This is the kind of list women’s ministry leaders love, because it takes away guesswork and saves time. Not long ago, we cleaned out my garage. I found so many resources from the women’s ministry events I’ve planned. Streamers, glitter, tablecloths…I wish I knew you so I could have given you some of it! Seriously, here are items you need to add to your women’s ministry shopping list.
Planning a women’s ministry event doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ve learned over the years that when you have the right supplies ready, the stress level drops and the joy level rises.
Whether it’s a small fellowship night, a church-wide gathering, or a simple Bible study over coffee, having basic materials on hand makes all the difference.
From practical items like plates and pens to special touches like scripture cards and simple décor, these supplies can help you create meaningful moments without stretching your budget.
This women’s ministry post about your women’s ministry shopping list will walk you through an affordable list of women’s ministry essentials so you can spend less time worrying about what to buy and more time focusing on encouraging the women God has placed in your care.
Let’s Have Fun Together!
Fellowship activities in women’s ministry are simply opportunities for women to come together, build relationships, and encourage one another in faith.
They don’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Just intentional moments that create space for conversation, laughter, and connection.
A fellowship activity might look like sharing a meal, working on a craft together, swapping stories, or gathering for a time of prayer.
At their heart, these activities remind us that ministry isn’t only about programs; it’s about women walking side by side, supporting each other, and growing stronger as a community in Christ.
Basic Fellowship Supplies for Your Women’s Ministry Shopping List
- Paper plates, napkins, and sturdy plastic cutlery in neutral or seasonal colors.
- Disposable and reusable tablecloths for easy cleanup and re-use.
- Pitchers for water, lemonade, or tea, plus carafes for coffee.
- Plastic or Styrofoam cups, plus mugs if you want a warmer, homey feel.
- Serving spoons, ladles, tongs, and large mixing bowls.
- Disposable serving trays and platters for snacks and baked goods.
- Coffee urns or airpots for brewing and serving larger groups.
- Crockpots or slow cookers (these can be borrowed or brought by women).
- Paper towels and wet wipes for quick cleanups.
- Trash bags and small bins at each table or corner of the room.
- Name tags and markers to help women connect.
- Small baskets or bowls for holding mints, candies, or encouragement cards.
Creative Activity Supplies
I’ve noticed that when women’s ministry groups do something creative together, the room feels lighter and conversations flow more easily. It’s not really about the craft or project itself – it’s about sitting side by side, hands busy, hearts opening up.
I’ve seen women share stories while painting scripture verses, laugh together over messy glue projects, and even pray for one another as they worked on something simple like journals or encouragement cards.
Creative activities give women permission to relax, drop their guard, and just be themselves.
And the best part?
You don’t need a big budget.
A few supplies from the dollar store and a willingness to try something new can spark joy and connection in ways a formal program never could.
Women’s ministry shopping list for this category could be:
- Cardstock and construction paper in assorted colors
- Washable markers, gel pens, and colored pencils
- Inexpensive watercolor paint sets and brushes
- Glue sticks, clear tape, and double-sided tape
- Scissors (regular and decorative-edge)
- Stickers with encouraging words or scripture themes
- Rubber stamps and ink pads
- Washi tape and decorative masking tape
- Foam sheets and felt squares for tactile crafts
- Small bottles of acrylic paint in primary colors
- Paint palettes or paper plates for mixing
- Wooden crosses, plaques, or picture frames (often found at Dollar Tree or craft stores)
- Beads, buttons, and sequins for embellishment
- Pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, and clothespins for quick group crafts
- Mod Podge or spray adhesive for sealing projects
- Ribbons, twine, and string for tying or hanging decorations
- Journals or small notebooks (can be decorated or personalized)
- Canvas panels (8×10 or smaller) for scripture painting
- Clear sheet protectors and binders (helpful for prayer journal projects)
Check out my resource for women’s ministry activities!
Available as an e-book AND on Amazon.com.
