Scavenger hunts are not just for kids; they can be an exciting and heartfelt way to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether it's a birthday surprise, an anniversary celebration, or simply a way to show appreciation, planning a scavenger hunt can be a delightful experience. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to create a memorable scavenger hunt for someone special.
I organized a scavenger hunt for my not-so-deserving ex-husband to celebrate our 5th anniversary during the Covid lockdown. The option to go out did not exist, so I had to improvise and get creative within the house.
I recently was organizing my office and found notes on how I planned my experience; I hope you'll find inspiration from it. (You'll see them below)
Step 1: Set Your Objective
Begin by determining the purpose of the scavenger hunt. Is it to celebrate a special occasion, express love, or have a fun day together? Understanding your objective will guide the hunt's theme, clues, and overall design.
As I mentioned, we were celebrating our anniversary, and I wanted to find a fun way to spend a day and give a present.
Step 2: Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme can add excitement and personality to your scavenger hunt. Consider your loved one's interests and passions. It could be based on their favorite movie, a shared hobby, or even a trip down memory lane with significant locations from your relationship.
I chose to go down memory lane and first wrote down significant places from our relationship, and then I started writing questions to connect the dots.
Step 3: Create Clues and Riddles
Now comes the creative part. Design clues and riddles that will lead your loved one from one location to the next. Make them relevant to the theme and, if possible, add personal touches or inside jokes. Remember, the difficulty level should be appropriate – challenging but not frustrating.
Step 4: Select Locations
Choose locations that are meaningful to your relationship or fit the theme. These could be places where you've shared important moments or spots with sentimental value. Ensure the locations are accessible and safe if you are doing it outside.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Step 5: Prepare the Prizes
What's a scavenger hunt without rewards? Prepare small gifts or surprises at each location. These could be heartfelt notes, their favorite snacks, or even clues leading to the following location. The prizes should add excitement and build anticipation.
I decided to have a big present and skip small prizes, which was equally fun!
Step 6: Plan the Route
Arrange the order of the locations logically so that they flow smoothly. It's a good idea to visit places nearby to minimize travel time and keep the momentum going. Ensure you have permission to visit any private locations.
Since I did it in the house and outside the home, it was easier to plan. But making this on a different scale and using other locations is exciting.
I wrote all the clues, put them in small envelopes, and then brought them to locations.
I recommend writing down what envelope goes where in your plan so everything runs smoothly, and you don't get confused while setting it up.
You can find the list of questions and locations I used below.
- Where did we meet? (A bar, so the next clue was at our basement bar)
- What was I wearing? (A pink skirt, it was in the closet)
- What did I order? (Sauvignon blanc, next clue in the fridge)
- Who was I with? (A picture of my friend and me framed in my office)
- What did you do when I was in London that made you the sweetest boyfriend ever? (He once went to my apartment in NYC that I was airbnbing and cleaned the bathroom for new guests since the cleaning lady canceled at the last minute)
- What did you make me the first time we went away? (BBQ, so next clue was in the grill)
- Where did we go late at night after Lebanese dinner at Flatiron? (Playground, the next clue was hidden at the playground that I recently built)
- What were we sending each other all the time while being apart? (Snail mail, that was the final clue to a present in a mailbox)
Fine, that was not all of it, I skipped the naughty ones haha. But you get the idea!
Step 7: Test Run
Before the big day, do a trial run of the scavenger hunt to ensure everything runs smoothly and the clues are solvable. This will help you identify any potential hiccups and make necessary adjustments.
Step 8: Invite Participants
If you'd like, invite friends or family to join the hunt. They can either help your loved one decipher clues or wait at the final location to participate in the celebration.
Step 9: Execute the Hunt
On the scavenger hunt day, maintain an air of excitement and anticipation. Provide your loved one with the first clue, and watch as they embark on this adventure you've carefully crafted.
Step 10: Capture the Moments
Don't forget to document the experience. Take photos or record videos to create lasting memories of this special day.
I was so excited to start the hunt that I didn't take a single photo, so you shouldn't make my mistakes.
Step 11: Celebrate Together
Once your loved one has completed the scavenger hunt, gather at the final location to celebrate and reflect on the journey. Share your feelings, enjoy the prizes, and relish the memories you've created together.
It was such a success! We had so much fun and went down memory lane, talking about fun moments we experienced together.
A well-planned scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging activity and a heartfelt gesture showing your loved one how much you care. It's an opportunity to create cherished memories and strengthen your bond while embarking on a thrilling adventure together. So, start planning – your loved one is in for a fantastic surprise!
Sadly, mine didn't appreciate it in the long run, but I hope your loved one is a more decent person.
xoxo,
April
Leave a Reply