The Ultimate Girl Scout Cookie Booth Setup Guide (With Must-Have Supplies + Printables)
Cookie season is already busy enough. Between schedules, booths, counting inventory, and keeping girls engaged, the last thing anyone needs is a messy setup that slows everything down.
After running booths with my Troop, I’ve learned that a smooth cookie booth comes down to two things:
- a setup that’s fast to assemble + organized
- signs and tools that help girls confidently talk to customers
So I’m sharing exactly what we used, what worked, and what I’d recommend if you’re building a cookie booth setup from scratch (or upgrading yours this season). This guide includes:
- my booth layout tips (including a wagon-only option!)
- supply list + affiliate links
- laminating + signage tips
- cookie nutrition/allergen helper tips
- printable ideas your girls can use at the booth
Tip: I’m adding a short video my daughter made because it’s honestly the cutest “cookie booth commercial” and perfectly captures the booth vibe. 😊
This clip is from a previous season, but the booth setup and supplies are exactly what we still use today.
My Cookie Booth Setup Layout (Fast + Easy)
I use two 4-foot folding tables:
- Table #1 = Cookie storage / inventory
- Table #2 = Cookie display + signage
This keeps the booth from looking cluttered and makes it easier for girls to grab cookies quickly. If you only want one table, you can store extra cookies in a wagon or under the table.
Layout Tip (for busy locations)
Put the table slightly back from the walking path, then place your main sign toward the front (like my “It’s Cookie Time” sign). Customers see the booth without bumping into it.
[photo numbers]
One thing I always include at our cookie booth is printed information that explains why Girl Scouts sell cookies and where the money goes. Many customers genuinely want to support the girls, but they appreciate seeing how their purchase helps fund leadership skills, community service, badges, camps, and troop activities. I like to print and laminate materials about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, how proceeds are used, and impact statistics. These signs not only answer common questions, but they also give the girls confidence when talking to customers about the purpose behind cookie sales. GS Where the Money Goes [6]
The Cookie Booth Must-Have Supply List
These are the exact items we use (or very close versions). They make setup easier, inventory neater, and the booth look more “official,” which helps customers stop.
Water Bottles & Snacks (Don’t Skip This)
Cookie booths can be long, busy, and surprisingly exhausting for girls, especially during peak hours or warm weather. I always bring water bottles and a few quick snacks so girls can stay hydrated and energized between customers without leaving the booth area.
Having snacks on hand helps prevent meltdowns, low energy, and rushed breaks, and it keeps the booth running smoothly when lines are steady.
What I usually pack:
- Refillable water bottles for each girl
- Easy, mess-free snacks (granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks)
- Individually wrapped options for quick breaks
- Extra water for hot or outdoor booths
This small prep step makes a huge difference in how long girls can stay focused, upbeat, and engaged at the booth.
Booth Structure + Storage
✅ Table Rod Stand (for hanging decor & signs) [4]
https://amzn.to/3YVNMfV
✅ 4’ Folding Table (I use two) [2 and 4]
https://amzn.to/4qC7hWN
(One for cookie storage, one for display)
✅ Portable Shelf / Book Shelf (perfect cookie storage!) [1]
https://amzn.to/49T5llI
✅ Double Decker Wagon (optional but AMAZING)
https://amzn.to/4jYumAH
A regular wagon works, but this one is my favorite for cookie booths, camping, beach days, moving supplies, everything.
Table Setup
✅ Table Cloth 2 Pack [2]
https://amzn.to/4a9Yt4J
✅ Shopping bags for cookie purchases
https://amzn.to/46b1bo4
✅ First Aid Kit (perfect for Girl Scout events)
https://amzn.to/4qhXSTD
✅ (Optional) Booth Sign (mine isn’t available anymore on Amazon)
This site sells similar pre-decorated cookie booth signs:
https://www.cookiesigns.com/pre-decorated-signs
Laminating + Signs (This is what makes your booth feel “pro”)
If I could pick ONE thing that upgrades cookie booths instantly, it’s laminating.
Rain? Humidity? Wind? Sticky hands? No problem.
Laminating turns paper signs into durable, reusable booth tools that last the entire cookie season and beyond. Price lists, cookie menus, payment signs, donation info, and “where does the money go” sheets all hold up better when laminated. No curling edges, no ink bleeding, no frantic reprints the morning of a booth.
