What to buy for a scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clues and a route. You will need separate supplies for team registration, checkpoints, writing answers, marking the course and keeping participants safe. This shopping list covers the practical equipment for a staffed hunt, including route maps, assignment cards, clipboards, radios and weather backup. Buy or gather items early enough to test the materials and pack each checkpoint before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 2
Folding chairsqty 6
Party tent
Coolersqty 2

Game materials

Route mapsqty 45
Assignment cardsqty 45
Answer sheetsqty 45
Team labelsqty 45
Route arrowsqty 30
Marking tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 12
Envelopesqty 30
Prizesqty 6
Storage boxesqty 6

Writing supplies

Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 50
Pencilsqty 50
Pencil sharpenersqty 6
Waterproof markersqty 12
Markersqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Stopwatchqty 3
Power banksqty 3
Charging cablesqty 6

Safety

Safety vestsqty 8
First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable traysqty 6

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jugsqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Groceries

Groceries
- Still water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Teaspoons - 1 pack
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Mini ice pops - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Mini crackers - 4 packs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Raisin buns - 45 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Honey - 1 jar
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 2 packs
- Paper tablecloths - 2 pieces
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Wet wipes - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Freezer bags - 1 pack
- Cookies - 5 packs

Tips

Prepare one route map, assignment set and answer sheet for every team, plus at least 10% extra copies for lost or damaged materials.
Give each checkpoint its own envelope, clipboard, pens or pencils and waterproof marker. Pack these at least one day before the hunt so missing supplies are easy to spot.
Plan communication for the whole route: use one walkie-talkie per key supervisor, and charge all radios, phones and power banks the evening before.
For outdoor checkpoints, bring route arrows, marking tape and traffic cones, then add safety vests for every supervisor working near roads or crossings.
Do not leave refreshments until the final shopping trip. Provide reusable cups and trays, keep drinks in coolers, and pack snacks according to the dietary requirements you collected.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a scavenger hunt?: For a staffed hunt, prepare route maps, assignment cards, answer sheets, team labels, envelopes, clipboards, writing supplies, route markers, communication equipment, safety gear, refreshments and prizes. Count materials by team and checkpoint, then add at least 10% spare copies.
How many pens do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Plan at least 2 working pens or pencils per team, plus 10% spare. Keep extra writing supplies at the start table and at each checkpoint rather than relying on one shared pen.
What should I buy for an outdoor scavenger hunt in the rain?: Use waterproof markers and protect route maps and assignment cards in envelopes or other waterproof storage. Also prepare a party tent or other covered start area, and keep a complete rain programme ready before invitations are sent.
How early should I prepare scavenger hunt materials?: Buy general supplies at least 1 week before the event and print the final route materials after the route has been tested. Pack checkpoint boxes and charge walkie-talkies, power banks and other equipment the day before.

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