Why a caterpillar works for a bug party
The caterpillar is our longest, wriggliest critter. It bends at every segment, so kids can pose it, and each segment is its own little space to paint.
It's the activity and the favour at once: paint it at the party, then take it home. Magnets in the head and at the back keep it on the fridge.
Caterpillar painting ideas
Segments make it easy to plan a pattern:
- A different colour on every segment.
- Spots or stripes, like a real caterpillar.
- Halfway to a butterfly: wings painted on the back.
- A ladybird, bee or beetle look.
- Their name, one letter per segment (if it fits).
Add a bee to the garden
A garden needs pollinators, so the pack also has a bee. It's smaller and rounder than the caterpillar, and kids love painting the stripes. Mix caterpillars and bees in any combination, one per guest.
Bee ideas: classic yellow and black stripes, a bumblebee with a fuzzy-look orange tail, a queen bee with a painted crown, or a rainbow bee that's definitely not from around here.
Bring it into the garden theme
Run the painting after a bug hunt in the garden, so kids can paint something they've just found. Leave the critters to dry on a tray 'leaf' while the kids play, and hand them out at home time.
Questions parents ask
- How much does it cost?
- It depends on how many critters you choose (minimum 6) and whether you add paint marker sets or kids' mess kits. Every pack ships free within New Zealand, and the builder shows the total as you go. See prices and build your pack →
- Can I mix caterpillars and bees?
- Yes. Choose how many of each design you want, one per guest, in any mix, from a minimum of 6.
- What age is it suitable for?
- Ages 6 and up, with an adult supervising. The critters contain magnets and small parts, so keep them away from younger siblings.
- What should the kids paint with?
- Acrylic paint markers. They grip the smooth plastic and there are no brushes or water pots to manage. Ordinary felt-tips and washable markers smudge and won't stick. Our marker sets have 8 colours, and one set covers about 3 kids.
More answers on the FAQ page.