Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

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

Thirteen :: A Scavenger Hunt Party

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.

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

Comments

  10. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says

    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

  15. { L } says

    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

    • Esther Glotzbach says

      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

        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

  22. wahoolady says

    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

  29. aimeek says

    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

    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

  38. Kerry Albright says

    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

    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

    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

  42. Mrs. D Hines says

    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

  49. Janie says

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

    Reply

  51. Jenell says

    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

    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

  54. Kim Walker says

    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

      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

    • Randi Dukes says

      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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