Bingo Dauber Guide
A bingo dauber is the fastest way to mark a called square. It leaves a bright, round dot of ink that is easy to see from across the room, which is why it is the marker of choice at bingo halls, senior centers, and classroom game days.
Daubers are not the only option, though. If you are playing at home or with young children, you can use coins, beans, cereal, stickers, or small plastic chips. The best marker is the one that keeps the game moving without making a mess.
What to look for when buying daubers
Most daubers have a round foam or felt tip about the size of a bingo square. The tip should be firm enough to stamp a clean circle but soft enough not to tear cheap paper. A good dauber also has a vented cap and a clip so it can be stored upright.
- Washable ink for kids and classroom use.
- Quick-drying ink so dots do not smudge.
- Bright, translucent colors that are easy to read.
- A sturdy clip so the dauber does not roll off the table.
- A large enough ink reservoir for many game nights.
Household alternatives that work
You do not need a special marker to play bingo. A small handful of pennies, dried beans, or Cheerios covers squares just as well and costs nothing. Stickers are fun for younger players, and plastic bingo chips are easy to slide off a card at the end of each round.
If you want to reuse cards, sheet protectors and dry-erase markers are the cleanest option. Players mark the plastic sleeve, then wipe it clean for the next game.
Dauber options to compare
Different daubers suit different groups — here's what to look for depending on who's playing.
- Multi-color bingo dauber multipack
A good default for game nights with several players, since each person gets a distinct color. Check the ink is washable if kids will be using them.
- Bulk single-color bingo daubers
Fits halls, fundraisers, or classrooms that need to hand out or resupply many daubers at once. Compare per-unit cost across pack sizes.
- Fine-tip bingo dauber
Suits smaller print cards or players who want more precise dots. Confirm the tip size still covers a standard bingo square cleanly.
- Bingo dauber ink refill bottles
A cheaper way to keep reusable daubers going instead of replacing the whole marker. Check the refill is compatible with your dauber brand's tip.
- Washable dot markers for kids
Best for young children and classroom practice sheets where easy cleanup matters more than ink vibrancy. Look for a non-toxic, washable label.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend, and every printable here stays free.
Dauber dot practice sheets
Before handing daubers to young children, give them a practice sheet with large circles or simple shapes to stamp. This teaches them how hard to press and keeps the first bingo game from turning into a mess of overlapping ink.
You can make a quick practice sheet by printing a blank bingo card and asking children to stamp one dot in each square. It doubles as a counting and fine-motor activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bingo dauber?
A bingo dauber is a round-tipped marker filled with translucent ink. Players use it to stamp a clean dot over a called square on a paper bingo card.
Are bingo daubers washable?
Some are washable and some are permanent. Check the label before buying, especially if children will use them or if you want to reuse cards.
What can I use instead of a dauber?
Pennies, dried beans, cereal, stickers, small erasers, and plastic chips all work as bingo markers. A dauber is fastest, but any small object will do.
Can I make dauber dot practice sheets?
Yes. Print a blank grid or a simple shape outline and let children stamp dots inside the lines. It builds fine-motor control and hand-eye coordination.
Where do I buy bingo daubers?
Party supply stores, dollar stores, teacher-supply stores, and online retailers all carry bingo daubers. Look for a set with several colors so players can tell cards apart.
Ready to print cards? Use the bingo card generator for classic number cards or browse themed bingo cards for a ready-made word list.