I personally love bringing the church together to create decorations and transform our building into an undersea adventure! But sometimes a quick purchase can save boatloads of time and effort. The Easy Button! Finding that balance is something that each director and church figures out based on their own needs (and budget!). Here are some of the items that VBS directors have posted that have helped them make decorating easy.
CLICK TO DROP TO:
BACKDROPS
BIBLE ADVENTURES DECORATING ITEMS
WALLS, HALLWAYS, & CEILINGS
INFLATABLES AND BALLOON ARCHES
DIY DECORATING SUPPLIES
MISCELLANEOUS STUFF TO MAKE DECORATING EASIER
REGARDING AFFILIATE LINKS…
As I’ve said, I am 100% committed to freely sharing every resource on this site. I want anyone sharing Jesus with kiddos to be able to use whatever they find helpful here. But the question has been looming for me—Do I add affiliate links or not? After prayerful consideration, I did decide to add links with the hope that eventually they may help to cover some of the costs associated with having a website. So, if you decide to make a purchase of a product I’ve highlighted, please know that I am not shamelessly advertising random things for my personal benefit. Any commission I receive is going to a good cause! With that in mind, if you do decide to purchase something mentioned on my site, I’d sure appreciate if you’d connect through these links. It’s a way to support this ministry at no cost to you.
Now for the official disclosure…
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).
BACKDROPS
Yep, we can line halls with tablecloths, seaweed, and plates and make it look amazing! But if you need a quick splash for one of your spaces, shower curtains and tapestries can be a gift! Amazon has a bunch if you need them quickly. Temu also has some great deals if you can wait a bit longer for their shipping.
Since Group has indicated they will not be getting in any more of their 20′ backdrops, here are a couple options of 20′ x 10′ backdrops that are still available on Amazon.
AOFOTO 20x10ft Under Sea Seabed World Backdrop (available with Prime Delivery)
Yeele 20x10ft Aquarium Underwater World Photography Backdrop (available with Prime Delivery)
I love the colors on this one, but it does have a small charge for shipping and takes a bit longer to arrive.
Yeele 20x10ft Vinyl Underwater Coral Reef Backdrop
These smaller options are great too (and cost a lot less than the 20 footers!)…
Yieldeer Under The Sea Tapestry Wall Hanging for Bedroom Aesthetics, Deep Sea Sunshine Seabed Coral Sailboat Wall Tapestry Ocean Underwater
HVEST Shark Tapestry Tropical Fish Undersea World Tapestry Wall Hanging Ocean Animals Tapestries
WODEJIA Undersea World Dolphin Print Fabric Tapestry Decorative Wall Art 79 x 59 inches
WOLADA Under The Sea Backdrop Ocean Backdrop 7x5FT
BIBLE ADVENTURES DECORATING SUPPLIES
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Wrapping boxes for your stone walls? We did this several years ago and have managed to keep using our boxes throughout the year so that we don’t have to remake them each year (it seems like every year we need them). This will be our 4th year using the same boxes wrapped in this stone tablecloth.
3 Packs Cobblestone Tablecloth Stone Printed Table Cover
Planning to make the big fish/whale according to Group’s directions? Those who have done it already recommend using 4 mil plastic sheeting (not too heavy for the fans to hold up). You might be able to find it cheaper locally, but this was the best deal I could find on Amazon for the amount you’ll need.
POLY AMERICA 410B 10-Feet X 100-Feet 4 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting
You’ll want some sort of blanket, beach towel, etc. for each of your crews during Bible Adventures. We purchased blankets like these years ago and they are still going strong. If you have more than 4 crews at a time during Bible Adventures, Amazon has some larger packs too.
Oudain Mexican Blankets and Throws 45 x 70 Inch, Cotton Outdoor Camping Blanket Woven Serape, 4 Pack
THE BIG FISH!
Have you seen the amazing Bible Adventures whale/fish created using a pop-up canopy? Wow! Much easier than the black plastic with the fan. This is what we’ll be doing this year. Hopefully, you’ve a pop-up canopy at church or one you can borrow from someone. I did discover that they cost less than I expected for something that can be used over and over for many events.
Here’s a 12′ x 12′ version with lots of good reviews. This is the size used in the example on the Decorating page.
