Moana’s Realm of Monster’s Tomatoa Party

Today we’re having a Tomatoa Party! Remember the giant purple crab in the Moana movie? His name is Tomatoa, and I know he’s a villain, but I can’t help but love him. He cracks me up, and his “Shiny” song is just so darn catchy I knew I needed to have a Realm of Monsters party with a giant Tomatoa and lots of blacklight fluorescent fun.

Love this TOMATOA TABLE - for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Blacklight Party Favors for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Moana Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Blacklight Party Favors for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

So I actually didn’t know the name of that giant, purple crab in Moana, but my daughter has the sharpest ears. When she overheard me talking to my husband about the Shiny Crab in Moana, she said, “You mean, Tomatoa?” And we were both, like, “Who?” Then she started singing the lyrics to that “Shiny” song, which begins, “Tomatoa hasn’t always been this glam, I was a drab little crab once…” (and now that song is going to be in your head ALLLL day! You’re Welcome! LOL!)

Now in that Realm of Monster’s scene of the Moana movie, with the giant crab, the lights go out and there’s this blacklight part where all the bio-luminescent algae is glowing, along with Tomatoa’s giant teeth and eyes. That’s the inspiration for this Tomatoa Party…

SO COOL! Moana Tomatoa Party - Moana Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Of course at the Tomatoa Party, we needed Maui’s magic hook, a DIY Heart of TeFiti, and a sign with Tomatoa’s infamous quote, “I’d rather be shiny!” There were also glowing bubbles plus lots of blacklight reactive, neon party favors. These DIY Tomatoa Crab mittens, made from white paper, glowed bright in the blacklight and were a big hit with the kiddos. We also made fluorescent Te Ka tiki masks, using my free printable template colored with highlighters. Download all the free printables at the end of this post.

Rather Be Shiny Party! from Moana's Realm of Monsters. The coolest Blacklight Party ideas via @PagingSupermom

I really love the new Lightbox Glow from Heidi Swapp. It is a blacklight version of her awesome Lightbox marquee sign, which I’ve had on my entry table for a while. As soon as I saw the blacklight Lightbox, I knew I had to have it — I’m big fan of blacklights. I also included in the Tomatoa Party Printables Pack a free printable art print of this quote, plus my other favorite Tomatoa quote, “I’m Beautiful Baby!” If you want the Tomatoa free printables just fill out the form at the end of this post.

Rather Be Shiny Party! from Moana's Realm of Monsters. The coolest Blacklight Party ideas via @PagingSupermom
DIY Heart of Te Fiti for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Moana Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

I displayed a Heart of Te Fiti with sand in a colorful abalone shell. Here’s the tutorial for how to make a DIY Heart of Te Fiti — they’re super easy, and your kids can help.

We couldn’t have a Tomatoa Party without inviting the giant crab himself. I spent weeks racking my brain for ideas on how to bring Tomatoa to life. First I tried to create a mini version of Tomatoa using a purple paper lantern as the body, with a paper plate back covered in shells and random things, all spray painted gold. The crab mittens started out as hands for this Tomatoa project, but I couldn’t get the crab to hold together. The gold, shell-covered, paper plate was incredibly cool looking, but it was just too heavy and wouldn’t stay put. The best part were the big eyes I’d made from styrofoam balls, and it was those that stuck in my head as I pondered what else I could do.

I started thinking bigger, and realized that those giant, 24-inch round balloons would make perfect Tomatoa eyes, which quickly sprouted into this idea for the TOMATOA TABLE:

Love this TOMATOA TABLE - for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Moana Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

I love this idea so much more than my original plan. A small model of the crab would have been cute, but in the movie Tomatoa is HUGE, and creating a giant crab table is much more fitting. The way the balloons bounced back and forth off of each other, it was almost like Tomatoa was rocking out along with us — to see what I mean, go take another look at that first image which is an animated GIF of the Tomatoa Table. Another bonus, this Tomatoa Table is surprisingly easy to pull together. It is far less involved than my failed model project, and it has a much bigger impact!

How to Make a Tomatoa Table for Your Tomatoa Party

I used a 6-foot folding table, but any table in the 4 to 6-foot range would work. You’ll also need a floor-length purple tablecloth, which I topped with three gold sequins table runners. Now for the eyes…

Make Tomatoa's Eyes with Balloons and Paper - for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Moana Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

MAKE THE EYES: You’ll need black and white 12×12 sheets of cardstock to create the eye balls. For creating perfect circles, I love this Martha Stewart circle cutter tool (I think it’s been discontinued but similar to this one). Cut two 11.5-inch circles out of the white paper, and cut two 6.25-inch circles out of the black.

Delay filling your balloons with helium as long as possible. I purchased these 24-inch round balloons and was planning to fill them with helium at home because I didn’t think the store was going to be open when I needed to get the balloons done for my Moana Shiny Party. Turned out I was able to get mine done at Party City. They actually sell the 24-inch balloons in store, and I think it would probably be cheaper if can make it to the store. I wanted a deep purple, and their darkest purple balloons were a bit light, but we placed one of the blue balloons inside the purple one before filling, which produced a nice, dark purple color. The balloons were guaranteed to float for 12 hours, but we added High Float and mine lasted at least 2 days. I actually ended up buying three balloons instead of just two, in case we had any mishaps.

