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Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

creative projects parties::birthday Silhouette · Written by Randi Dukes

Thirteen :: A Scavenger Hunt Party

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My firstborn is a teenager.  Today is his thirteenth birthday and I can hardly believe he’s that old.  He’s an amazing kid and I’m so proud of him and of who he’s becoming.  Last night we celebrated Elijah with a Scavenger Hunt party.  I think it was one of the easiest parties I’ve planned and maybe the most fun.  The kids all seemed to have a great time.

We divided the ten kids into three different teams {each with an adult driver}, reviewed the rules, and sent them off with clipboards containing their lists and a bucket for collecting items.  The lists were two-fold:  a list of items to collect and a list of items to photograph.  Coming up with the lists was so fun and we had some great items for the kids to find. {Updated to add: you can now find the lists posted here.  Feel free to use any of our ideas!}

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

Phil and I drove separate vehicles and we painted our windows beforehand, all in the name of competition.  Elijah was a bit embarrassed at first but quickly got over it.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

We drove all over our area of town, collecting and photographing, and I loved seeing the kids laughing and having so much fun.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

The kids had a prompt time they had to be back at the house in order to avoid point deduction.  Pizza was waiting and the kids ate, talked, and did what teenagers do {and they did it noisily, I might add}.

Eli chose brown and blue as the colors for the party and I set the table in a utilitarian style, using kraft paper accents, old vintage papers for tags, and brown and white twine {lots of the items I used were purchased from Garnish}.  Brown argyle fabric covered the table with a kraft paper runner.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

The garland was in place, chips and pretzels were served out of folded-down paper bags, plates and straws sat in an old crate, and a large paper mache 13 sat at the center of the table {which was actually a large B cut in half since I couldn’t find numbers}.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

Blue candies accented the table, and piles of pizza boxes sat at the center of it all.  I was a bit disappointed Cici’s didn’t go along with my color theme {smile}.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

Blue and brown cupcakes finished the meal, all wrapped up in my Silhouette-cut wrappers.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

At the end of the party, the kids messed around on a graffiti wall {which was actually sitting on the table instead of attached to the wall}.

Thirteen :: a scavenger hunt party

Eli said it was the best party he’s had and I think everyone had a great time with our scavenger hunt party.


63 Comments

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

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Comments

  1. Kim's Treasures says

    November 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    You sure do great parties! Sounds like this one was really fun!!!

    Reply
  2. Evelyn says

    November 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    It’s hard to believe that Eli is 13 and a teenager!! Time does fly. The party sounds like so much fun.

    Reply
  3. Emily says

    November 14, 2010 at 7:22 am

    These are some really great ideas- my son is turning 13 in March and I’ve been thinking about party ideas; thank you for the inspiration:)

    Reply
  4. barb says

    November 14, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Looks like a great party! Way to go Randi.

    Reply
  5. Jenny says

    November 14, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    What a cute party!

    Reply
  6. jeana says

    November 14, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    What a great party!

    Reply
  7. Maureen says

    November 14, 2010 at 9:43 pm

    You are a master of the details, and that party didn’t miss one! Fun stuff!

    Reply
  8. tt.scraps says

    November 15, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    Sounds like a lot of fun!!!! Way to go! Happy B-day to your son! My firstborn will be 13 on the 29th….gulp!

    Reply
  9. tt.scraps says

    November 15, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    Sounds like a lot of fun!!!! Way to go! Happy B-day to your son! My firstborn will be 13 on the 29th….gulp!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says

    November 17, 2010 at 5:06 am

    Such a great party idea! The table setting looks fantastic – I love utilitarian style – very cool. The chip and pretzel holders too!!

    Thanks for linking to The Sunday Showcase Party – I greatly appreciate it. Hope you are enjoying your week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

    Reply
  11. Erika says

    January 15, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    I really like this party idea! You don’t see a lot for older bosy! Love the twine, paper bags and utilitarian style. Good job.

    Reply
  12. Piggy Bank Parties says

    January 25, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    What a great teenage party! Ya know we’d love to have you share any party you ever do! You have mad skills!