What makes a laminator especially worth it is that it doesn’t stop being useful once cookie season ends. We use ours year-round for troop meetings, badge work, station signs, visual aids, chore charts, and even take-home reference cards for the girls. Laminated materials can be written on with dry-erase markers, wiped clean, and reused again and again, which saves time and money.
For cookie booths specifically, laminating also helps the girls stay confident and informed. Laminated cookie info cards, nutritional guides, and allergen references make it easier for them to answer customer questions about vegan options, gluten-free cookies, or ingredients. When the girls can point to a clear, professional-looking sign, it takes pressure off them and keeps the booth moving smoothly.
It’s a small investment that pays off fast, especially if you’re running multiple booths or leading a troop year after year.
✅ Laminating Machine (useful for ALL Girl Scout activities) [3, 6, & 7]
https://amzn.to/4bdj4pU
✅ Laminating Sheets / Paper [3, 6, & 7]
https://amzn.to/3YZopcX
✅ Sign Holder / Acrylic Holder [3, 6, & 7]
https://amzn.to/45u9qeK
Girl Scout Helpers: Info Cards + Nutrition / Allergen Support
Not every customer knows which cookies are vegan, gluten free, or allergy friendly. And girls don’t always remember every detail when it’s busy.
So I printed:
- cookie nutrition info sheets LBB or ABC
- allergy reminders
- “Cookie Sensory Cards” girls can point to (super helpful for new sellers!) LBB or ABC [7]
Booth Tip:
Keep the nutrition/allergen sheet near your register/payment area, because that’s when customers ask questions.
Examples of questions you’ll hear:
- “Which cookie is vegan?”
- “Are any gluten free?”
- “Does this have nuts?”
- “Which one is best if I like chocolate?”
When your booth has the answers visible, customers feel confident buying.
Payment Signs & Tools I Recommend
If you accept Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, etc… make it EASY.
Laminated payment signs help customers decide quickly and reduce awkward pauses. [5]
Lanyards + Badge Holders (Booth Life Savers)
These are underrated but so helpful at booths and events.
Cookie Reference Lanyards for Girls
- Lanyards hold cookie info cards for quick reference
- Helps girls confidently answer questions about flavors, allergens, vegan options
- Keeps hands free and reduces booth clutter
- Especially helpful for Daisies and Brownies
✅ Retractable Badge Holder
2 pack https://amzn.to/3LBY0Pv | troop pack https://amzn.to/3M6P44L
✅ Green Lanyard
https://amzn.to/4bOxAo7
✅ XL Badge Holder
https://amzn.to/3Zt49ka
Wagon-Only Cookie Booth Setup (For Small Spaces)
If you’re doing a booth where you can’t bring tables, here’s what I’d do:
✅ Use a wagon with:
- cookies stacked by flavor
- 1 laminated menu board clipped to the handle
- 1 laminated payment sign
- 1 small clipboard for order tracking
If you want to make it “booth-like,” add:
- mini flag banner across the handle
- a hanging mini sign
- one printed cookie menu sheet in a clear binder sleeve
This keeps it light, portable, and fast.
My Biggest Cookie Booth Tips (Learned the hard way)
✅ Keep the booth clean and organized
A messy booth makes customers walk past.
✅ Use a shelf or bin system for storage
It prevents crushed boxes and makes restocking quick.
✅ Laminated signs = less stress
Everything lasts longer and looks nicer.
✅ Make signs girls can use
The info cards help girls SELL, not just stand there.
✅ Have one “leader quick zone”
Tape, scissors, sanitizer, extra pens, change box, badge holders, water bottles, snacks, etc.
Booth Etiquette & Girl Roles
- Girls greet customers, say thank you, and help describe cookie flavors
- Girls practice counting change and basic math
- An adult handles the money as the “bank,” especially for younger troops
- As girls get older (Juniors+), responsibility can gradually shift
Booth roles I like (especially for Daisies/Brownies):
I have the girls greet customers, explain cookies, and do the cookie counting and change math out loud, but I keep the cash and payments in my fanny pack and act as the “bank.” It keeps money secure, prevents accidental mix-ups during rushes, and still lets the girls practice real-life skills. As girls get older (Juniors and up), they can take on more responsibility, but this setup worked best for my troop when they were younger.