EAGLE PEAK 12×12 Pop Up Canopy Tent Instant Outdoor Canopy Easy Set Up Straight Leg Folding Shelter with Wheeled Bag, 4 Sand Bags, 8 Stakes and 4 Ropes
Got a smaller group? This 10′ x 10′ comes in black, blue, and grey (all good options for the big fish!) and is under $100 (at the time of posting).
Best Choice Products 10x10ft Pop Up Canopy Outdoor Portable Folding Instant Lightweight Gazebo Shade Tent w/Adjustable Height, Wind Vent, Carrying Bag – Black
TOAOB 2pcs Giant Googly Wiggle Eyes Self Adhesive 7 Inch Large Black Plastic Sticker Eyes
Looking for an even easier option for the big fish? If your group isn’t too large, this one might work for you (at the time of posting there is a $10 coupon on Amazon so the total cost is $30). This is supposedly large enough for two crews inside at the same time.
Blow Up Tent Indoor for Kids,Requires 20-inch Box Fan (not Included),20 Seconds Quick Setup,Shark Playhouse,Light-Up Air Tent
The curriculum has us making a tomb out of the same material as the whale. For those not doing the whale as written, you may be looking for another tomb option. Backdrops are another option that can be used year after year (and even at Easter for other purposes). I just ordered this one for our church.
Leowefowa 10x8ft Resurrection of Jesus Backdrop Sunrise Jesus Tomb
WALLS, HALLWAYS, AND CEILINGS
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Some churches have created a dazzling effect with waves projected on the walls and ceilings.
The wave effect can be done relatively inexpensively in smaller spaces with small projectors like this one.
Ocean Wave Projector, Projector Wave Lights for Kids Room, Remote and Timer, 8 Color Changing Modes LED Night Light
Want waves throughout your entire sanctuary? This projector is defintely an investment, but it will light up an entire sanctuary. If it’s in your budget, it’s a one-time purchase that can be used for many events to come. This video shows the various effects it can create: Go to YouTube,
CHAUVET DJ LED Lighting (Abyss 2)
No time to cut out sea animals? These are ready to pop up on any wall.
72 Pcs Sea Life Cut Outs Ocean Fish Cutouts Colorful Under The Sea Decorations Sea Animal Fish Accents Cutouts
With this theme can we really get enough blue tablecloths? Dollar Tree seems to be the go-to, but I’ve discovered that Walmart and Amazon both have even less expensive options if you buy in bulk.
24 Pack Blue Plastic Table Cloths Disposable，54 x 108 Inches
Plan to line the hallways with blue or put ocean waves overhead? Rolls of plastic tablecover work great for this.
This is the best deal around at the time of this post, but prices seem to fluctuate daily so be sure to check places like Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Party City, etc.
54 Inch X 100 Feet Plastic Table Cover Roll Disposable Tablecloth with Slide Cutter
TRYMAG Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty, 28Lbs Super Strong Magnet Hooks for Hanging, 25 pcs
If you have drop ceilings, magnets like these are a gift! We are using them to hang things along the walls, hang jellyfish in the middle of a room, hang the blue tablecloths overhead…you get the idea. They are SO versatile and super quick and easy to use.
This is what we are using to make our silhouettes for our overhead ocean.
Kraft Black Wrapping Paper Roll – 24 Inch x 200 Feet – 100% Recyclable Craft Construction and Packing Paper
Want the really cool water effect on the walls? These tablecloths come in 10-packs for about $2.40 each (at the time of posting).
Irenare 16 Pieces Ocean Waves Plastic Tablecloth Ocean Table Cover Water Print Table Cover
Prefer a roll?
Irenare 1 Roll Ocean Waves Plastic Tablecloth Ocean Table Cover (54 Inch X 100ft)
Ready to wow the kiddos with a blacklight hallway or room? Neon fish and seaweed has such a dynamic effect! Blacklights are an investment, for sure, but one you’ll use over and over in children’s ministry.
Black Lights, U`King 72W 36LED UV Blacklight with Glow in The Dark Party Supplies by DMX and Remote Control for Stage Lighting (4 Pack)
Need a less expensive Blacklight? Here’s an option for a smaller space.
42W LED Black Light Bar, IP66 Waterproof Blacklight Bar with 6ft Cord+Plug+Switch, Black Lights for Glow Party
Not all neon colors show up under black lights, so make sure you have some that specifically say that they work for black light (or at least test them to make sure).