    Reply
  13. Kendra@My Insanity says

    January 26, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    I love parties like this that feature a great activity–a must for kids this age! Way to still make it cute!

    Reply
  14. Jana Miller says

    June 9, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    What a great idea for a party…teen parties can be so iffy.
    xo jana

    Reply
  15. { L } says

    June 23, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    This is AWESOME! I’m SO doing something like this for a future party. I’m excited to have found this post. 🙂 Your ideas here are perfect.

    Reply
  16. Ellalovessteve says

    September 24, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    found you via pinterest… just saw this. did you post the lists of rules and things to find/photo? would love to see those!
    thanks for sharing. really fun idea!

    Reply
  17. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

    September 25, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I didn’t post them but I can email them to you if you’d like. Just leave me an email address.

    Reply
    • Esther Glotzbach says

      August 28, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      I would love a list of items and rules too! My daughter is turning 13 and wants a boy/girl party and I’m stumped for ideas. Sounds like a blast!

      Reply
      • Randi Dukes says

        August 28, 2014 at 9:22 pm

        It really was a fun party! Go back to the post and you’ll see a link to the rules/items in the second paragraph!

        Reply
  18. WeizGuyz WeBlog says

    February 1, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    I found you via Tip Junkie and promptly “pinned” you! I’d love a list too, if you don’t mind. My email is [email protected]

    Thanks! Super idea!!

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      February 1, 2012 at 10:18 pm

      I’ve tried sending a couple of emails to you and they keep bouncing back. Is there another email address I can send to?

      Reply
  19. rachel says

    February 1, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Would you could you email me your list as well please?? Thanks so much!
    Rachahansen at msn dot com

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      February 1, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      I sent it … let me know if you don’t receive it.

      Reply
  20. gail's blog says

    February 1, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    I saw this link on Tip Junkie on Facebook. Love it, wonderful ideas. Could you please email me the list as well? Also I would like to get into Pinterest if someone would be willing to invite me please. [email protected] Thanks

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      February 1, 2012 at 10:18 pm

      Done … let me know if you don’t get it. I sent a Pinterest invite as well.

      Reply
  21. Kim Horlander says

    February 2, 2012 at 1:58 am

    I want the list too! I have been wanting to do a scavenger hunt!

    [email protected]

    Thanks!

    Reply
  22. wahoolady says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Love this! I’ve been wanting to do a scavenger hunt for a while but am kinda lost on putting together the list. Would love to see a copy of yours also. my email is wahoolady(at)aol(dot)com.
    Thanks

    Reply
  23. Toni says

    March 7, 2012 at 2:02 am

    I would love to do this for my daughter! What a great idea! Please send me your list as well….I will send you pictures!!! [email protected]
    Thank you!!!

    Reply
  24. mama_jean says

    March 13, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    I found you via pinterest and would love a list of your rules and also your scavenger hunt list.Thank you.
    [email protected]

    Reply
  25. Echogirl52 says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:49 am

    Found you via Pinterest! Helping a friend plan her son’s birthday party (about to turn 13). Would love the list of rules and photos!! [email protected] Thanks so much in advance!!

    Reply
  26. saball1 says

    April 17, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    I found you via Tip Junkie and would love a list of your rules and also your scavenger hunt list. Thanks. [email protected]

    Reply
  27. Chantel says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Can I please get a list of rules and hunt list too!!! [email protected]
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  28. Susan says

    July 29, 2012 at 2:50 am

    Hi,

    Another request for your hunt list and rules please! [email protected]

    What a lovely party!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Susan

    Reply
  29. aimeek says

    August 26, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    Yet another request for your fabulous hunt list and rules!! [email protected]
    Planning a party for a friend’s son, this is going to be awesome! thanks for the great party and serving ideas!
    blessings,
    aimee 🙂

    Reply
  30. tinab's says

    November 25, 2012 at 12:17 am

    My daughter is turning 13 next week. I’m planning to surprise her with a party and reading your blog has started me thinking…

    Thanks!

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says

    February 2, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Would you mind sharing your scavenger hunt list? Thank you!
    Brooke
    [email protected]

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Darling party! I would love a copy of your list and rules! Thank you so much. My email is [email protected].