As the tether string for the balloons, I attached six strands of chunky Lion Brand Homespun Yarn, the Petunia Stripes color was variegated blue to purple just like Tomatoa. I wanted it pretty thick to look more like the eyes attached to the crab and weren’t just floating. I actually pulled out three double-lengths of the yarn, then folded the strands in half to tie onto the balloon. I attached them to balloon weights on the floor behind the table.

I used double-sided tape to attached the black circle to the white one. I had planned to use poster putty to fix the eyes to the balloons, but it wouldn’t hold. Due to the curved nature of the balloon, these big paper eyes won’t lay totally flat so they gape just a bit. It doesn’t look bad, but it does mean you need a pretty strong adhesive.

I used several pieces of the Scotch double-sided tape, which held, but it was more unforgiving. I really only had one shot to get the eye on straight because in peeling that double-sided tape off I risked popping the balloon.

It was a bit trickier than I expected to get the eyes placed level, I easily placed the first one, but then in trying to make the second one match, I had to finagle things a bit. When I attached the second paper eye, I realized the weight of the paper caused the balloon to rotate forward a bit so the eye ended up way too low. Afraid to pop it, I actually left that eye in place and just turned the balloon around and tried again. This time I aimed higher to compensate for the rotation. Then to get them to stay lined up, I also ended up taping the balloons to the wall.

Make Tomatoa's Teeth with FREE printable banner - for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

MAKE THE SMILE: Next create Tomatoa’s toothy grin by assembling my free printable Tomatoa Teeth Banner. I included two different templates in my Tomatoa Party Printables kit. The first one I created was too small, but I still included it in case you wanted to make your Tomatoa table with a smaller, 4-foot folding table. To download the free printable Tomatoa Party Kit just fill out the form at the end of this post.

Print the template on cardstock then cut out each tooth. For the top row of teeth, create half-inch slits on the top left and right sides of each tooth. For the bottom row, you actually want the teeth to hang so they line up along the bottom instead of the top. This is a bit tricky to accomplish since the teeth vary in size. I laid the bottom row teeth out, lining the bottoms up. I found the top of the shortest tooth and created slits at that height. Then I used this as a template for the slit height on all the bottom teeth. (So on the bigger teeth, I was actually slitting them almost halfway down.)

Finally, line up both rows of teeth in order, then string onto two separate strands of fishing line. I hung them on the table using the Command Party Banner Anchors. I used to dread hanging banners on the front of tablecloth-covered tables, but these banner anchors adhere to the tablecloth and make this chore a breeze.

Isn’t he cute? I just love the Giant Tomatoa Table it really made this Moana Shiny Party!

Love this TOMATOA TABLE - for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Be sure to check out my Ultimate Black Light Party guide for recommendations on the best blacklight to use; to find out what foods will glow in a blacklight; plus which blacklight party favors are the best bang for your buck.

I topped the Tomatoa Table with all our fun blacklight goodies. When I first setup the table I had the toys in containers with all the colors mixed, but it was looking so messy. By dividing the cool and warm colors on separate sides, it looked SO much better.

This Tomatoa Party is one situation where my go-to white serving pieces just didn’t work. The white detracted from the gold tablecloth, so I went with clear glass serving pieces instead. I love these Crate & Barrel Tilt Bowls, which remind me of barnacles, and this small Evelyn Vase. I used the two smaller Tilt bowls with this similarly style slanted footed bowl from JoAnn.

I added several seashells and coral pieces to complete the display. With the bubbling lava lamps, and glass bowls filled with all my glowing goodies, the table looked like something that belonged under the sea in the Realm of Monsters!

Make DIY Glow Bubbles for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Old antique crates looked right at home on Tomatoa’s gold back, and I rested on it this Maui Hook toy, that lights up and makes noise. I figured the glowing bubbles would be a hit, so I made it easy for kid’s to refill their bubble containers by serving up extra Bubble Solution in a beverage dispenser. Be sure to check out my easy tutorial for how to make DIY Glow Bubbles.

Make DIY Glow Bubbles for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Make DIY Glow Bubbles for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

I created editable party food tag for the Tomatoa Party, and the file is included in my free Tomatoa Party Printable Pack. You can type on them in Adobe Acrobat then print out on cardstock. I used these gold glitter placecard holders to display my signs. Fill out the form at the end of this post for instant access to the printable pack.

Editable party food tags for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Editable party food tags for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Tomatoa Party Food Ideas

Gummy worms will glow under a blacklight, so I served them up at our Tomatoa Party along with sour octopus candies (a couple of these colors on these glowed too). For more glowing food suggestions check out my Glow Guide.

We also had caramel popcorn with nuts, which reminded me of the haphazard collection of gold goodies on Tomatoa’s back. For a healthier snack, we had Crab Croissants, filled with tuna salad…

My kids like tuna and gobbled the Crab Croissants up, but you could also fill them with chicken salad, egg salad, or lunch meat. All you need to turn a croissant into a crab is a couple of sandwich picks with 8mm googly eyes hot glued to the top.

