Free shipping for orders above $75
Offering Full Monte Marte Range
Flat Shipping Rate
100% Kiwi Owned and Operated
Art Supply Starter Kits for Kiwi Creators
Everything you need to start painting, crafting or sculpting — bundled, priced for value, and shipped fast across New Zealand. From $49.
Shop Starter Kits →Nothing missing
Every kit is curated by Kiwi artists so you can start creating on day one — no "one missing thing" frustration.
Save 15-25%
Bundles cost less than buying the same items individually, and you hit the free shipping threshold instantly.
Ships fast NZ-wide
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga — usually 1-3 business days from Mount Wellington.
Gift-ready
Curated for specific occasions: birthdays, school holidays, anniversaries, or just as a surprise.
Our Starter Kits & Bundles
Curated for different goals, budgets and experience levels.
The Complete Beginner Kit
- 18 × Signature acrylic paints
- 10 × Quality taklon brushes
- 1 × Pre-stretched canvas (30×40cm)
- Mixing palette included
- Digital getting-started guide
The Family Craft Kit
- Kid-safe Signature acrylics (12pc)
- 4 × Round brushes (fine to bold)
- Mini canvases for quick wins
- Craft supply variety pack
- Link to 20+ holiday activity ideas
The Sip & Paint Gift Kit
- Paint your partner's portrait kit
- Premium Signature acrylics
- Professional brush set
- Two canvases (one per person)
- Step-by-step instructions
The Paint Pouring Starter
- 6 × Pouring acrylic paints
- Acrylic flow medium 250ml
- 3 × Round canvases
- Silicone oil (for cells)
- Mixing cups & stir sticks
The NCEA Art Student Kit
- Full NCEA Level 1-3 checklist
- Quality acrylics & brushes
- A3 visual diary
- Drawing pencils & erasers
- Canvas pad for portfolio work
The Polymer Clay Starter
- 8 × Polymer clay colours
- Basic clay tool set
- Rolling pin & cutters
- Jewellery findings pack
- Link to beginner's clay guide
How to choose the right starter kit for you
Not sure which kit fits? Use this 30-second decision guide:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best art supply starter kit for adult beginners in NZ?
The Handy Mandy Complete Beginner Kit ($49.99) is our most popular starter kit for adult beginners. It includes 18 Signature acrylic paints, 10 quality brushes, and a pre-stretched canvas — enough to complete 3-5 full paintings while learning. Free shipping across New Zealand on orders over $75.
Are bundles cheaper than buying items separately?
Yes. Our starter kits save 15-25% versus buying the same items individually. For example, the Complete Beginner Kit is $49.99 — the same paints, brushes and canvas bought separately would cost $64.99.
Do starter kits qualify for free shipping?
All orders over $75 ship free anywhere in New Zealand. The Complete Beginner Kit, Date Night Kit, Paint Pouring Kit, and NCEA Student Kit all qualify. Smaller kits (Family Craft Kit, Polymer Clay Starter) can be combined with accessories to hit the threshold.
What age are the kids' starter kits suitable for?
Our Family Craft Kit is designed for ages 5-12. Supplies are non-toxic (certified by Mont Marte) and washable. Younger children (3-4) should always be supervised. For older teens, the NCEA Art Student Kit is more appropriate.
Can I return a starter kit if I don't like it?
Yes. Handy Mandy offers easy returns on unopened starter kits within 30 days. We're a small NZ-owned business and we want you to love your kit — just email us and we'll sort it.
Do you ship to rural New Zealand addresses?
Yes, we ship NZ-wide including rural addresses. Rural delivery may add 1-2 business days. Orders to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga typically arrive in 1-3 business days.
Can I pay using Afterpay?
Yes. Afterpay is available on all kits. Split your purchase into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks. Available at checkout on all orders over $35.
Which starter kit is best as a gift?
The Sip & Paint Gift Kit ($89.99) is our #1 gift-favourite. It's packaged beautifully, works for couples or friends, and includes everything needed for a creative date night. For a lower price point, the Complete Beginner Kit makes an excellent birthday gift.
Are Handy Mandy starter kits good value compared to buying separately?
Yes. Independent comparison shows our starter kits save 15-25% on average versus buying the same paints, brushes and canvas individually. The Complete Beginner Kit at $49.99 would cost around $65 if bought item-by-item.
What's actually inside the Complete Beginner Kit?
The Complete Beginner Kit ($49.99) includes 18 Mont Marte Signature acrylic paint tubes (12ml each), 10 quality taklon brushes in a range of sizes (round, flat, liner), one pre-stretched canvas (30×40cm), a mixing palette, and a digital getting-started guide. Enough to complete 3-5 full paintings.
Do you offer NCEA-specific starter kits for high school students?
Yes. The NCEA Art Student Kit ($79.99, save $20) is matched to the official NCEA Level 1 art supply checklist and includes acrylics, brushes, A3 visual diary, drawing pencils, erasers, and a canvas pad for portfolio work. Free NZ shipping.
Can I gift-wrap a starter kit at checkout?
Yes. Gift-wrapping is available as an option at checkout. The Sip & Paint Gift Kit and Complete Beginner Kit are our two most popular gift-wrap purchases. Add a personalised gift message at checkout, free.
Ready to start creating?
Browse our full collection of kits and bundles, or reach out if you need help choosing.
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