A treasure hunt is a great game to play at Christmas. The final goal or prize could be the recipient’s main gift or, if a group of children is playing, teams could compete to reach the goal first. In the following clues, hiding places have been chosen that are found in most homes. Extra clues could be written to meet specific circumstances.
Instructions for the Treasure Hunt
Write the clues out and place each in an envelope or, if bulk is a problem, simply fold the paper into a small square. 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.
Hiding the Treasure Hunt Clues
Distribute the clues according to the predetermined number you have written on the outside.
- The first clue can be delivered as a wrapped gift from the Christmas tree or simply be placed in an envelope and handed to the player/s.
- Under/in a pillow
- Under a sofa
- In a shower or bathtub
- Under a car tire (or bicycle or motorbike wheel)
- In or under a shopping basket
- In or under a saucepan
- Inside a prominently displayed book at page 29.
- Under the seat of a chair or bar stool (use adhesive tape)
- In the refrigerator - The PRIZE – no clue required.
The Written Clues
Clue 1. I’m easy to find; I’m on a bed
You’ll find me where you lay your head
Clue 2. Perhaps there’s dust; perhaps there’s treasure
Don’t sit down – peer under at your pleasure
Clue 3. This clue is the soggiest you will get
Better find it now before it gets wet
Clue 4. Rubber rings will roll you where you want to go
If it doesn’t squash it, it has a clue to show
Clue 5. Did I carry ice cream; did I carry bread?
Now I hold a clue that simply must be read
Clue 6. Steam and lovely cooking smells coming out of me
Cooking up a clue you’re very keen to see
Clue 7. Words, words are all very fine
But now there’s a clue at page twenty-nine.
Clue 8. You cannot sit down with its legs in the air
But right underneath you’ll find a clue there.
Clue 9. I sit and shiver, feeling chilly
Behind milk and butter – isn’t that silly!
These clues are very simple and young members of the family – even those who need the clues read to them – should be able to participate in the hunt and reason out the clues. Older children or adults might appreciate harder clues and more unusual treasure hunt hiding places.
