 2
Wi-Fi router
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 3
USB sticksqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Batteriesqty 24
Cable tiesqty 50
Gaffer tapeqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Pizza cutterqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettle
Microwave
Bottle openersqty 3

Decorations

Gaming balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Tournament postersqty 6
Prizesqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Frozen margherita pizza - 8 pieces
- Frozen salami pizza - 8 pieces
- Frozen vegetable pizza - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 3 boxes
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Paprika - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Tomato salsa - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Fruit juice - 4 cartons
- Energy drink - 24 cans
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 4 lemons
- Pizza seasoning - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 2 packs

Tips

Count gaming stations before shopping: each station needs a screen, console or computer, controller or keyboard and mouse, power connection and the right video cable. Add at least one spare controller and a few spare cables.
For a wired setup, use one Ethernet cable per connected station plus two spare cables, and choose a network switch with enough ports for every station and the router. Test the network before guests arrive.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers or prepare ice in at least two ice cube trays instead of relying on a small fridge.
Buy food that can be served between matches, such as pizza and snacks, and provide one plate, cup and cutlery set per guest plus 10% extra. Keep serving platters and a pizza cutter ready near the food table.
Do not leave cable management until guests arrive. Bring cable ties and gaffer tape, and pack a USB stick, batteries and charging access for updates, backups and wireless equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a gaming party?: Plan one gaming station per active player or team, with a screen, console or computer, controls, power and the required cables. Also provide networking equipment, seating, tables, drinks, snacks and serving items.
How many drinks do I need for a gaming party?: Buy two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one additional drink per guest for every following hour. Add around 10% extra if guests will stay longer or the room is warm.
How many spare controllers and cables should I buy?: Have at least one spare controller for every eight active players, with a minimum of one spare for a small party. Buy two spare HDMI cables and two spare Ethernet cables so one faulty connection does not stop a match.
When should I buy and test gaming party equipment?: Buy non-perishable equipment at least one week before the party and test every station two to three days beforehand. Chill drinks and prepare ice on the day, while tables, chairs, cables and the network can be set up several hours before guests arrive.

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