Bring Small Bills for Change
Even with digital payments, you’ll still need cash on hand to make change. I usually bring $30–$50 in small bills, mostly ones and fives, to start the booth. This makes it easy for girls to practice counting change while keeping transactions quick and stress-free. Having enough small bills from the beginning prevents scrambling later and keeps the booth running smoothly during busy times.
I avoid bringing large bills and keep the change secure on me rather than on the table.
Quick greeting script (easy for little ones):
“Hi! Would you like to support Girl Scouts today?”
“Our cookies are $6 a box.”
“Do you have a favorite cookie, or want a recommendation?”
Booth Tip: Helping Move Extra Cookies (End-of-Day or End-of-Season)
Toward the end of a booth day or later in the season, it’s common to have extra boxes of certain cookie flavors. When that happens, I encourage the girls to gently recommend those cookies first when customers ask for suggestions or don’t have a favorite.
Many buyers are happy to go with a recommendation, especially if they’re unfamiliar with all the flavors.
Simple phrases the girls can use:
- “A lot of people really like this one!”
- “This one has been really popular today.”
- “If you don’t have a favorite, this is a great choice.”
This helps girls practice confidence and communication, keeps the booth moving smoothly, and makes it easier to balance inventory without pressure or hard selling.
Note: Always follow your local Girl Scout council’s booth policies and approval process for locations and signage.
Recap: Cookie Booth Shopping List
If you want the same setup I use, here’s the short list:
- Table rod stand (for decor)
- 4’ tables (or wagon-only setup)
- camp chairs (optional)
- water bottles
- snacks
- portable shelf
- table cloths
- laminator + sheets
- sign holders
- payment sign
- cookie info cards
- lanyards + badge holders
- first aid kit
What We Wear at the Booth (Functional + Fun)
When it comes to cookie booths, I also put a lot of thought into what the girls are wearing. Comfortable, booth-appropriate shirts make a difference. I design Girl Scout–inspired tees, sweatshirts, pants, and totes that are easy to wear at booths, cookie walks, and troop events. Most of the designs came from things we actually needed during cookie season but couldn’t find in stores.
You can browse our Girl Scout collection here if you’re looking for booth-ready apparel and accessories.
Recruitment Flyers Are Always in My Booth Bag
One thing I always bring to cookie booths that people don’t think about is recruitment flyers. Cookie season is when families are already stopping, asking questions, and watching the girls in action, so it’s the perfect moment to share what Girl Scouts is really about. I keep a small stack of flyers on hand and offer them to parents who say things like “my daughter would love this” or “we’ve been thinking about joining.” It’s low-pressure, informative, and lets families take something home to read later. Cookie booths aren’t just about sales; they’re one of the best real-life recruiting opportunities we have. Here is a recruitment flyer I use, but your council usually has some in the resources pages of their website.
Want to Make Your Cookie Booth Even Easier?
Everything you see here is exactly how we run our booths in real life — from setup and signage to what the girls wear and carry on booth day. I design Girl Scout–inspired apparel and booth-friendly pieces in my shop at Whippie’s because I wanted items that were fun, practical, and actually worked during cookie season.
To make things even simpler, I created a free Cookie Booth Checklist printable you can use to stay organized before and during your booth. It includes quick setup reminders, simple signage ideas, and girl-friendly helpers you can print and use right away.
I share booth tips, free resources, and new Girl Scout designs throughout the season, and I’d love to have you join us.
Additional Printables I Use Throughout Cookie Season
Beyond booth signage, I also rely on a few printables that support cookie sales outside of the booth and help manage payments and tracking:
- Cookie Entrepreneur Flyer – Used at workplaces, community boards, and other approved locations so customers can scan and order through the girl’s Digital Cookie link. Shown as a real example from our troop — simply swap in your own girl’s name and Digital Cookie link.
- Accepted Payment Sign – Displays available payment methods like credit card, Venmo, and other digital options for in-person sales outside of a booth.
- Cookie Price Sheet – A simple reference for customers and helpers when taking orders away from the booth.
- Cookie Sales Tally Sheet – Helps track orders and payments during pop-up sales, work sales, or neighborhood deliveries. LBB Version
- Thank You Sign – A friendly reminder that supports appreciation and reinforces what cookie sales help fund.
- Donate to the Military – If You Can't Eat Them Donate to the Military sign, I hang this on a donation box for people to donate to the Military.
These printables are especially helpful for non-booth sales and make it easier for girls to confidently share their goals and take orders wherever they’re allowed to sell.
