Hobbies And Interests
Pirate Hunt
The most traditional treasure hunt game of all, the pirate treasure hunt, is still a favorite way to pass out gift bags as pirate booty. There are several ways to present the hunt itself. The hunters can use maps with pictures or there can be a series of clues that lead the pirates around the house, yard or park. Make the map or clue sheets look authentic by using craft paper or brown paper bags. Tear the edges and wrinkle the paper to give it an old feel. Rub a little brown shoe polish around the torn edges or dip them into lemon juice and bake all the papers in the oven at 250 degrees F to add to the antique look.
Fairy Hunt
Another favorite, especially for little girls, is a fairy themed party with a fairy treasure hunt game. Since fairies are small, it is important to keep their clues small. Try drawing, or even stamping, tiny footprints on a drawn map. Print out clues in the tiniest scripted font your computer can manage. Cut the clues into flower or leaf shapes and place them in delicate trinkets, such as tiny boxes or little bejeweled drawstring bags. Give the hunters magnifying glasses to help them read the clues. An interesting way to form teams is to cut up the first clue with decorative scissors, making sure that there is a piece for each member of the team. Hunters have to find the rest of their team by matching pieces to form the first clue.
Picture Hunt
For some children reading clues or following a map might be too advanced. But even pre-readers can get into a treasure hunt game. Simply take pictures of unique areas in the house or yard of the planned party. Place them in series to lead the hunters from one picture clue to the next. If there is more than one team, make sure that the pictures are printed out on different colored paper and encourage the children to follow their color to the treasure.
Treasure Hunts For All Ages
A treasure hunt game for adults can be a unique way to give a special birthday or anniversary gift. Send the hunter around the house with clues, grabbing things like suntan lotion and a towel, and surprise her with a weekend at the beach. Treasure hunts work for large gifts as well. Send him on a chase around the house while the barbecue he's wanted for months is rolled into place in the yard.