Gift Reveal Christmas Treasure Hunt
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our affiliate disclosure.
It’s Christmas morning—the lights on the tree are twinkling, the kids are full of anticipation (running around like loonies), and your mother-in-law is standing holding a breakfast mimosa while your hubby sticks on a huge pot of coffee, and you dive into the tin of chocolates. Yes, chocolate is a legitimate breakfast on Christmas morning, honest. Are you ready to let the carnage begin? Let the gift reveal treasure hunt being
We are set and ready for shredding of wrapping paper and squeals of delight from the kids. What if I told you there’s a way to make this magical morning even more special? Not possible, right, unless Santa delivered a clone to do all the stuff you don’t want to do, right? But picture this: The kids remain excited for at least a full hour opening just one gift instead of just tearing it open in seconds. What the trick! It’s a Christmas morning treasure hunt. Turn your morning into a festive adventure, a quest filled with excitement and surprises. Enter the Christmas treasure hunt—I have been doing these every year for my family since my kids were about 6 years old. It’s fair to say the Christmas Day treasure hunt has even become a tradition.
The Magic of Christmas Treasure Hunts
There’s something magical about treasure hunts. They evoke a sense of anticipation and excitement that crosses all ages. Try telling my teenage nephew he can’t join in on the hunt or that my mum can’t get in on the action. I can tell you everyone gets involved. The beauty of a Christmas treasure hunt lies in its ability to infuse the day with an extra layer of Christmas magic.
Planning the Treasure Hunt
When I plan my treasure hunt, I always think about the layout of the house. I want maximum time being played. With this in mind, I like each clue to send players to opposite ends of the house. When you start planning your own Christmas morning treasure hunt, grab a piece of paper and just right down the order you want the hunt to be in.
The next thing I have to think about is who is playing. What kinds of clues should I have? When my nieces and nephews were younger, they would have their own picture treasure hunt with simple words. Rhyming clues are great for all ages, and you can tailor these to make them more cryptic for older players. In recent years, I started to create puzzle escape room hunts. My family adore these. I will have them open locked boxes, solve riddles and decode secret messages. I can make this activity last a few hours.
Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Christmas Treasure Hunt
- Keep the players moving all over the house.
- Hide clues at each location. Tucked inside a book or poking out from behind an object.
- Remeber your audience, picture clue are great for you players and more cryptic clues for older players.
- Have the final reveal be something amazing. That doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive gift. The way you present it is important. You want to end the game with excitement. Have party poppers, and fun decorations for example.
- Throw in a locked box at the end for players to open with their gift inside. This is a great idea if you have older players. Doing so adds an extra layer of puzzling and makes for a fun reveal. I have a fab free escape room in an envelope that would add that extra wow factor.
Simple Christmas Treasure Hunt Clues
When it comes to creating your treasure hunt, you can get really creative. The kids may have a favorite toy or a den they like to play in. You can create clues for places that are unique to your home. To get you started, here are some basic clues you can use below.
Imagine the morning unfolding with the kids eagerly follow clues, unravel mysteries, and solve puzzles, all in pursuit of the Christmas morning treasure. Feel free to to use the clues below or I have a kit with 54 ready made clue for you.
- FRIDGE: Discover the magical spot Where food is kept cool, not hot! Sweet treats, drinks, and bites galore. Uncover the clue that’s in store!
- CHAIR: I have four legs, but there are no feet. Are you feeling tired yet? Why not take a seat?
- MIRROR: Are you ready, set, go! Off in a new direction! Go to where you can see your own reflection!
- TV: To find the next clue, look high, look low! Where you sit to watch Your favorite show!
- HOUSE NUMBER: You will find my numbers outside the front door. Now people can find me, no need to search anymore!
- LIGHT: You won’t need me during the day. But when nighttime arrives, I will show you the way.
- DOOR MAT: I’m used to keep your home nice a neat. To help remove dirt from off your feet.
- WASHING MACHINE: Dirty clothes? I’ve got your back. I remove stains with a quick hack. Put your shirts and pants in me, and I’ll clean them in a jiffy!
- BACKPACK: I will keep your things safe in my pack. Zip me up before slinging me on your back.
- CLOCK:I have a face that doesn’t frown! And hands that move round and around! What am I?
Christmas Morning Treasure Hunt Kit
If you are ready to create a treasure hunt but want a done for you kit I have your back. I’ve put together 54 ready-made treasure hunt clues. I wouldn’t suggest playing them all haha! But you can pick and choose one that suit your home. There are clues that will take players inside and outside the house.
If you don’t see a clue for a location you want to include in your treasure hunt I thought of that too. I have a template you can use online to write create as many fun and original clues as you like. Check out the kit from my shop. Print the clues you want and just add the treasure. I’ve done all the hardwork it’s over to you to plan your route and add the final gift reveal.
More Christmas Morning Games
Here are some of my favorite treasure hunts and Christmas morning game I have created over the years: There is bound to be something that will make your morning even more magical.
- Kids early reader reindeer treasure hunt
- The case of the missing stocking puzzle hunt
- Santas Quest
- Secret message Kit
In the end, it’s not just about the gift but the fun and excitement that leads to its discovery. I love creating these Christmas hunts and so, this festive season, I hope you consider embracing the adventure. Weave come magic into your Christmas morning—a treasure hunt that’ll be remembered and I garantee cherished for years to come.
Let’s stay connected!
Love this? Make sure to connect on your favorite social platform below for even more fun and games!
Zombie Escape Room
The zombies are on the loose. Will Dr Pepper become a zombie, and will you survive long enough to save the world? Do you have what it takes to find a way to escape before the zombies get you? Try our fab family Zombie escape game!
How do I get free printable.
Hi Jenn, you need to sign up to my creative escapes newsletter. Once confirmed the game is sent to your email.