Why a paint-your-own T-REX works as a dino party favour
It covers two jobs at once. Painting is the activity, so you don't need a separate craft, and the finished dinosaur is the favour, so there's no party bag to fill.
Every kid starts with the same blank T-REX and ends up with something completely different: a classic green hunter, a rainbow one, a skeleton, one covered in spots. Because they made it, it doesn't get thrown out.
It's a bendy, print-in-place dinosaur with a magnet hidden in the head and the tail end, so it sticks to the fridge, a locker or a magnetic whiteboard.
Dinosaur painting ideas to get them started
Some kids dive straight in. Others stare at the blank dinosaur, so have a few ideas ready:
- Real-world colours: greens and browns with a lighter belly.
- A fossil look: white bones drawn over a dark body.
- Fire-breathing: red and orange flames along the back.
- Their favourite sports team or school colours.
- Spots, stripes or zigzags, one colour per segment.
Make it part of the dinosaur theme
Set the painting table up as a dinosaur dig or a 'dino lab' and have the kids name their T-REX before it goes home. Ask them to write the name on a card beside their dinosaur so it doesn't get swapped while it dries.
Not everyone loves dinosaurs, and that's fine. The pack lets you mix designs, so you can add a few cats, caterpillars or eagles for guests who'd rather paint something else.
How to run it on the day
Paint first, as the opening activity, while everyone is still arriving and settling in. Up to 30 minutes is plenty. Then leave the dinosaurs on the table to dry while the kids move on to games and cake, and hand them out at home time.
Questions parents ask
- How much does a dinosaur party pack 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 →
- 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.