DecoArt Americana Black Light Neon Acrylic Paint Pack 6/Pkg
Glow streamers make for some really cool seaweed and waves, but not all are created equal. These have great reviews for the price, but there are others out there too depending on how much you need.
800feet Blacklight Party Streamer Decorations 8 Rolls Glow Crepe Paper UV Reactive Fluorescent Neon Paper Streamers Glow Party Supplies and Decorations
INFLATABLES AND BALLOON ARCHES
Kids LOVE items overhead! There are so many fun fish and inflatables available to make decorating super easy. Dollar Tree has some, but I discovered that Amazon is even cheaper. Balloon arches take a bit of time and finesse to put together, but they sure have a WOW effect! Here are a few that I’ve seen posted by other Scuba directors…
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Check out the size of some of these balloons (the Whale is 32″ x 30″!).
20 Pack Ocean Balloons for Under The Sea Decorations
These are even bigger overall!
KatchOn, Ocean Balloons for Under The Sea Decorations – 43 Inch, Pack of 15
Balloon arches can make a big splash for not too much $$. Just keep in mind that the frames don’t come with them, so you’ll want to think through how you’ll display it. The pictures above the product reviews on Amazon give a bunch of ideas.
Ocean Themed Party Decorations 165pcs Blue Balloon Arch Garland Kit
Here’s another cute arch…
PageebO Ocean Animals Balloon Arch Kit-120pcs Midnight Blue Light Blue Metallic Blue
Want to hang some bubbles in your displays? You can buy round balloons, but they’re a bit pricier. Clear latex balloons look pretty round if you underinflate them.
Bezente Clear Balloons Latex Party Balloons – 100 Pack 12 inch
DIY DECORATING SUPPLIES
Want to make these super cool (and big) jellyfish? Amazon had 4-packs of 27″ diameter umbrellas to get you started.
Jexine 4 Pcs Kid’s Clear Bubble Umbrella Transparent Umbrella with an Easy Grip Handle
LOOFAH SPONGES
Whether placing them in a coral reef as is or pulling them apart for stick coral or jellyfish tentacles, we can’t seem to get enough loofah sponges for Scuba. You can pick up the small ones at Dollar Tree or Walmart, but if you are looking for bigger ones, Amazon seems to have the best deal. I love the colors in this 50-pack.
50 Pcs Large Bath Shower Loofah Sponge Bulk 60g Exfoliating Bath Sponge
It’s amazing how great walls look with bright color coral simply cut out of posterboard. Dollar Tree’s posterboard is still $1, which is nice, but this 25 pack is currently only $15 (at the time of posting). That’s a pretty significant savings if you need a variety pack.
School Smart 1485739 Railroad Board, 4-ply Thickness, 22″ x 28″, Assorted Color 25 Count
MISCELLANEOUS STUFF TO MAKE VBS DECORATING EASIER!
MAVALUS TAPE
It’s on the pricey side for sure, but VBS Directors and teachers insist that it will not damage your walls and will hold up to summer humidity.
Mavalus Tape 1″ X 45 YDS White
(Large)
These little doohickeys will make your coral creations a breeze. You can attach just about anything to your foam blocks or cardboard boxes by sticking these in.
2 Inch Greening Pins (600 Pieces) – Floral Fern Pins for Straw Wreaths, Holiday Arrangements, & Craft Projects.
This simple tool glides through pool noodles and cardboard. It can even be used on foam boards.
CANARY Cardboard Cutter with Sheath 7.5″ Safety Box Cutter
If you’re using foam insulation for any of your props, your life will be SO much easier if you have a hot knife. There are many options out there, but this one comes highly recommended from VBS directors who say that it has withstood the test of time.
EROMECH Foam Cutter Pro Electric Hot Knife, 200W Air Cooled Styrofoam Cutting Tool Kit
PURPLE MARKERS
So this isn’t for decorating, but in Sticky Scriptures, all the kids are supposed to be using purple markers. If you don’t want to raid all your maker sets in a hunt for purple, you can order all purple from Amazon.
Crayola Washable Markers – Violet Purple (12ct), Kids Broad Line Markers
600 Pcs Paper Wristbands Neon Wrist Bands Waterproof Hand Bands for Events Lightweight Concert Wristbands Neon Colored Adhesive Wristbands for Party
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