Tomatoa Crab Sandwiches for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Glowing Crab Hands for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Moana-Inspired Tomatoa Party Activities & Crafts

When the guests arrived for our Tomatoa Party, we made a couple of quick crafts. First we made crab mittens that they could wear while dancing. These are so simple to make using my free printable template. There is a RIGHT and LEFT template, and you’ll want to print a set on cardstock for each guest (actually just normal paper will work too, just slightly less durable). Stack a black piece of paper underneath the left-hand template, and cut out along the cutting guide lines. Staple around the edges to “stitch” them up, leaving the end open for the kids to insert their hands. Repeat for the right hand.

Another option: you could make the crab mittens before your Tomatoa Party, and stitch them up on the sewing machine. Cardstock sews just fine… in fact my sewing machine has probably seen more paper than fabric LOL!

Glowing Crab Hands for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Glowing Crab Hands for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Fluorescent Te Ka Masks for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

We also colored Te Ka tiki faces with highlighters so they would glow. Fill out the form at the end of this post for instant access to the Tomatoa Party Kit with the Tiki Mask and Crab Mittens templates.

After cutting them out, we attached them to tongue depressors to make masks. I had not planned to cut out the eye holes, because I figured we’d just make these hand masks at the Tomatoa Party. My son insisted on wearing his mask, so I used a craft knife to cut out the center of the eye, and punched a hole (using a mini hole punch) on either side of the mask and tied on an elastic cording strap, and the mask stayed on really well.

Neon Te Ka Masks for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Fluorescent Te Ka Masks for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

I used the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, which dispenses a thin line of super-strong, double-sided tape to attach the mask to its stick. By the way, I first found out about the ATG gun last January, and it has quickly become my favorite adhesive tool. The initial setup is tricky, but not if you follow the instructions (sometimes I don’t LOL!). After reading the instructions and becoming familiar with it though it is such a cinch to use, and there is literally NO mess. Seriously its the most unfussy adhesive I’ve ever tried, and it’s got a crazy strong hold. The ATG is a professional-grade adhesive glider, supposedly the same tool trophy makers will use to attach the metal plates to their wood bases. I actually used it on a Valentine’s project to hold pencils, and it was almost too good. If you’re looking for a permanent hold with no mess, the Scotch ATG is what you want.

Fluorescent Te Ka Masks for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

At our Tomatoa Party, we had a blacklight setup over the trampoline as well as one hung in the house. The kids spent most of the time dancing to music inside or bouncing on the tramp. All the glowing goodies and bubbles added to the fun.

Fluorescent Te Ka Masks for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
Blacklight Fun for a Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom
SO COOL! Moana Tomatoa Party - Blacklight Shiny Party based on the Realm of Monsters in Moana movie via @PagingSupermom

Please be sure to pin this post, and don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Black Light Party Glow Guide.

The ULTIMATE Blacklight Party Guide - glowing decor ideas, glowing food ideas, the BEST blacklight, and the coolest glow-in-the-dark party favors via @PagingSupermom

Sources & Free Printables

Here are quick links to the supplies and tools I used for my Tomatoa Party. Also be sure to check out my Glow Guide for which blacklight I used; plus an overview of the blacklight reactive toys I used on the Tomatoa Table.

Download the Tomatoa Party Pack

SOURCES

6-foot folding table
Floor-length purple tablecloth
Gold sequins table runners (I used 3)
Circle Cutter
Scotch double-sided tape
24-inch Purple Balloons
Helium Tank
Lion Brand Homespun Yarn – Petunia Stripes
Balloon weights
Command Party Banner Anchors
Maui’s magic hook
DIY Heart of TeFiti
Blacklight Lightbox Glow
Abalone shell
Glass Tilt Bowls
Evelyn Vase
Slanted Footed Bowl
Lava Lamps
Glowing bubbles
Beverage dispenser
Gold glitter placecard holders Gummy worms
Octopus Sour Gummies
Sandwich picks
8mm Googly eyes
Fluorescent highlighters
Tongue depressors
Scotch Advanced Tape Glider
Mini Hole Punch
Elastic cording

Bettijo Bridges

Administrator at Paging Supermom
Bettijo is the founder and designer of Paging Supermom where she shares creative ideas for family fun. Known for practical and kid-friendly activities, free printables and holiday entertainment. Bettijo was a guest on the Martha Stewart Show and has frequently appeared on local TV. Her work has also been featured in national magazines including Real Simple, O, Redbook, Parents, Family Circle, and Health. She enjoys art, retro-modern design, photography and making new things. Mom of 4 kids.

23 thoughts on “Moana’s Realm of Monster’s Tomatoa Party”

  1. Hello, I saw your awesome Tamatoa table & I’m Love with it. Y would love to get the printable teeth. Thanks in advance

    Reply
  2. You did an amazing job. I am going to throw my 4 year old a Tomatoa party and would love to have the link for the teeth banner. I cannot find it anywhere. TIA!

    Reply
  3. Hi, i’m not seeing where on the last page is the link to download the template for tomatoa’s teeth. I checked the 3rd page but not finding it.

    Reply

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