How many prizes do I need for a kids party?

For 5 games with 3 winners each, you need 15 prizes. Add participation prizes if children are under 5 to avoid tears. A good rule is 2-3 prizes per game for winners and runners-up. For pass the parcel, every layer should have a small prize.

What are good party prizes for kids?

Stickers, small toys, bouncy balls, mini colouring books, bubbles, temporary tattoos, erasers, and small bags of sweets. Avoid expensive prizes that create jealousy. Keep all prizes roughly equal value. Pound shops are excellent for bulk party prizes.

Should every child win a prize?

For under-5s, yes - give participation prizes to everyone. For ages 5-7, have winners but give small consolation prizes. For 8+, children understand competition better and winners-only is fine. Always ensure no child goes home empty-handed by including prizes in party bags.

How much should I spend on party prizes?

Budget £0.50-£2 per prize. Winner prizes can be £1-£2 and participation prizes £0.30-£0.50. For 15 children and 5 games, a typical prize budget is £15-£30. Buying in bulk from pound shops or online party suppliers gets the best value.

PartyCalcs

Prize Calculator — Party Game Prizes

Estimate prizes needed for party games and competitions.

Number of Children

Number of children attending the party

Number of Games

How many games or competitions you'll run

Winners per Game

Winners and runners-up rewarded per game (typically 2-3)

Winner Prize Cost

Cost of each winner prize (UK norm £1-£2; pound-shop bulk buys keep this down)

Participation Prize Cost (0 = none)

Cost per child for a consolation prize so no one goes home empty-handed (£0.30-£0.50). Enter 0 to skip

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates total prize quantities and costs based on games and winners.

Formula

Winner prizes = number of games × winners per game
Participation prizes = number of children (one per child, when a participation prize cost is entered)
Spare prizes = (winner prizes + participation prizes) × spare % (rounded up)
Total prizes = winner prizes + participation prizes + spare prizes
Grand total = (winner prizes × winner cost) + (participation prizes × participation cost) + (spare prizes × winner cost) + (total prizes × wrapping cost)

Spare prizes and wrapping cost are optional (in Advanced Options) and default to zero, so by default the grand total is simply the winner and participation prize costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.