A Christmas treasure hunt will get the family excited this Christmas or any time of year. The treasure hunt has been a children's game for centuries but, as an adult party game, is attributed to socialite Else Maxwell. It is distinct from a scavenger hunt: The scavenger hunt simply requires people to hunt around and collect a set number of specific items; the treasure hunt requires the participant to solve riddles that lead to the hiding place of other clues, which in turn must be solved until the final clue leads to the prize. The clues in this set are a little tricky and designed for older children or adults but, nevertheless, hiding places have been chosen that are found in most homes.
How to Organise a Difficult Treasure Hunt
Write the clues out and place each in an envelope or simply fold the paper into a small square. Getting the clue number and sequence right is crucial. Many a good treasure hunt has been ruined by a misplaced clue that by-passes several and goes straight to the prize. Write the given clue number on the outside and deposit that numbered clue in the place ascribed in the list below. If you do not follow a strict pattern, it is very easy to get confused and place the clues in the place they refer to. Thus, pre-planning is essential.
Hide the Treasure Hunt Clues
Distribute the clues according to the predetermined number you have written on the outside.
- The first clue is hand-delivered.
- Inside a dictionary at word OUTLET.
- Inside a saucepan
- In shower or bathtub
- On the car steering wheel
- In a shopping basket
- Under a sofa cushion
- Inide a pillow slip on pillow
- Under a mat or carpet
- In the refrigerator - The PRIZE – no clue required.
The Clues to the Treasure Hunt
Clue 1. If you look up the meaning of Outlet
There’s a clue you’ll not easily forget
Clue 2. Heat my bottom, cover my top
A saucy clue is about to pop
Clue 3. Rub me, scrub me, lose the soap
Find the clue or wash away hope
Clue 4. Captain Hornblower, turn to the right
Steer straight to the clue; don’t take all night
Clue 5. Little Red Riding Hood, what’s on your arm?
Been to the shops or been to the farm?
Clue 6. Do I hold two or do I hold three?
Sit and ponder and then lift me
Clue 7. Never up, perhaps down, for the loot
Head for the softness, not the foot
Clue 8. Lift a corner, hide the dust
I’ll trip you up, dear, if I must
Clue 9. You’re near the end, you’re getting hot!
Is that a clue…definitely NOT.
These clues become more obscure and frustrating as they progress and would definitely not suit young players. Young children might appreciate some easy clues.