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    would like a copy of list and rules too. thank you [email protected]

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:51 am

    Am planning a scavenger hunt around town for my daughter’s 13th! Would love a list of the rules if you could email me. Thanks so much! [email protected]

    Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    April 16, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    Love this! So creative. Would love a list of scavenger items and rules- my daughter is turning 13 in the near future. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity! [email protected]

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    June 4, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    I would love a list of your rules and items also. Thank you so much. [email protected]

    Reply
  37. Anonymous says

    August 11, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    I would love a list of your rules and items to hunt also. [email protected] Thanks,Melissa

    Reply
  38. Kerry Albright says

    August 22, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    Hello! I am currently planning my sons 13th birthday and I LOVE your idea of the scavenger hunt! I was wondering if you still had your rules and list of things to find… If so, may I please take a peek? Thank you!!
    [email protected]
    xo Kerry

    Reply
  39. Jeanette says

    August 27, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I’m planning my 12 year olds birthday party and would like a list of the rules and scavenger list if that is possible. Thanks. And have day!

    Reply
  40. Jen Ahrens says

    August 29, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    Could I please have a copy of the rules and hunt list too?? I think this would be a great idea. My son is turning 13 on the 13th and I need stuff to do with a bunch of people.

    Reply
  41. Jen Ahrens says

    August 29, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    [email protected]

    Reply
  42. Mrs. D Hines says

    September 1, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    found your link through Pinterest. I would love to see a copy of your rules and the hunt to help me get my thoughts together for my son’s 14th birthday next week! Thank YOU!!!

    Reply
    • Mrs. D Hines says

      September 1, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      [email protected]

      Reply
  43. Deborah says

    September 1, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Could I have the list as well 🙂

    Reply
  44. Deborah says

    September 1, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    [email protected]

    Reply
  45. Kim says

    September 8, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    I would love to have your list as well.
    Thanks!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  46. Beth says

    October 1, 2013 at 8:29 am

    I would love the list of rules and items as well! Sent you an email too!
    Thanks SO MUCH! Great idea!

    Reply
  47. Tereasa says

    October 2, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    Please Send me the list and rules too thank you!

    Reply
  48. Barb says

    October 6, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    I would love this rules & list as well! Thank you!

    Reply
  49. Janie says

    October 14, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    Found you via Pinterest and love this idea. Can you please send me the rules and list? Thanks! Jbarry821 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  50. Amber says

    October 21, 2013 at 9:17 am

    I would also love a list of the rules and list.

    Thanks in advance!

    [email protected]

    -Amber

    Reply
  51. Jenell says

    October 27, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I see this post is a couple of years old and I’m glad I’m not the only one just finding it and asking for the list of items and rules! I’d love a copy also if you still have it!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  52. Angela says

    November 3, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    I really hate to ask this after viewing all the previous post, but I sure could use a copy of the rules and list if you don’t mind? Thank you so much for sharing these great ideas!

    Reply
  53. KimsKlutterMO says

    November 13, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    Still applies today! Happy 16!

    Reply
  54. Kim Walker says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:17 am

    I love your idea, thanks for sharing this, my son is turning 13 in March and we’re going to do this.

    A few questions, how long did this take? How did you develop or share the pictures the teams took? Was there a prize for the winning team?

    Thanks!
    Kim

    Reply
    • Randi Dukes says

      February 11, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      I believe we scheduled two hours for the actual hunt. We developed pictures later and had the kids text them in on their cell phones during the hunt. I believe we gave fast food gift cards to the winning team. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  55. julie says

    February 28, 2014 at 10:08 am

    hi- i am planning something similar for my daughter’s 13th next week- what did u do for invitations?

    Reply
    • Randi Dukes says

      February 28, 2014 at 1:19 pm

      I made a really simple invitation on the computer. It said, Hunt.Eat.Party, and then had all of the details underneath.

      Reply

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I’m Randi, a mom of five living in Dallas. I love strong coffee, long lists, bright colors, thrift stores, repurposed junk, and power tools.

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