Hospitality & Décor – Things to add to a women’s ministry shopping list
Hospitality supplies are the little things that help women feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for the moment they walk into a gathering. They go beyond the basics of food and drinks—they set the tone for the whole event. Simple touches like tablecloths, centerpieces, mugs or cups, napkins, and a few decorative items make the room feel inviting without being over the top. Having these supplies ready also means you’re not scrambling at the last minute or borrowing from ten different people. In women’s ministry, hospitality isn’t about impressing anyone; it’s about creating a warm environment where women can relax, connect, and focus on building relationships with one another and with God.
What you can add to your women’s ministry shopping list
- Reusable or disposable tablecloths in neutral or seasonal colors
- Cloth napkins or sturdy paper napkins for a polished look
- Plastic or glass pitchers for water, tea, or lemonade
- Coffee urns, carafes, or airpots for hot beverages
- Disposable cups, mugs, or matching glassware depending on the setting
- Serving trays, platters, and bowls for snacks or desserts
- Tea lights, battery-operated candles, or string lights for cozy ambiance
- Small floral arrangements or seasonal centerpieces (Dollar Tree vases work well)
- A basket or container for encouragement cards, prayer slips, or giveaways
- Welcome signage or a simple chalkboard to greet attendees
- Hand sanitizer stations or small pump bottles at tables
- Trash bins, liners, and easy-to-reach cleanup supplies to keep the space neat
Spiritual Growth Tools
Spiritual growth tools are the resources you provide that point women back to God’s Word and help them deepen their faith beyond the event itself. They can be as simple as printed scripture cards, prayer journals, or devotionals tucked into a gift bag. Some leaders keep a box where women can drop prayer requests, or they set out Bibles for small group discussions. Even small giveaways—like bookmarks with encouraging verses—can become tools women use later in their personal quiet time. These supplies don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. What matters most is that they create space for reflection, prayer, and a stronger connection with God long after the fellowship ends.
- Small Bibles or New Testaments (handy for giveaways or guests who don’t bring one)
- Scripture cards or bookmarks with encouraging verses (can be homemade with cardstock)
- Journals or simple spiral notebooks for prayer or reflection
- Pens and highlighters for Bible study sessions
- Printable devotional guides or handouts for group study (find ton of those on GodsyGirl.com!)
- Prayer request box with slips of paper and pens nearby
- Gratitude or blessings jars with slips of paper for women to fill in during the event
- Guided prayer cards with prompts like adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication
- Pocket-sized devotionals or pamphlets (Christianbook.com often has bulk discounts)
- Sticky notes for scripture memory challenges or encouragement notes for others
- Christian music playlists (Spotify or YouTube) to set the atmosphere during reflection time
Food & Drink Basics
- Coffee, tea bags, sweetener, and creamers
- Water bottles or pitchers with cups
- Simple snack items (pretzels, crackers, cookies)
When you’re pulling together a women’s ministry shopping list, it’s smart to include a few non-perishable food supplies like above. If you can, keep them on hand for any event.
Items like crackers, pretzels, individually wrapped cookies, and granola bars are great to store in a tote or cabinet because they stay fresh for weeks and require no prep. Cans of lemonade mix, coffee, tea bags, sugar packets, and powdered creamers also stretch your budget and save you from last-minute store runs.
Having these staples ready means you can set up a snack table quickly without worrying about spoilage, and it gives you a safety net in case more women show up than expected.
Non-perishables make planning easier and allow you to focus on the fellowship instead of stressing over food.
My church was able to house (or store) ours, but that’s not always the case. If not, it’s okay. If so, be sure to add them to your women’s ministry shopping list.
I’ve also included some stores I like to frequent for great deals!
Free Downloadable Women’s Ministry Shopping List
Love you for reading and thank God for all that you do!
I’m so glad you stopped by today. Your heart for ministry matters more than you know, and I truly believe God sees every effort you pour into serving women.
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My latest free gift for subscribers is the Women’s Ministry Calendar — something I pray will make your planning lighter and your gatherings even more meaningful.