Currently viewing the tag: "children"
Scavenger hunts are exciting and usually go in the bank of favorite memories.
There is no set of rules when planning a scavenger hunt but to make it most enjoyable consider the interests of the child.
Here are some ideas from a birthday scavenger hunt we had for my daughter when she was young and an avid reader of Nancy Drew:
- The day began in the morning when the doorbell rang and a mysterious package was left at the footstep addressed to my daughter. Inside the package included detective business cards with her name on them, a pocket watch, a pen, and her first clue.
- The first clue led us to a special location where she was to look for something red. A red scarf was tied in a tree and she had to climb the tree (with help) to reach another hint.
- She was directed to a friends house where she had to kayak a short distance in a lake (again with help) to find a floating bottle with the next clue.
- And with assistance she climbed to the roof of the house to find a gift waiting and another clue that guided her to a secret compartment in the pocket watch.
- The clue in the pocket watch led to a surprise party at an ice cream shop where all of her friends had gathered to wish her happy birthday. Her next clue was hidden under one of the tables.
- This led to a clue in her pen, which directed her to our favorite bookstore. Inside the bookstore she was sent to the Nancy Drew section in which another hint was found in one of the books.
- She was then directed to find a mysterious person with a hat who gave her the clue to her final destination: A family birthday party where her final clue was hidden in a walnut shell that led to a treasure box.
Ideas for hiding clues:
- Freeze a clue in an ice tray.
- Carefully open a walnut, take out the nut and replace with a clue. Glue shell back together. And place in a bowl of walnuts.
- Hide a clue in a pen, pocket watch, or compass.
- Get friends involved by having them secretly waiting at different locations with funny hats.
- Get other peopled involved and ask them to wear a bright-colored smiley face that your child has to find.
- Hide clues in favorite stores at the mall (with the permission of management).
- Empty an old chap stick tube and place a clue.
- Create funny rhymes that lead to clues.
Handmade gift tags are unique and a fun project for the entire family. Spend quality time together and see just how creative you can be!
Ideas:
- Make a miniature coat hanger out of wire and sew on your tag.
- Use fun quotes like this one (right) that I made up for a friend.
- Use old envelopes and greeting cards.
- Cut silhouettes out of paper.
- For a rustic look use paper bags and rubber stamps.
- Sew fabric together and make a pocket to insert a kind note.
- Sketch.
- Stitch the shape of a flower and fill in with water color.
- Make a bird out of vintage print.
- Use chalk board paper and write a message with chalk.
- Make a collage and cut out words from a magazine or book with the sentiments you wish to express.
- Make a paper doll that represents the character of the recipient.
- Cut passages out of old books.
- Find a leaf or wide stick and write a message using a sharpie.
- String yarn or twine across a card with glue. Add buttons to the corners and use mini clothes pins to hold special messages or add mini laundry cut out from paper.
- Use tags for showers, gifts, jars, organization, or simply fill a bag with a variety of gift tags and give to a friend!
real simple subscription
For tea, herbs and other great healthful treats check out The Bulk Herb Store!
capture beautiful memories
