Extra Tips & Tricks
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#1 many mini gifts
Hide a small, inexpensive gift with each of your kid’s clues. To them, it may feel like you’re spoiling them rotten—even if you’re not!
#2 the jewel of denial
Here’s an idea for the princess of the house: with each clue, hide a different item, so that when the hunt is finished, they have everything needed for a jewelry-making party. They can even let friends help with the hunt, if desired.
#3 night vision giggles
For a sleepover party, darken the house and let the kids do the hunt with flashlights.
#4 the PG shocker
Have the final clue lead to a room full of party guests. Surprise!
#5 party on wheels
Perhaps the final clue leads to the car, where more instructions await: “Proceed to (insert location).” Take it from here. A favorite restaurant? Arcade? Friend’s house?
#6 encore
If your kid has fun doing the hunt, why not do it again the next day? Rearrange the clues and use a favorite toy of theirs in place of a gift. It’s almost as fun, and much more affordable.
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#1 drop your drawers
Okay, perhaps you’re not quite ready for serious cohabitation, but you’re will to give up a drawer. Make one of the clues lead to what is now his/her personal drawer. With the other clues, hide things like a toothbrush, key, clean socks, and cute new undies. Or just stock the drawer with these items.
#2 let’s get out of here
If your gift is a romantic getaway, use the blank clue provided to lead your lover to a suitcase, which may or may not have already packed (choose wisely).
Consider hiding a small item with every clue. If your trip is taking you somewhere sunny and warm, hide sunglasses, a beach towel or a bottle of sunscreen. If you already booked your airline/travel, stash tickets with one of the final clues, or in the suitcase.
#3 when more = better
If your sweetie is of the higher-maintenance variety, and one gift will sure not suffice, try hiding a small gift with every clue—flowers, a trashy book or mag, or tickets to a show. Just be sure to save the best for last.
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#1 the gift that keeps giving
Hide a little handmade coupon with each clue for your teen to use throughout the next week, month, or year. For example, “You pick the movie tonight,” or “Dinner of your choice,” or if you’re feeling really generous, “The Ungrounding.” Some fine print may be required here.
#2 bonus feature
After the hunt is finished, your teen may prefer hanging out with friends over playing Scrabble with the parents. Use the blank clue to let them know that their friends are waiting for them at the theater, or a friend’s house. Spread on a little guilt though, of course. It’s your job.
#3 game on!
If your teen is sporty and your gift is something sports-related, why not schedule a little game with friends or family to take place nearby after the hunt.
For example, if your gift is a soccer ball, tape the blank clue to the ball hinting about a friendly game that’s taking place in their honor. Then pile in the car and go have some fun. Your teen can try out the new merchandise while you burn off that cake.
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#1 apart-ing gift
If your gft comes in parts, hide a different part with each clue. They many know what they’re getting pretty early on, but the suspense of the hunt will still get them juiced up.
#2 just for moms
Consider having mom’s gift be a day at the spa, salon, out shopping, or having lunch with friends. While she’s out, the rest of the family kicks it into high gear so when returns there’s another surprise waiting—the house is clean; dinner’s made; laundry’s done and a bath is run. Now what mom wouldn’t love a day like that?
#3 just for dads
If what dad needs most is a day to himself doing nothing, write a clue that leads to the comfy cahir and remote. Have the fridge stocked with his favorite beverage and some food on the way. Then clear the family out and let him watch the game or take a nap in peace.
#4 trail of green
If your gift is something that this grown-up would want to personally pick out, hide money with each clue and then a picture of the gift you had in mind. Now you can go buy it together.
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#1 a trip through time
If your gft is some type of trip, here’s a cheap way to add some extra sauce. With each clue, leave a photo from a trip you’ve taken together. If you can’t find photos, jot down a memory from each trip instead.
When your sweetie finds the final gift, you can say something nice and cheesy, like “Let’s make a new memory this weekend,” or “I’ve got a wonderful photo in mind, but we need to be in (insert new trip location) to take it!”
#2 Your mission, should you accept it
Need this one to be epic? Have your final clue lead to a room full of party guests. Surprise! Of course, to pull off a heist of this magnitude without your spouse ever getting a whiff will require you channelling your inner top secret agent, as well as some extra time for planning. Are you up it?
#3 one for the late-ies
Okay, let’s say your anniversary is today and you’re still giftless. Pick out that perfect something online and get it on its way, pronto.
Now, let Inklings do some heavy lifting for you. Set up your hunt so that your final clue leads to the mailbox. (You’ll need to write a clue using the blank clue provided.)
Upon arrive at the mailbox later in the hunt, appear to be as disappointed as your sweetie that the gift isn’t there. Muster up some fake surprise and mild irritation: Darn that mail carrier! Comment that the extra day or two delivery time add extra suspense. Disaster averted. However, make damn sure your gift is worth the wait.