What you need for a birthday treasure hunt

A birthday treasure hunt needs more than clue cards and a cake. Shop for food and drinks, serving equipment, team materials, route signs and a few practical extras before the day. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list and allow extra time to print, pack and check every clue. This list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as coolers, pens, extension cords and prizes.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 24
Party tent
Buffet table

Tableware

Glassesqty 30
Mugsqty 24
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving trays with lidsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Coolersqty 2
Kettles
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 5
Flagsqty 2

Game materials

Clue cardsqty 30
Envelopesqty 30
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 12
Answer formsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Prize trophiesqty 3
Team ribbonsqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- 7UP - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Bake-off rolls - 36 pieces
- Butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Iceberg lettuce - 2 heads
- Chicken salad - 2 tubs
- Pasta salad - 2 tubs
- Mini sausages - 3 packs
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salty pretzels - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Olives - 2 jars
- Unsalted nuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 1 kilogram
- Birthday cake - 1 piece
- Whipped cream - 3 cans
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Birthday candles - 1 box

Tips

Plan about 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then 1–2 per hour after that. Buy a mix of water and other drinks, and chill them before guests arrive.
Allow one plate, glass, mug and cutlery set per guest, plus roughly 10% extra. Bring serving platters, trays with lids and bottle openers so the buffet does not depend on the kitchen.
Prepare one clipboard, pen and answer form for each team, then add 2–3 spare pens and forms. Print and pack clue cards at least one day before the hunt so missing pages can still be replaced.
Use directional signs at every confusing turn and test the route once in advance. Keep envelopes or spare clue cards with the organiser in case a team loses one outdoors.
Set aside prizes before guests arrive and check that you have enough for every winning team or category. Charge the phone and Bluetooth speaker overnight, and pack extension cords if music or lights need power.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a birthday treasure hunt?: Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour and 1–2 additional drinks per hour afterwards. Add around 10% extra, especially if the hunt takes place outdoors or on a warm day.
How many clue cards and answer forms should I print?: Print one complete clue set for each team, plus one spare set. Prepare one answer form and one pen per team, with 2–3 extra forms and pens for losses or last-minute changes.
What food and tableware do I need for a treasure hunt birthday party?: Allow one plate, glass, mug and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For the food table, bring serving platters, trays with lids, cutting boards, kitchen knives and a cooler for items that must stay cold.
When should I prepare the treasure hunt supplies?: Print, sort and pack the clue cards, answer forms and directional signs at least one day before the party. Check the route and all materials before guests arrive, and set out team supplies before the rules are explained.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.