Scavenger hunt shopping list

A scavenger hunt needs more than printed clues. You will need one complete set of route and answer materials for each team, plus visible markers, timing tools and a way to manage scores at checkpoints. Plan drinks and snacks around the route, and buy practical backups before the day starts. This list also covers items that are easy to overlook, such as spare batteries, extra pens, phone chargers and weather protection.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 4

Game materials

Clipboardsqty 45
Route mapsqty 12
Assignment cardsqty 60
Score sheetsqty 15
Answer sheetsqty 60
Envelopesqty 75
Pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 30
Eraserqty 15
Pencil sharpenersqty 10
Flashlightsqty 15
Spare batteriesqty 30
Route arrowsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Prizesqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Team stickersqty 60
Name stickersqty 60
Markersqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Hot traysqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 12 tubs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Soup - 10 liter
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one clipboard, route map, assignment set, answer sheet and several pens for every team. Add at least 10% extra pens and printed sheets so a lost or damaged item does not stop the game.
Buy or collect enough route arrows, cones and barrier tape to mark every turn, checkpoint and restricted area. Walk the route once before the event and add markers wherever teams could take the wrong path.
Bring at least one stopwatch for each game host, plus a megaphone if teams start or finish together. Test all mobile phones and chargers the day before, and pack spare batteries for flashlights.
Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Pack snacks that can be eaten between checkpoints and keep dietary requirements separate and clearly labelled.
If teams meet outdoors, arrange party tents or other cover before checking the forecast. Take LED lamps, extension cords and power strips for a late finish, but test the cable layout so walkways stay clear.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a scavenger hunt?: Buy or prepare route maps, assignment cards, answer sheets, score sheets, envelopes, clipboards, pens and team identifiers. You may also need route arrows, cones, barrier tape, stopwatches, prizes, drinks and snacks.
How many scavenger hunt supplies do I need per team?: Prepare one clipboard, route map, assignment set, answer sheet and at least 3 pens per team. Add 10% extra printed materials and writing tools, especially if teams will be outside.
How much food and drink should I plan for a scavenger hunt?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 more per person for every additional hour. Provide at least one substantial snack or meal if the route lasts longer than 2 hours, and separate food for stated dietary requirements.
What should I bring for an outdoor scavenger hunt?: Bring route markers, cones, barrier tape, flashlights, spare batteries and weather cover. Check the route and forecast at least 24 hours beforehand, then pack lighting and power supplies if the event may continue after dark.

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.