HT Games
Best Buy Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items commonly found in mall stores. They might be clothing items such as jeans, T-shirts or sweaters, or the items might be accessory items such as cosmetics, hair elastics or handbags. The list should be specific so that people find the same exact item. For instance, don't just say "purse," but name the type of purse, such as a clutch purse. Then give each team the same exact list. As your friends go off for an hour, they are looking for the best-priced item on the list. When they return, everyone compares notes. The team with the lowest price for the item on the list gets to claim that item as a victory. The team that has the most lowest-priced items is the winner. Then you and your friends can go shopping using the scavenger hunt list as a guide for the lowest-priced items in the mall.
Alphabet Hunt
For this scavenger hunt, no preset list is needed. You and your friends are merely trying to find something that starts with every letter of the alphabet, A through Z. Once you find the item, take a picture of it with a camera or your smart phone. Then return at the appointed time. The team with the most photos is the winner. You can also allow people to claim the item based on both the brand name or the item name. For example, a Nike T-shirt, would be valid for "N" or "T." Additionally, if you want to make the game more challenging, require each team to purchase an item spending no more than $10 or $20. This will make the hunt a little tougher as you bargain-shop.
Freebie Shopping List
Believe it or not, there are many things in a mall that are free. These include items such as credit card applications, hangers not in use, condiments at the food court, napkins, paper towels and a loose button on the floor of a store. Create a list of free items, then split up into teams and collect those items. The team with the most is the winner. Note that if there are items within a store such as a hanger or button, ask management whether you can have those items for your scavenger hunt. You do not in any way want them to think you are stealing.
Informational Scavenger Hunt
This is another scavenger hunt that does not cost any money to play. Before your friends arrive at the mall, create a list of informational items they must find. If you are participating, have a parent collect the answers. The scavenger hunt list will detail items such as, "How many entrances are there in the mall?" "How many escalators are in the mall?" and "How many parking spaces are in one section of the parking lot?" Keep adding to the list until you have enough questions to keep busy for an hour or two. The team that returns with the most correct answers is the winner.