What you need for a jigsaw puzzle competition

A jigsaw puzzle competition needs more than a stack of puzzles. For each station, plan a 500-piece puzzle, a clear workspace, timing equipment and a way to record results. You will also need registration supplies, backup puzzles and refreshments for participants and volunteers. This shopping list helps you cover the items that are easy to overlook, especially spare materials and serving equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 42
Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 2

Game materials

500-piece jigsaw puzzlesqty 30
Puzzle matsqty 30
Backup puzzlesqty 2
Game clocksqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 3
Puzzle boxesqty 60
Number signsqty 32

Office

Score sheetsqty 40
Participant badgesqty 40
Name stickersqty 50
Ballpoint pensqty 50
Permanent markersqty 6
Printer paper
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
Prize envelopesqty 3

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Tea and lemonade - 2 bottles
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 5 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Cake - 4 pieces
- Vegetarian soup - 8 liters
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tableware

Mugsqty 50
Glassesqty 50
Platesqty 50
Soup bowlsqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6
Soup bowlsqty 45

Kitchen

Soup warmersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Packing scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Competition postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 8

Tips

Buy or rent one 500-piece puzzle for every competition station, plus at least one backup puzzle. Check every box for missing pieces before competition day, not when teams are already seated.
Prepare one puzzle mat, game clock or stopwatch, score sheet and set of pens per station. Keep tape, scissors, permanent markers and spare printer paper at the registration desk.
Set aside number signs, participant badges or name stickers, clipboards and prize envelopes before doors open. Put the registration desk near the entrance so late arrivals do not interrupt the puzzle stations.
For refreshments, provide coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, mugs, glasses and coolers before participants arrive. Add plates, bowls and cutlery if you are serving food rather than drinks only.
Match the number of tables and chairs to the station layout, then reserve separate buffet and registration tables. Leave enough space around each table for teams, volunteers and people carrying drinks without disturbing pieces.

Frequently asked questions

How many puzzles do I need for a jigsaw puzzle competition?: Plan one 500-piece puzzle for each competition station. Buy or rent at least one additional puzzle as a backup, and check all boxes for missing pieces several days before the event.
What supplies does each puzzle station need?: Each station should have a 500-piece puzzle, puzzle mat, number sign, timing device, score sheet and pens. Add a clipboard if teams or volunteers need to write while standing.
How much tableware should I buy for the competition?: Provide at least one mug or glass per participant, plus extras for volunteers and breakages; a practical allowance is 10% above your confirmed headcount. Add plates, soup bowls and cutlery only if food or soup is being served.
When should I prepare the competition supplies?: Check puzzles and print score sheets at least 2–3 days before the event. Set out station materials, registration supplies, prizes and refreshments before participants arrive, so setup does not compete with registration.

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